Bodyboarding in Devon

Group of children in wetsuits learning to surf with instructors in shallow ocean waves on a sunny day.
Bodyboarding at Skern Adventure offers an accessible introduction to the sea, with sessions available for individuals, families and groups on North Devon’s coastline. Both our Appledore and Abbotsham centres provide access to local beaches, including Westward Ho!, with alternative locations such as Saunton Sands or Croyde used depending on conditions.

Using smaller boards, participants ride waves in a prone position, focusing on timing, balance and control. Sessions are designed for beginners as well as those with some experience, making bodyboarding a suitable option for families, first-time participants and groups looking for a straightforward way to engage with the water.

All sessions are led by qualified instructors, who introduce key skills including water safety, wave awareness and board control before participants enter the sea. Activities are adapted to suit conditions and ability levels, ensuring a safe and supportive experience throughout.

Bodyboarding can be booked as part of a residential programme or as a standalone activity session, offering a flexible way for individuals, families and groups to experience the North Devon coast.

Why choose us?

  • Orange check mark icon.
    Leading Outdoor Activity Provider
  • Orange check mark icon.
    50 Years Of Experience
  • Orange check mark icon.
    Fully Qualified Instructors & Detailed Safety Procedures
Children learning to bodyboard in the ocean with an instructor standing in the water.
Smiling boy in blue swimwear lying on a bodyboard at the beach with water and hills in the background.
Calm beach with gentle waves under a clear blue sky with a few scattered clouds.

FAQs

Get in touch
How do we book?

Booking with us is easy. Simply complete the enquiry form on our website or give us a call, and our team will guide you through the process. As programmes vary depending on group size, age, and activity choices, we’ll check availability and help tailor the right experience for you. Some activities can also be booked directly online via our activities page.

What should we wear or bring for watersports?

Please bring old trainers or water shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops or bare feet), a swimsuit to wear under your kit, and a towel for afterwards. We recommend comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting wet, along with a warm layer for after the session. All specialist safety equipment, including wetsuits, buoyancy aids, and helmets where required, is provided by Skern Adventure. On sunny days, we also suggest bringing sunscreen and a water bottle.

Can we include bodyboarding as part of a school residential?

Yes, bodyboarding can be included as part of a school residential at Skern Adventure. It’s a popular and engaging activity that can be tailored to suit the age, ability, and confidence of each group. All sessions are led by qualified instructors, with full safety briefings and appropriate equipment provided. Activities are planned around tides and sea conditions, and we work with you in advance to ensure the programme meets your objectives while keeping everyone safe and engaged.

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Are your bodyboarding lessons open to the public?

Yes, our bodyboarding lessons are open to the public at selected times throughout the season. Sessions are led by qualified instructors and are suitable for a range of ages and abilities, from beginners to those with some experience. All necessary equipment is provided. Availability depends on dates, tides, and sea conditions, so we recommend getting in touch in advance to check session times and book your place.

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What if the weather is bad, or there are no waves?

If the weather or sea conditions aren’t suitable, we always have alternative options. Our instructors continually assess conditions and will adapt the session to keep everyone safe and make the most of the day. This might mean running a different watersports activity, switching to a land-based session, or rescheduling where possible. Safety comes first, and we’ll always aim to provide a fun, worthwhile experience regardless of the conditions.

Other activites at Skern Adventure

Archery

Nock... Draw... Loose! ​ Hit the target, measure your progress and finish with some fun archery based games and competitions. ​ Archery teaches concentration, coordination and self-discipline.

Body Boarding

Body boarding is great fun and quick to learn too. It's a bit like surfing but on smaller boards, but unlike surfing you don't stand up, instead you lie on the board and catch the next big wave back to shore.

Climbing

Climbing is an exhilarating sport that can appeal to all levels of ability. On site we have two climbing walls. We have a low level traversing wall to practise climbing skills and a full height climbing tower with two walls to stretch and challenge.

Coastal Exploration

Coastal traversing involves climbing and scrambling around the sea cliffs. Traverse along, over, under, around and through the rocky obstacles. Try and stay dry as you find a way to dodge the rock pools. You may even come across the odd piece of shipwreck.

Hartland Day

Spend the whole day on the beautiful North Devon coastline. Explore, walk and scramble over the rugged natural features. This is an opportunity to spend time walking and coastal traversing in this amazing location. Subject to tides and conditions.

High Ropes

Our high ropes course stands 12 metres high. The course can be used for a variety of challenges - High beams, multi-vines, scramble net and trapeze to name a few!

Kayaking

Enjoy a trip along the River Torridge, our sheltered estuary. For most sessions we use Sit-on-tops, which allow for two people and as the name suggests you sit on top. But if you would rather like a closed cockpit let us know.

Powerboating

Take the wheel under the guidance of our qualified instructor and experience racing across the seas in our RIB Powerboat.

Surfing

With one of the ideal safe surf beaches on our doorstep, Westward Ho! provides the ideal location to take to the waves. We offer surf sessions using soft surfboards. These are ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers.

Water Assault Course

A fun, Wipeout-inspired water and land assault course packed with slides, splash zones, and inflatable obstacles.

Looking for the next adventure?

Get in touch with our friendly team.

Contact us
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