Best Paddleboarding Spots in Torbay

Best Paddleboarding Spots in Torbay

Torbay offers some of the finest paddleboarding locations on the South Devon coast. Whether you're a beginner looking for calm, sheltered waters or an experienced paddler looking to explore a bit further, you'll find the perfect spot. Here's our guide to the best SUP locations in Paignton, Torquay, and Brixham.

Paignton Paddleboarding Spots

Goodrington Sands

Highlights:

• Large, sandy beach with plenty of space to launch
• Sheltered bay - ideal for beginners
• Beautiful views across Torbay to Torquay
• Explore around the rocks at the southern end (experienced paddlers)
• Spot marine life including fish, crabs, and occasional seals
• Lifeguard patrol during summer months

Access & Facilities:

• Access: Excellent - direct beach access from car park
• Parking: Large pay-and-display car park right by the beach
• Distance to water: 20-50 metres depending on tide
• Launch surface: Soft sand - easy on your board
• Facilities: Toilets, showers, cafés, and changing facilities available

Paignton Sands (Main Beach)

Highlights:

• Long stretch of sandy beach perfect for paddling
• Paddle along the coastline towards Torquay
• View Paignton Pier from the water
• Generally calm conditions in the bay
• Great for sunset paddles

Access & Facilities:

• Access: Very good - multiple access points along the promenade
• Parking: Parking along the seafront
• Distance to water: 30-100 metres depending on tide and access point
• Launch surface: Sand
• Facilities: Excellent - toilets, cafés, shops all along the seafront

Broadsands Beach

Highlights:

• Quieter, more secluded beach
• Crystal-clear waters - excellent visibility
• Rocky outcrops to explore at either end
• Abundant marine life and seaweed forests
• Paddle to Elberry Cove and beyond (experienced paddlers)
• Stunning coastal scenery

Access & Facilities:

• Access: Good, a couple of steps to the beach
• Parking: Large car park 
• Distance to water: 100 metres including steps
• Launch surface: Mix of sand and pebbles
• Facilities: Beach café (seasonal), toilets at car park

Torquay Paddleboarding Spots

Meadfoot Beach

Highlights:

• Sheltered bay with calm, clear waters
• Perfect for beginners learning to SUP
• Explore the rocky coastline and caves
• Paddle around to London Bridge
• Excellent snorkelling spots nearby
• Beautiful wooded backdrop
• Often see mini cruises and other water users

Access & Facilities:

• Access: Good - gentle slope to the beach
• Parking: Pay-and-display car park along the road and small car park. Can fill up
• Distance to water: 20-40 metres
• Launch surface: Shingle and pebbles
• Facilities: Toilets, beach café (seasonal), nearby shops

Torquay Beach

Highlights:

• Extremely sheltered - perfect for complete beginners
• Flat, calm water ideal for learning
• Explore Corbyn Head's caves
• View the boats and yachts from the water
  
• Great for families and first-timers

Access & Facilities:

• Access: Excellent - slipway and beach access
• Parking: Parking along the road both sides and car parks near by
• Distance to water: Minimal - launch from slipway or small beach
• Launch surface: Concrete slipway or small pebble beach
• Facilities: Excellent - full town facilities, cafés, restaurants, toilets
• Notes: Watch for boat traffic; stay clear of the harbour entrance channel

Anstey's Cove

Highlights:

• Stunning, secluded cove with dramatic cliffs
• Crystal-clear turquoise waters
• Explore sea caves and rock formations
• Abundant marine life - fish, crabs, and seabirds
• Paddle to nearby Long Quarry Point
• One of Torbay's most beautiful locations

Access & Facilities:

• Access: Challenging - steep path and steps down to the cove
• Parking: Limited parking at top of path
• Distance to water: 200+ metres including steep descent
• Launch surface: Pebbles and rocks
• Facilities: Very limited - small seasonal café, no toilets at beach

Brixham Paddleboarding Spots

Breakwater Beach & Shoalstone

Highlights:

• Sheltered by the famous Brixham Breakwater
• Calm, protected waters ideal for beginners
• Paddle along the breakwater - stunning views
• Watch fishing boats coming and going
• See the historic harbour and colourful houses
• Spot seals that often visit the area
• Good views of Berry Head but be careful of attempting to go around as it is very exposed!

Access & Facilities:

• Access: Good - short walk from car park
• Parking: Pay-and-display car parks near the harbour
• Distance to water: 50-100 metres
• Launch surface: Shingle and pebbles
• Facilities: Excellent - harbour facilities, toilets, cafés, restaurants
• Notes: Be aware of boat traffic, especially fishing vessels; stay clear of the harbour entrance

Fishcombe Cove

Highlights:

• Hidden gem - quiet and secluded
• Dramatic red sandstone cliffs
• Exceptionally clear waters
• Explore rock pools and caves
• Rich marine life and seabirds
• Peaceful paddling away from crowds

Access & Facilities:

• Access: Difficult - steep, narrow path down cliff
• Parking: Very limited roadside parking at top of path
• Distance to water: 150+ metres via steep, uneven path
• Launch surface: Rocky and uneven
• Facilities: Café - seasonal
• Notes: Only for experienced, fit paddlers

Ready to Get on the Water?

Hire your paddleboard from us and explore Torbay's stunning coastline! We offer high-quality inflatable and rigid SUPs suitable for all abilities, plus all the safety equipment you need delivered to wherever you are staying in the Bay. 

Book your paddleboard hire today and discover the beauty of Torbay from the water!