The sea is a great equaliser. It doesn’t judge. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or stepping into the waves for the first time, it can bring fun, laughter, courage and freedom. At Newquay Watersports Centre, we believe that adventure is for everyone.

Some individuals may have had negative experiences with the sea in the past. Still, we believe that with the proper coaching and guidance, it can become a welcoming, confidence-building, and safe space for everyone. Our mission is to create inclusive and empowering experiences for all individuals, including those with disabilities, across various settings such as schools, families, corporate groups, and guests of all abilities on and around the water. In this post, we will explain how we achieve this and why it is more important now than ever..

Why Inclusion Matters in Outdoor Adventure

It’s not just a matter of good ethics; there is research to confirm it does matter.

The outdoor industry is witnessing a remarkable trend: surveys suggest that 60.8% of UK outdoor professionals identify as neurodivergent, compared to approximately 15–20% in the general population. In roles like watersports instructors, multi-activity guides, and outdoor education practitioners, conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and dyspraxia are far more common than in many other sectors. 

This overrepresentation serves as a reminder that, indeed, the outdoor world is uniquely suited to various ways of thinking and perception. However, it is essential to note that this does not automatically guarantee inclusion. Furthermore, many neurodivergent and neurotypical guests continue to encounter significant barriers when trying to access adventure. Consequently, addressing these obstacles is essential for fostering a more inclusive experience for all.

By designing our approach to be adaptable, patient, and empathetic, we strive to remove those barriers without diluting the challenge or excitement of what we offer.

The Science of Blue Health and Wellbeing

One of the clearest reasons to advocate for greater accessibility is that time spent in, on, or near water is beneficial for the mind, body, and spirit.

Researchers have found that blue spaces, including lakes, rivers, and coastlines, are associated with improved mental health outcomes. Regular recreational visits to blue spaces are associated with reduced stress, improved mood and greater psychological restoration. The UK Government’s “Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Blue Space” report also notes that being in, on or adjacent to water supports physical, social, and psychological health.

A study in Wales found that improved access to green and blue spaces was associated with a lower risk of anxiety and depression. In simpler terms: the more we can help people access water and coast, the more we support their resilience, emotional balance, and long-term mental health.

When we discuss inclusive adventure, we also refer to access to wellbeing.

Removing Barriers, Not Lowering Standards

To make watersports genuinely accessible, we don’t remove challenges; we tailor the experience to meet them. Here’s how we make adventure on our Cornish coast inclusive for all:

1. Adaptive Instruction & Empathy

Our instructors adapt their teaching style to each guest’s comfort and processing pace.

We use clear, simple language, demonstrations, and visual cues to make every instruction easy to follow. Guests are always encouraged to ask questions, share feedback, and explore alternative approaches to achieving a task, as everyone learns in unique ways.

2. Accessible Equipment & Environments

• Tandem kayaks, stable paddleboards, and step-free access to the water
• Accessible facilities: toilet, changing room, and beach wheelchair available on request
• Multiple entry and exit options (cliff, Newquay Harbour and easy Towan beach access) for different mobility needs
• Quiet spaces and waiting areas are available for guests who prefer calmer environments

Our adaptive adventure and watersports sessions ensure that everyone, regardless of experience or ability, feels confident and safe on the water.

3. Sensory Awareness & Flexibility

Research indicates that neurodivergent individuals often experience heightened sensory sensitivity to textures, sounds, or movement. We take the time to help guests feel comfortable and prepared before they head out.

Getting into a wetsuit can be tricky for anyone, and it can feel overwhelming for some. That’s why we allow extra time for kitting up, offer a range of sizes and materials, and even let guests collect equipment early to familiarise themselves before the session.

Our instructors explain the purpose of each item, helping guests feel informed and in control. We’re continually expanding our adaptive kit collection to make our activities even more inclusive.

4. Supportive, Trained Team

Our team has experience supporting a wide range of needs, including physical, sensory, and neurodiverse requirements. Each of our instructors will communicate clearly, respond empathetically, and adjust their approach as needed to ensure every guest feels included and empowered.

5. Ongoing Reflection and Feedback

Inclusion isn’t a box to tick; it’s something we keep improving.

We actively seek feedback from guests, schools, and community groups to refine our session delivery and improve our offerings. Our instructors receive ongoing training in inclusive practice, ensuring we evolve with our guests’ needs, not our assumptions.

“The instructors are knowledgeable with medical conditions and special educational needs… It’s allowed every student to get involved.”

 — Anna, Head of House, Kingswinford Academy

The Confidence Ripple Effect

Inclusive adventure isn’t just about participation – it’s about transformation.

When a guest who once felt unsure around water gains the courage to jump from the Monster SUP into deep water, something transformative occurs. Similarly, when a neurodivergent adventurer takes the time to gear up and tries coasteering for the first time, a powerful change happens.

They realise: I can do this.

That spark of confidence ripples far beyond the shoreline into school, friendships, work, and home life.

“They fill the young people with belief and confidence… helping them to take part in activities they wouldn’t dream of doing…”
– Mohammed U, Bradford Youth Services

This confidence doesn’t fade when the wetsuits come off. It’s the kind of transformation we see again and again. Proof that accessible adventure isn’t just inclusive, it’s life-changing.

What Inclusive Adventure Looks Like at NWC

At Newquay Watersports Centre, inclusion isn’t an afterthought; it’s a part of everything we do.

Here’s how we adapt, support and celebrate confidence in the water:

‘Challenge by Choice’

You’ll hear this phrase a lot during our coasteering sessions. It means that we don’t talk anyone into doing anything they’re not ready for or don’t feel comfortable doing. It is so gratifying when we see our guests surprise themselves, and their confidence skyrockets with a huge grin.
The sea can be a sensory overload for anyone, so we build experiences step by step, always striking a balance between safety, encouragement, and fun.

Building Confidence From the First Splash

For first-time guests, we always start with achievable goals: wading into ankle-deep water, surfing a board prone. We like to celebrate every milestone together because confidence can be built upon, one splash at a time.

Inclusive School Sessions

Many of our school groups include students with a wide range of needs, varying confidence levels, and diverse learning styles. 

We split into small groups for activities such as surf lessons and bodyboarding, pairing each group with patient instructors who adjust their teaching styles by using visual demonstrations, clear language, and consistent encouragement. 

Family and Group Adventures

From tandem kayaking and gentle paddleboarding to safe harbour-based lessons, families of all ages and abilities can share the water together. Our team ensures every guest participates at their own pace, whether that’s a grandparent on a SUP or a child trying Kayaking for the first time.

‘NWC took my 5-year-old daughter and me out on a kayak tour this summer. Our instructor was exceptional, engaging with my daughter in a fun and friendly way throughout. The tour was perfectly delivered, mixing some interesting historical stories about caves and the Newquay harbour with fun activities. Equipment and facilities were all in good shape, and the approach to safety on the water was exemplary. Highly recommended.’ – Chris B.

Corporate & Wellbeing Groups

For mixed-ability or wellbeing-focused groups, we design sessions that encourage collaboration, laughter, and challenge, with clear options to pause or adapt activities, such as coasteering or Monster SUP safaris.
We ensure no one is left out, and everyone leaves with a fun story to tell.

Adapting for Everyone

No two sessions are the same, and that’s what makes our adventures special.
If a guest has specific physical, sensory, or learning needs, we communicate openly, plan adaptively, and make adjustments in real-time. Our experienced instructors are creative problem solvers, ensuring every person can experience the joy of the sea safely and confidently.

We follow the social model of disability, the idea that people are disabled by barriers in their environment, not by their bodies or minds. We open the water to everyone by removing barriers through inclusive coaching, communication, and accessible equipment.

Join Us in the Water

Adventure should never be the privilege of a few. We believe that the sea, water, and coast offer connection, challenge, and calm to everyone.

Whether you’re organising a school trip to Cornwall, planning a family watersports day in Newquay or simply seeking a new and inclusive experience, Newquay Watersports Centre is ready to provide the best possible outdoor adventures, watersports lessons and coaching.

We’re fortunate to be based in Newquay Harbour, a sheltered and scenic spot that provides us with a considerable scope for making easy adaptations. From here, we run a wide range of adaptive watersports sessions, including inclusive coasteering, Kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. With years of experience and a supportive team, we tailor every activity to ensure you feel confident, safe, and inspired. 

By trying to cater for every need, we’ll always be honest if something falls outside our current scope. But we’re always happy to try, and that willingness to try new things is exactly what adventure is all about.

We don’t claim to be masters; we’re always learning. We continually update our inclusive equipment, instructor training, and approach to ensure that every session reflects our core belief: the sea is for everyone.

If you’d like to explore an accessible adventure or watersports session, discuss possible adaptations or learn how we incorporate inclusion into every experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us to see how your group, class, or family can find confidence and freedom in the sea.

Call us on 01637 498200

Text or WhatsApp us on 07535 103119

BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE NOW!

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FAQs

1. What makes your watersports sessions accessible for everyone?

At Newquay Watersports Centre, we adapt every activity to the individual. Whether that means smaller group sizes, clear visual briefings, sensory-friendly pacing, or one-to-one support, we ensure everyone feels confident and included. Many of our instructors have received additional training in accessibility and neurodiversity awareness, making our sessions welcoming to all ages and abilities.

2. Can people with additional needs or neurodiverse conditions take part?

Absolutely. The outdoor industry has one of the highest levels of neurodiversity in the UK, with over 60% of outdoor professionals identifying as neurodivergent. We’re proud to create environments where neurodiverse participants can thrive through movement, focus, and connection with nature. Please let us know your needs in advance, and we’ll tailor the experience accordingly.

3. Which activities are most suitable for beginners or mixed-ability groups?

Coasteering, bodyboarding, and paddleboarding are great starting points for new adventurers. Sessions begin in calm, sheltered conditions, and our instructors progress each group at a comfortable pace. For school groups or families with varying ability levels, we design sessions that keep everyone engaged and challenged at their own level.

4. How do I book an accessible adventure in Newquay?

You can book directly through our website or give us a call — our friendly team can recommend the best activity for your group’s needs. We’re based in Newquay Harbour in the heart of Newquay, making it easy to access from town or the beach. We have blue badge parking outside the centre, as well as excellent wheelchair access, and can provide beach wheelchairs.