Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Are the tours suitable for beginners?
Yes, our tours are suitable for all abilities. Our guides are there to help and offer guidance and instruction.
How long are the kayak tours?
Our coast and cave tours are 2 hours and our mini-tours are 1 hour.
Are the tours suitable for beginners?
All of our 1 or 2 tours are suitable for novice paddlers, help and guidance will be given if required.
Are the tours suitable for young children?
Yes, the one-hour tour is suitable for young children from 3-4+ years of age. Please contact us to discuss the requirements for your family and we can talk you through the options.
Do you have a three-seater kayak for a child to go between 2 adults?
Yes we have triple kayaks suitable for a child up to age 8 years (depending on size) to sit between 2 adults.
Is there a weight limit for kayaks?
All kayaks have a weight limit. Our sit-on-top single and double kayaks have a weight limit of 16 stone (101 kg) per person. The triple kayaks are based on 2 adults and 1 child (not 3 adults).
What is the cost of a guided tour?
We are pleased to say we are retaining our current prices for 2023. We want experiences on the water to be as cost effective as possible and we want to encourage people to try water sports in a safe environment with the best kit and instruction. Our 1-hour tours are £25 per person and our 2-hour tours are £40 per adult and £30 (U15). This includes all equipment, wetsuit and buoyancy aid.
How do I book a tour?
Please book your tour using our online booking system here. If you have any questions about your booking, please contact us by phone on 01271 883220 or by email on info@surfsidekayakhire.co.uk
How long before my tour should I arrive?
You should arrive 20 minutes prior to your departure time. Please come into the shop to check-in and complete any paperwork required.
What clothing should I wear and bring for the tour?
If you have a wetsuit please bring this along. If you would like to hire a wetsuit it is helpful if these are booked ahead. However, they can be organised on the day. If you do not have a wetsuit or do not want to wear one then please wear shorts and a shirt with low cotton content, and don’t forget a hat, sunscreen and a drink of water. You will be fitted with a buoyancy aid over the top of your clothing.
A change of clothes and a towel will be needed after kayaking.
What footwear should I wear for the tour?
Footwear is flexible, you can go barefoot if you wish, it’s an 80-metre walk to the beach. If you have wet shoes or strap on sandals these are good. We do sell wet shoes in the shop.
Do you have changing facilities?
Yes, for Surfside kayak tour customers only at the moment. We can look after valuables but would be grateful if you can store belongings such as backpacks, beach towels etc., elsewhere as we have limited space.
Can I take my phone out on the tour?
You can but this is at your own risk! Phones will sink if they fall overboard. We do sell waterproof cases for phones in our shop. Your tour guide will take a photo of you out on the tour and email them to you free of charge afterwards – a little something to remember the day by!
Can I bring my dog out kayaking?
We don’t allow dogs out on the tours. If you are hiring a kayak, taking a dog out is at your own risk. You should be confident they will be fine on the water and you will only be allowed to hire if you bring suitable buoyancy aid for the dog. Please note dogs are banned from the beach from May 1st until September 30th.
Where can I park in Combe Martin?
There are 3 pay and display car parks in Combe Martin, we recommend The Kiln car park as there are public toilets and plentiful spaces. It can get full in the holidays, so we would suggest you allow ample time to find a parking space. All of the car parks require change (no payment app options) so please have this ready.
What happens if the conditions at sea are rough or windy on the day?
Please call through to the shop on 01271 883220 on the day of your tour, this will be to confirm the sea conditions. We endeavour for all of our kayak tours to go ahead as scheduled. However, we are at the mercy of the elements so should it be too rough or too windy and the sea conditions are not safe, we will have no choice to postpone or cancel the tour. Should the new date and/or time not be suitable, or the tour is cancelled we will refund any monies paid.
Do you offer bespoke tours?
Yes, we offer bespoke tours such as an evening kayak tour. We also offer a longer three-hour tour aimed at the more experienced kayaker or for some of our customers that have been on the two-hour tour and would like to go that bit further afield. We also take group bookings.
Can I hire equipment?
We offer kayak and stand-up paddleboard hire, these come with a minimum of 2 hours hire time. You can also hire a wetsuit but these should be booked in advance.
How do I book a hire?
Please book your tour using our online booking system here. If you have any questions about your booking, please contact us by phone on 01271 883220 or by email on info@surfsidekayakhire.co.uk