- Play Hard
- 30th Jul 2025
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Cool off this summer: Top water sports in the North East
With the summer weather warming up nicely in the North, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the sunshine and cool off with some water sports near you.
Whether you’re an avid surfer or want to give paddleboarding a go for the first time, there are plenty of places in the North East that will allow you to do just that.
Northside Surf School
Coble Quay, Amble, Morpeth NE65 0DJ
Based in Amble, this spot in Northumberland is the perfect place to get to grips with your water sports skills. Offering both surfing and stand-up paddleboarding lessons across multiple beaches along the Northumberland coast, including Druridge Bay, Bamburgh and Beadnell bays. Northside Surf School caters to all abilities with private tuition, group sessions and children’s clubs to get the little ones involved too.
CBK Adventures
1A Norma Crescent, Cullercoats, North Shields, Whitley Bay NE26 2PD
Based in Cullercoats, near Whitley Bay, CBK Adventures specialises in water-based activities, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and guided experiences for both locals and visitors. Known for their expert instructors and welcoming approach, CBK caters to all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned paddlers, so there’s something for everyone. With popular experiences like their ‘Quayside Glow Tour’, it’s the perfect place to unleash your inner outdoor adventurer.
Tees Barrage
Tees Barrage Way, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 2QW
Found on the River Tees between Stockton and Middlesbrough, Tees Barrage is perfect for an adventurous day out with family and friends. With a range of activities including white water rafting, kayaking, bell-boating and raft-building, this spot is ideal if you’re looking for something a little different to your average weekend activity. Combining technical heritage and outdoor fun, Tees Barrage isn’t short of fun activities for you to try out in the warm weather.
South Tyneside Water Activity Centre
River Drive, South Shields, NE33 1LH
Based on South Shields seafront, right next to Littlehaven Beach, South Tyneside Water Activity Centre is bursting with exciting water activities such as sailing, open canoeing and windsurfing. With over 40 years of experience, the centre is equipped for all abilities, making it a great spot to try out something new this summer. And if you want to go that little bit further, this centre is recognised as a Royal Yachting Association training centre, offering qualification courses in powerboating, jetski, and personal proficiency in kayaking and canoeing.
Scaling Dam Sailing Club
Whitby Moor Road, Easington, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS13 4TP
Situated at the heart of Scaling Dam Reservoir in North Yorkshire, Scaling Dam Sailing Club offers a vibrant and inclusive hub for sailing, paddle sports and plenty more. With a welcoming clubhouse, excellent facilities and a strong sense of community, it’s a brilliant spot for anyone looking to get active on the water in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whether you’re a novice looking to improve or someone wanting to build on some existing skills, this is a great spot to do just that.
Adventure Sunderland
Marine Walk, Roker, Sunderland SR6 0PL
With a mission to provide affordable educational, recreational and leisure activities for the people of Wearside and the surrounding areas, Adventure Sunderland is perfect to cool off with some water sports this summer. Located at Roker Beach and Sunderland Marina, this place offers activities including coasteering, bodyboarding and adult kayak sessions. This organisation is the perfect place to give some water sports a go and have a fun day out with the family.
Adventure Northumberland
Windyside Hill, Alnwick NE66 3SS
Located on the Northumberland Coast in Craster, you can get stuck into a wide range of water sports whilst experiencing the beautiful coast and its hidden gems along the way. Offering expert-led coasteering and sea kayaking adventures, you are guaranteed to experience the Northumberland coast in a new and exciting way. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an expert looking for a change of scenery, this is the perfect place to do just that.
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