Surfing on the ocean waves doesn’t grab you? Why don’t you try Cornwall’s only surf simulator instead at Retallack Resort and Spa? Despite the rather relaxing title, this place is famous for its watersports, especially that awesome simulator.
Just a few miles outside of Newquay, Retallack is designed for watersports novices and experts alike, with a range of activities available for visitors. There’s the FlowRider, which is essentially an artificial wave machine that allows participants to practice their surfing, bodyboarding and skimboarding on a slope with expert instructors. It’s an immense amount of fun and a great alternative to the sea, whether you’re learning how to perfect your balance or just wanting a bit of freshwater fun.
Also at Retallack is the inflatable Aqua Park, which may seem like it’s just for kids but actually people of all ages can enjoy the bouncy floating fun. Steps and trampolines are dotted around the course along with all sorts of other inflatable obstacles. Also hit up the wakeboarding zone, which is another activity fit for newbies right up to pros. Instructors take visitors through their paces in this watersport, which sees riders standing on a short board with foot bindings before they are towed behind a speedy boat, with plenty of midair action and tricks to engage in along the way.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), which is a relaxing experience balanced atop a board which you move through the water and surrounding countryside with your paddle, is another option at Retallack. And the newest activity is an inflatable volleyball court that was opened in the summer of 2021. All of the watersports activities close at the end of the summer except the FlowRider. That rolls on throughout the year.
Retallack Resort and Spa is actually a five-star luxury self-catering holiday park with lodges and a restaurant for holidaymakers but the watersports are certainly big draws here as they are open as much to day visitors as they are to those staying on the site. Take the plunge and hit the water when you’re in the area, especially if you want to learn how to surf in the middle of the Cornish countryside.