Watersports in Dorset

This guide is sponsored by Rockley Watersports

Surfing Snorkelling and Scuba Diving Windsurfing Kayaking and Canoeing Paddleboarding

With miles and miles of stunning coastline, a number of large lakes and a wealth of watersports clubs and facilities in Dorset, you're in the right place to have some fun in the water.

Whether you want to experience the tranquility of paddle boarding in Dorset or the rush of kite surfing, sailing and surfing (when the conditions allow of course), Dorset is the place to be.

Rockley Point Activity Centre and their sister sites Buddens Activity Centre and Poole Park Activity Centre offer a range of fantastic watersports courses, watersports to hire and kids classes for you to enjoy.

If you're looking for more specific watersports sessions, Land and Wave offer great Coasteering, Kayaking, Wild Swimming and Paddleboarding sessions!

If you can't wait to get your kids on the water, there are a number of kids watersports clubs in Dorset, plus tuition centres and plenty of options for kids holiday watersports camps too so you'll be able to get them confident and ready to join you in no time.

Depending on where you're venturing out for your watersports adventure, check out Studland Watersports for all your equipment hire! Hire covers Pedaloes, Windsurfing, Bodyboards, Kayaks, Wetsuit Hire and more!

Looking for watersports lessons? Shaka Surf is Dorset’s only Surfing England accredited surf school, offering fun and safe experiences for all ages and abilities. From paddleboarding, surfing, and kayaking to corporate events, parties, and beach games — there’s something for everyone. With convenient parking and amenities just a short stroll away, our idyllic location on the UK’s stunning south coast is the perfect base for your next water adventure.

And, if you find yourself on Knoll Beach or Swanage Beach, check out the sea saunas! Hop in to destress and relax after your time on the water, and jump into the sea after to cool off!

Not quite ready to dive into a watersports activity, but still fancy a refreshing dip or a relaxing day by the sea? Dorset is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK—perfect for paddling, swimming, or simply soaking up the sun. Whether you're after soft sands, family-friendly spots, or hidden gems, our guide to the best beaches in Dorset has you covered.

Keen to try wild swimming? Dorset’s breathtaking beaches offer some of the best spots in the UK to enjoy open water swims—whether you're soaking up the summer sun or braving the bracing winter seas. From secluded coves to iconic stretches of coastline, there’s a swim for every style and skill level. Not sure where to start? We’ve pulled together a list of Dorset’s top beach swimming spots to help you find your perfect dip.

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Surfing

About: Dorset's Jurassic Coast is famous for having some of the best beaches in the country. If you're a surfer in Dorset or looking for a day trip of surfing and watersports fun - then Dorset has many options! The Dorset coastline is saturated with many great baeches, perfect for hitting the waves. If you're more of a experienced surfer, then this will be great for you! If you're looking for more assistance and to learn, then Dorset is famous for surfing schools!

Surfing Classes: Shaka Surf, based on Branksome Dene Beach offer all kinds of Surfing and SUP classes! Shaka Surf's instructors are all fully qualified and have a huge passion for helping individuals feel safe in the ocean. They offer surfing and stand-up paddle boarding lessons which provide you with core skills that will help you get confident for when you go out on the water. Teaching you important skills such as; how to paddle, improving your stamina and various pop-up techniques.

Read More: You can find a full, in-depth guide of Surfing spots in Dorset here at our Top 24 Beaches for Surfing in Dorset.

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

About: Sea Snorkelling in Dorset is a great way to take advantage of the Jurassic Coast and take in the views whilst Snorkelling! Snorkelling is very popular along the Dorset coastline.

Snorkelling Classes: Snorkelling classes can be found across Studland Bay, Swanage Pier, Kimmeridge, Old Harry Rocks, Chesil Beach, Lulworth Cove and more. A variety of Watersports companies offer classes across these locations, ranging from £5-£50 for different experiences.

Read More: You can find a full, in-depth guide of Snorkelling spots in Dorset here at our Top 10 Places to Snorkel in Dorset.

Windsurfing

About: Their original centre founded in 1976, Rockley Point is based in beautiful Poole Harbour - Europe's largest natural harbour. Possibly the most highly regarded sailing centre in Britain it uses some of the UK's safest and most idyllic sailing waters.

Rockley Point Activity Centre offer RYA Start Windsurfing Courses. Instructed from Rockley Point Sailing Centre, this is a fantastic course that gives young people all the essentials to start their windsurfing journey. A great introduction for any budding windsurfer wanting to get to grips with this truly exhilarating sport.

Poole Park Activity Centre & Rockley Point Activity Centre both provide windsurfing hire. With fun, games and encouragement, their enthusiastic instructors will take you quickly through the basics of this addictive sport. To be able to stand and balance on a board, raise the sail and control the sail and board correctly and to be aware of position in relation to others.

Read More: You can find a full, in depth guide of Windsurfing Spots in Dorset here.

Kayaking and Canoeing

About: There's so much coastline to enable you to enjoy some fun on a kayak or canoe in Dorset. Our County plays host to a number of places that provide kayak sessions, including Rockley Watersports. Join Rockley Watersports for their Kayak Taster Sessions, running in their sit-on-top kayaks and available for youths and adults. Sessions running at their Poole Park campus.

Read More: You can find a full, in-depth guide of Canoeing and Kayaking spots in Dorset here at our Canoeing and Kayaking in Dorset guide.

Paddleboarding

About: Paddleboarding has been becoming increasingly popular and in Dorset, you can enjoy both the tranquility of paddleboarding and even a spot of paddleboard yoga on the calm waters, or you can have some good fun paddleboarding when there's a bit of a swell on Dorset's coastline.

Stand Up Paddleboard Taster Sessions at Poole Park Activity Centre - Stand up paddleboarding is not only amazing fun but is also a great core workout for those with fitness in mind! Available for youths and adults at their Poole Park centre.

Poole Park Activity Centre & Rockley Point Activity Centre both offer SUP paddleboarding hire. Explore the waters on a paddleboard and test your balance by standing up. Gain skills in balance and navigation.

Land and Wave run 2-hour long Paddleboarding sessions in Sandbanks and Swanage for £35 for groups of 5 or more! You can also opt for prive paddleboarding, giant paddleboarding, OR a SUP and Sauna session for groups of 6 or more!

Read More: You can find a full in-depth guide of Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Dorset, here.