Dive in to Chichester Harbour watersports

Chichester Harbour – as well as the surrounding coastal and lakeside areas – offers a wealth of watersports for children and adults to choose from. Many of the watersports and activities centres – including Cobnor Activities Centre, 2XS and Fluid Adventures – are just a pebble’s throw away from Quay Quarters by bicycle or boat. While Chichester Watersports is only a short drive away and well worth the trip. Please find below a round-up of the sailing, paddling, surfing and more that’s on offer in this stunning part of the south coast. Look out for the Quay Quarters crew recommendations too!

Cobnor Activities Centre, Chidham (6.2 miles by road from Quay Quarters)

Cobnor Activities Centre Trust is an independent charity based close to Bosham in Chichester Harbour. Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and a recognised training centre for the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and the British Canoeing, you can expect quality watersports in stunning surroundings.

As well as offering sailing lessons in Laser, Picos, RS Fevas, Wayfarers and Bosuns for people of all ages and abilities, Cobnor offers paddling for all the family (in open canoes or kayaks) on Saturday mornings and canoe safaris, in partnership with Chichester Harbour Conservancy, where you’ll not only learn basic paddling skills from qualified instructors but also get an introduction to local wildlife by a Conservancy guide.

2XS, West Wittering (6.6 miles by road from Quay Quarters)

With its Blue Flag clean waters and variable conditions, West Wittering beach is the ideal place to try surfing, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Looking for something to keep the youngsters entertained? The 2XS team are masters when it comes to kids’ watersports tuition and has succeeded in teaching children as young as five how to catch the waves.

Fluid Adventures, East Wittering (5.6 miles by road from Quay Quarters)

A top south coast canoe and kayak specialist, though based in East Wittering, Fluid Adventures runs courses, trips and tours in Chichester Harbour as well as on the nearby rivers of Arun, Hamble and Adur. What’s more, they hire watersports equipment so you’re free to make your own adventures!

They offer a range of British Canoeing accredited courses and trips and tours including a Chichester Harbour tour from Itchenor to East Head where you’ll see an array of birds to boats; a Hayling Island circumnavigation where you can ride the tides and push your paddling boundaries while enjoying the wildlife and views; a pub paddle from Itchenor to Quay Quarters’ local, the Crown and Anchor at Dell Quay, for a well-deserved pint and pub lunch; and a sunset kayak tour, which runs every Friday and Saturday 14th April – 14th October, and not only offers fabulous views over Chichester Harbour as the sun goes down but could be a great opportunity to spot one of our resident seals.

Chichester watersports, Westhampnett (4.5 miles by road from Quay Quarters)

Heralded as the main centre fro water activities on the south coast, Chichester Watersports offers everything from windsurfing, wakeboarding and water-skiing to inflatable rides, paddle boarding and kayaking.

Open to all and no membership required, just pick your activities and the day you’d like to visit and make your booking. Whether you fancy a family banana boat ride, you’d like to potter about on a paddleboard or a quiet kayak around the lake is more your thing, there;s plenty to choose from at Chichester Watersports. There’s even inflatable aqua park fun for all the family (suitable for ages 8+)!

Adrenaline junky or calm-seeker, book in advance to avoid disappointment and look out for group discounts and special offers.

The Quay Quarters crew recommendations.

Always happy to take to the water for a spot of sailing or paddle boarding, the Quay Quarters crew knows a thing or two about watersports in Chichester Harbour and the surrounding area. In fact, one member of the Sawday family used to teach sailing at Cobnor Activities Centre – you could say that sea water runs through their veins.

to start on an even keel and make sure you’re not left at a loose end, here are a few top tips to get you from dryland to watercraft during your stay at Quay Quarters.

  1. Check the dates and availability of planned activities and trips (and secure a place where possible) before booking your holiday cottage or B&B accommodation to make sure you can get a taste of the watersport you wish while staying nearby.
  2. Are there age and ability requirements for the course/ activities you’re interested in? Some are not suitable for children or beginners while others may require specific experience and qualifications.
  3. Remember, you can’t do much about the weather. Some watersports will continue to run whatever the weather but others will be affected by adverse conditions, particularly strong winds. So, come dressed for the weather (many activities centres will hire wetsuits) and be prepared to be flexible about any rescheduling that may occur.

Holiday cottages for watersport fans.

What better place is there for you to stay during a watersports weekend than one of our home-from-home holiday cottages or luxury bed and breakfast? We’re positioned close to Chichester Harbour and near the road that leads to West Wittering and East Wittering. there are so many fun-filled water based activities to choose from in the local area and, while many are season-based, watersports such as sailing in Chichester Harbour and surfing at West Wittering go on year-round – if you’re brave enough to dive in.

With a choice of five spacious dog-friendly holiday cottages (because we know your four-legged friends love a day out on the water – or in the water – as much as you do), Quay Quarters would love to have you stay while you explore watersports in Chichester Harbour. Why not book bed and breakfast accommodation and fill up on a hearty full English before your action-packed adventure?

As well as offering a fantastic night’s sleep in a comfy bed (not that you’ll need much help after all that sensational sea air), we have excellent bathroom facilities so you can wash off the salt and feel fresh as a daisy. Don’t worry about drying off your gear either, if the weather’s not suitable to hang wet stuff out on the patio make good use of thew wood burning stove while warming your toes!

Book your Chichester Harbour watersports weekend, or take a more leisurely short break that can be pre-booked from October – Easter, at a Quay Quarters’ holiday cottage or luxury bed and breakfast today.