Starting Water Sports in Erquy: Which Activity to Choose Based on Your Skill Level and Age?

In Erquy, in the Côtes d'Armor, water sports are all the rage! Kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing... Here is a guide to help you make the right choice and confidently enjoy the Breton waters.

Which water sport in Erquy is right for you? A practical guide for beginners

Our seaside campsite in the Côtes d'Armor is located right next to one of the most beautiful beaches in Erquy. The direct access to the beach allows you to try out many water sports. Equipment rental is included for free in the price of your stay!

The most popular water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, attract a wide audience. On the other hand, snorkeling and coastal walking remain less well-known, while activities like surfing, windsurfing, or kitesurfing seem out of reach for many.

Beginners will find some guidance here to choose the ideal water activity in Erquy. The real question is: how to get started? Age, skill level, difficulty, equipment—here's everything you need to know to take the plunge with confidence this summer!

Sea kayaking: a smooth adventure on the water

Sea kayaking (single and double) is an activity accessible to everyone, perfect for exploring the Breton coast and hidden coves at the foot of the cliffs. Sea kayaks are much more stable than river kayaks. It's very hard to tip over!

• For whom: from 8 years old, as long as you know how to swim. This water sport does not require advanced athletic ability.
• Clothing and equipment: life jacket required, sportswear and closed shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen).
• Camping tip: take a guided tour to discover the most beautiful spots around Cap d'Erquy in complete safety.

Stand-up paddleboarding: stand on a board and paddle

Rapidly growing in popularity, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the most popular water sports in Erquy during the summer. It is accessible to almost everyone. It's all about balance—you start on your knees to get used to it, then stand up.

• For whom: from 10 years old, provided you can swim.
• Clothing and equipment: swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses (with strap), possibly neoprene booties. A buoyancy aid vest is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
• Camping tip: for beginners, a wide board will be more stable. For even more fun, try an XXL paddleboard where the whole family can ride together!

Snorkeling: diving… without putting your head underwater

More accessible than scuba diving, snorkeling is an exciting aquatic activity that involves observing marine life from the surface with a mask, snorkel, and fins.

• For whom: from 8 years old. Neoprene wetsuits and inflatable floaties under the arms help with buoyancy, reassuring children, but of course, they must know how to swim.
• Clothing and equipment: mask, snorkel, fins.
• Camping tip: choose a spot with clear and calm waters for better underwater visibility.

READ ALSO: Sailing in Erquy, Brittany - Côtes-d'Armor

Coastal walking: aquatic hiking

Still relatively unknown, coastal walking (or water walking) has been growing in popularity in recent years. A gentle yet complete sport, coastal walking involves walking in the sea with water up to the waist, practiced in groups with a certified instructor.

• For whom: most participants are over 50. This physical activity provides a full-body workout without impact.
• Clothing and equipment: full wetsuit and neoprene booties.
• Camping tip: start with a 45-minute to 1.5-hour session. Using a paddle can help with propulsion and improve stability in the water.

Surfing in Erquy: beginner-friendly waves

Can you start surfing at any age? Yes, if you begin with easy waves, such as those at Saint-Pabu Beach, where the waves are smaller and break more slowly.

• For whom: from 6–7 years old. Lessons are essential for beginners.
• Clothing and equipment: full wetsuit or short wetsuit ("shorty").
• Camping tip: not ready for surfing yet? Start with bodyboarding, where you lie or kneel on the board for fun wave-riding sensations!

At the foot of our 4-star Saint Pabu Plage campsite in Erquy, the land sailing and kitesurfing school offers initiation and advanced courses. Depart directly from the beach!

Land sailing: instant fun for everyone

Land sailing is an easy-to-learn activity, perfect for families. Intuitive and accessible to all, it guarantees an exhilarating glide sensation from the first session.

Kitesurfing: a challenge for the bold

To practice kitesurfing, you must be at least 12 years old, know how to swim, and be in good physical condition. This sport, demanding in both technique and endurance, delivers an adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers.

Book your stay in Erquy now and enjoy a relaxing and adventurous getaway in a seaside campsite in Brittany! Open from April 5 to September 27, 2025.