Press Release

Strike gold with a water sports adventure in 2012 when you Visit South Devon

Water sports fans who were inspired by the heroes of London 2012 will be able to follow their dreams in South Devon which is home to an amazing range of water sports and outstanding facilities.www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk

South Devon may be renowned for its beautiful coast and surfing beaches but it also boasts some of the best facilities for sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and just good old fashioned adventure on the stunning coastline and estuaries of the region.

 Team GB may have picked up 3 medals in canoeing, 5 in sailing and I in windsurfing but South Devon ultimately wins gold when it comes to premier water sports. What better way to explore the beautiful South Devon coast for those who have a spirit for adventure than from a Kayak. The area is a sea kayaker's paradise with secluded beaches, spectacular sea cliffs and beautiful wooded estuaries to explore.

Sea Kayak Devonbased in Dartmouth can offer guided kayak trips for individuals, groups and families. No experience is required, a range of skills courses are available as well as wilderness expeditions.

Dynamic Adventuresbased at Dartington near Totnes also offers canoeing and kayaking as part of its outdoor adventure offering which also includes archery and rock climbing.

Why not try your hand at Open Canadian canoeing on the beautiful River Dart, each boat takes 2-3 people. Qualified instructors coach beginners on flat water before progressing to white water.http://www.activitiesindevon.co.uk

Budding Ben Ainslie's may like to moor up at Teignmouth whereSeaSports South Westis based and where you can take on the challenges of sailing, windsurfing, power boat racing, jet skis, kayaking and canoeing as well as shore based courses such as survival skills and navigation. The popular sport of Paddle boarding is also available. Everything from one hour lessons to five day courses for those who want to get the maximum fun out of water sports in a safe controlled environment and in a beautiful location.

http://www.seasports-sw.co.uk

Canoe Adventuresoffer guided canoeing in Longbow 9-seat and 12-seat canoes on the River Dart. Trips start and finish beside the friendly Maltsters Arms in the delightful South Hams village of Tuckenhay between Totnes and Dartmouth.

Individuals, couples, families and small groups can book By-the-Seat and share a canoe, whilst larger parties of 6 to 12 can book a whole canoe (or 2 or 3 for big groups).

Each canoe comes with an experienced steersman/guide, canoeing and safety equipment, picnic rugs, a flint & steel lit campfire brazier, a quick-rig shelter and tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

Trips on the tidal Dart are for 4 to 5 hours, including stops ashore - times of outings vary daily and are dependent on the tides. Everyone is invited to bring their favourite picnic (or food to barbecue on group outings). Moonlight tides offer the chance to dine ashore in one of the riverside villages. Sharpham Vineyard is another favourite canoe destination.http://www.canoeadventures.co.uk

TheMount Batten Watersports & Activities Centrein Plymouth is an ideal destination for adventure for both children and adults. The centre benefits from a beautiful location near Plymouth Sound and can offer an introduction to a range of exciting water sports from sailing to windsurfing etc.

Why not try one of the‘pay as you play'sessions, designed to be fun, short & affordable for everyone. Choose from either a Trysail session or Paddlesport Play session. Prices start from as little as £17.50 per person.

As anRYA Training Centrethey specialise in sailing, keelboating, windsurfing and powerboating courses. BCU certificated courses are also provided.Adventure days & multi activity weeksare offered and designed as taster sessions, consisting of sailing, kayaking, coasteering, windsurfing, climbing & abseiling.http://www.mount-batten-centre.com

Monty Halls Great Escapes in Dartmouth aim to get you into the heart of the action with the best South Devon wildlife, seals, otters, bird life or even basking sharks and dolphins. Monty has been lucky to work with many award winning wildlife photographers, cameramen, and natural history producers. The courses that are available harness this expertise, including television presenting, wildlife and underwater photography or the making of natural history films.

Trips and Courses available include:

• Fast boat trips in 8 metre RIB along the South Devon coast

• Family seashore walks with an expert guide Taste of Devon boat trip and nature walk

Monty also has a shop in Dartmouth where courses can be booked and Monty's signed wildlife books and DVD's can be purchased.

http://www.montyhalls.co.uk

About Visit South Devon

Visit South Devon is the area tourism partnership responsible for promoting South Devon to national and regional audiences. The main aim of the company is to increase the number of visitors to South Devon for the benefit of the local tourism economy. Visit South Devon works with Visit Devon the Destination Management Organisation for Devon.

Visit South Devon is a Community Interest Company existing solely for the benefit of the local tourism community. It is a public-private company limited by guarantee and not for profit - ensuring all revenue is put back into marketing initiatives for the area. The company operates a membership scheme for local tourism businesses who want to gain national exposure.

Visit South Devon is funded through membership and South Hams and Teignbridge District Councils but aims to be fully self-financing within 5 years.

For more information about Visit South Devon, go towww.visitsouthdevon.co.ukor contact Marketing Manager, Stephanie Cherrett Tel: 01803 864 894.

For further press information please contact:

Jane Adkins T/: 01935 813114

M/: 07960 698089

E/:jane@aheadforpr.co.uk

Gail Livingstone T/: 01823 252415

M/:07767 055595

E/:gail@aheadforpr.co.uk

September 2012 (VSD)