FAQs
On the sea: You can wear your own 5mm wetsuit, or you can hire one from us for £7.50. If you are hiring one, you normally wear swimwear or underwear underneath. Don't forget your towel and some dry clothes for after your session.On the River Tyne & at Cragside: Lightweight gym type clothing and a waterproof coat will be fine for your activity. Bring a full change of clothes and a towel just in case you do fall in.
We have a range of essentials in-store. We sell sunscreen (£6), reusable water bottles (from £4), bottled water (£1.30) and aquapacs for carrying mobile phones on the water (from £8). We also have a large range of bike accessories and locally printed souvenir t-shirts available. Don’t forget that The Snug Café is situated upstairs with a large range of cakes and teas.
Our store is in a residential area so you can park on local streets. There is also a car park behind Wilmslow Court apartments which is free to use. Please be respectful to the local residents when parking.
If you cannot attend a session which you’ve booked, please give us plenty of notice so we can accommodate you into a later session or give your place to someone else! The best way to do this is to give us a call as soon as you know on: 0191 251 9412.
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee good weather - unless the conditions are dangerous most activities go ahead. If we feel that conditions will be dangerous the team will notify participants of any changes in good time. You can check the weather reports nearby on Magic Seaweed.
Belongings can be left in lockers within the shop, and we also sell waterproof holders for keys and phones.
We appreciate all reviews. Please find our Facebook review page and our Trip Advisor page, or simply speak to us in store. If you have the time we welcome guest blog posts for our website. Thank you in advance!
The Snug Café is situated above us! It is a perfect place to relax with a large range of homemade cakes, homemade food, and a variety of teas. If you don’t fancy a paddle, then come along for a cuppa. The Snug Café is bike friendly, kid friendly, dog friendly... well just generally friendly! Enter through the bike and kayak shop, head upstairs and settle in by the log burner. There is also a list of places nearby which we like on the 'Our Coast' section of the website.
Stag/Hen dos, this is aimed at you! Alcohol and water are a bad combination. No one under the influence of alcohol is allowed to hire from Cullercoats Bike & Kayak. Please do not arrive drunk. We welcome Stag and Hen dos for action packed fun!
The pipe running through Cullercoats bay is nothing to worry about as it runs sea water to and from the Newcastle University Dove Marine Laboratory – completely chemical free! Generally, sea water should not be ingested and it is good practice to wash your hands prior to eating. Cullercoats bay also meets the highest EU bathing water regulations!
In the summer months (mid-May to Sept) you should be comfortable bare foot. We offer a few options if you prefer to cover your feet:5mm boot hire £2.50Aqua shoes: £8.95 adults, £6.95 (to buy)Alder Edge 5mm Boots: £16.95 (to buy)In the winter months, 5mm wetsuit boots are compulsory so remember to factor this hire cost in.
It is activity dependent, so book quickly and call 0191 251 9412!
Our normal ratios are 1:8 or higher, however it depends on the activity.
On either a SUP or a kayak you climb back on again! Cullercoats bay is generally quite sheltered so this shouldn’t be a problem. You need to be a comfortable enough swimmer to be confident to swim in the sea – buoyancy aids are available and please do ask for more guidance if uncomfortable. All lessons and children’s activities have our instructors present!
Although our activities are watersports, you don't need to be an Olympian to try them. We do however recommend a baseline level of fitness.
Unfortunately, we are unable to take you on an activity if you are pregnant. However, you are more than welcome to enjoy the food and drink provided by The Snug Café upstairs, or watch from the beach.
Usually anyone younger than 8 will struggle to paddle their own kayak or SUP. But we have some big double kayaks that younger kids can accompany parents on, so the littler ones are not excluded. The smallest size wetsuit (essential piece of kit) is for age 5+ so we can't accommodate younger unless you have your own. Just remember, except for kids clubs and kids-only summer events, a parent/guardian must accompany the child on the activity.For cycling, we keep trailers and toddler seats so kids from 18 months+ can accompany their parent or guardian.We do not hire equipment to anyone under 18
We can indeed! We have a number of children’s activities running over summer, as well as our regular Salty Dogs Kids Club. Family groups are also welcome - Check out our family kayak lessons and family SUP lessons! We also take bookings for youth groups and schools.
If you plan to hire a bike, or join us on a bike tour, you should dress accordingly. Bring lightweight layers, perhaps a waterproof if there is rain forecast. Try not to wear loose fitting clothes, loose trousers, skirts and dresses can get caught up in the chain. Feel free to bring your own cycle helmet, but we have lots available. Consider wearing sunscreen and bring a drink to keep you hydrated.