Activities and Camping

We have five Activity Centres across the region, where you can hire watersports equipment, launch your own craft or learn something new with our friendly and qualified instructors:

Roadford Lake in Devon
Siblyback Lake on Bodmin Moor
Stithians Lake in West Cornwall
Tamar Lakes on the Devon Cornwall border
Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor.

Extend your stay and camp at Roadford Campsite, Siblyback Campsite, Stithians Campsite, Tamar Campsite or Wimbleball Campsite.

#ItsYourOutdoors - come and explore!

Instructor training at Roadford Lake

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Are you interested in training for a career in the watersports industry? We run instructor training days and courses in a range of sports to provide you with the qualifications required to gain employment.

Roadford Lake is our biggest and busiest inland water in the South West. Offering easy access just off the A30, Roadford Lake Activity Centre is one of the best watersport hubs in Devon offering a vast array of watersports, experienced RYA qualified instructors and all the latest watersports equipment.

Give your career the best kick-start by learning in a safe and fun environment, supported by knowledgeable and passionate instructors.

We offer the following courses at Roadford Lake:

Course	Description	Prerequisites
RYA Dinghy Instructor 5 days including a moderation day	The RYA Dinghy Instructor course is a comprehensive five-day programme focused on teaching dinghy sailing to participants across various skill levels and schemes. This course provides thorough training in both afloat and ashore teaching techniques for teaching participants in single and double handed dinghies.	16 years old + Valid First Aid Certificate RYA Powerboat Level 2 RYA Safe and Fun Safeguarding Certificate Completed Pre-Entry Assessment RYA membership
RYA Start Windsurf Instructor 5 days including a moderation day	You will learn how to teach and assess the Start Windsurfing Course syllabus of the RYA, a national windsurfing scheme, and stage 1 and 2 of the Youth. You will learn how to plan, demonstrate and deliver sessions for the Start Windsurfing Syllabus.	16 years old + Valid First Aid Certificate RYA Powerboat Level 2 RYA Safe and Fun Safeguarding Certificate Intermediate Non Planing – personal ability RYA membership
RYA Wing surf / Wing foil Instructor 5 days including a moderation day	You will learn how to teach wing surfing (and wing foiling depending on your personal ability). You will practice preparing and delivering sessions afloat and onshore. Upon successful completion of the course you will be qualified to teach: Intro to wing surfing Improve your wing surfing First flights Sustained flights (Foiling elements based on personal ability.)	16 years old + Valid First Aid Certificate RYA Powerboat Level 2 RYA Safe and Fun Safeguarding Certificate RYA membership
RYA Senior Dinghy Instructor 4 days	This course trains experienced RYA Dinghy Instructors to manage multiple courses and oversee the safe operation of a RYA sailing school. The 4-day course covers preparation and delivery of sessions, course and centre management, powerboat handling in a teaching environment, RYA Sailing Schemes and the role of a Senior Instructor.	16 years old + Valid First Aid Certificate RYA Powerboat Level 2 and Safety Boat RYA Safe and Fun Safeguarding Certificate Recommendation from a Centre Principle RYA membership
RYA Dinghy Instructor Pre Entry Assessment 1 Day	Candidates should be able to complete tasks such as those listed below, sailing at all times with an awareness of the 'five essentials', and confirming they can sail in a controlled and confident manner, showing consideration for preparation, communication, approach and execution at all times. During the assessment the candidate will be asked to complete the following: Sail around a triangular course of 100m (minimum) legs to the best of their ability using all the boat’s normal equipment, including spinnaker if carried. Sail a tight circular course around a stationary boat, making only one tack and one gybe. Sail a ‘follow my leader’ course behind another boat. The course may include all points of sailing and maybe behind another sailing dinghy or behind a powered boat. Pick up a man overboard dummy; the boat to be stopped and more than one attempt should not be needed. The candidate may also be asked to complete some of the following: Sail without a rudder, or with the tiller on a loose elastic, around a triangular course. You will be expected to make good progress around the course in a seamanlike manner (not applicable to keelboat or multihull instructor candidates). Lee shore landing and departure. Anchor or pick up a mooring - wind against tide (if appropriate). Come alongside a moored boat - wind against tide (if appropriate). Recover a capsized dinghy and sail away (not keelboats).
RYA Powerboat Level 2 2 days	All you need to know for self-sufficient powerboating at a basic level. Course includes launching, mooring, anchoring and recovery plus all the boat driving skills required for basic competence in a powerboat.	For the Level 2 Powerboat Handling course the minimum age is 12, but a commercial endorsement cannot be obtained until the age of 17.

We also offer:

Bespoke skills development sessions
Work experience opportunities

To register your interest and to find out more, please fill in this form and we'll be in touch!

Latest

Community event to showcase local crafts and activities at Siblyback Lake

Join charity South West Lakes Trust for a day of fun, taster sessions, nature activities and entertainment for the whole family against the striking backdrop of Bodmin Moor at Siblyback Lake.
Roadford Nature Reserve Volunteer Day

Join us on Thursday 16 July for a volunteering day at Roadford Nature Reserve to remove tree guards and help maintain the grounds.
Friends of South West Lakes Trust: Single Local Friendship

By joining us as a Single Local Friend, you will not only be supporting our work, but you will also enjoy year-round parking at one lake of your choice.
Become a Friend of South West Lakes Trust

Become a Friend of South West Lakes Trust to support our work caring for the lakes you love, with options incorporating an annual car parking pass for one or all of our lakes.

Current reservoir levels

See the current water levels in our reservoirs.
Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor

Wimbleball is a hub of colour and activity throughout all the seasons. Nestled within the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park, there are plenty of ways to get active at Wimbleball. With an array of walking and cycling trails winding around the 530 acre site, and a fantastic range of watersports and other activities available, this is the perfect location to spend a day outdoors – whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging expedition.
Equipment Hire

Experience the ultimate family adventure by exploring the lakes at your own pace. We have a variety of watersports equipment available to hire including; kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards and more.
South West Lakes Trust Booking Confirmation

Thank you for your South West Lakes Trust booking. You’ll receive a confirmation email shortly with details of your booking.
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Wimbleball Campsite (Somerset, Exmoor)

Experience a family camping holiday like no other at Wimbleball Lake, nestled in the hills of Exmoor National Park. Create the ultimate camping break packed with adventure, creating lasting memories for the whole family.
Self-launch and Launch Membership

Already have your own kit? You can launch your own kayak, canoe, dingy or stand up paddleboard at our lakes! And, if you are a regular visitor, you can even become a member and launch as often as you like at all five activity centres!
Roadford Lake, Devon

Roadford Lake sits within the stunning surroundings of the Wolf Valley, close to Launceston on the Cornwall border. One of the biggest and busiest inland waters in the South West, the lake is surrounded by a variety of natural habitats, including Culm Grasslands, woodlands, old pastures and orchards.
Siblyback, Cornwall

Surrounded by the striking backdrop of Bodmin Moor, Siblyback Lake lies within the Cornwall National Landscape. There is a beautiful 5km round lake circuit, which is perfect for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. The path runs adjacent to the lake, and passes by the impressive Siblyback Dam and through woodlands.F
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