Words & photos: Lisa Drewe https://www.islandeering.comNewquay, the Gannel (6.5km return)Shallow and with vibrant green-blue lagoons, the Gannel estuary is a safe family paddle on lower tides, with a stunning higher-tide option for the intrepid, almost into Newquays centre.Launch at the northeast end of Crantock Beach and head upstream, then immediately pass the Fern Pit ferry boathouse, taking care when paddling over the submerged footbridge at the base of East Pentires cliffs.Cross the mouth of Penpol Creek on the right and look out for ancient rotting vessels the river was an important passage for the schooners and barges that ferried coal and timber up to Trevemper Bridge.Continue upstream, avoiding another hazard: the submerged Penpol footbridge, which crosses the Gannel at low water. Hotels and large houses spill down the north bank of the river, with pasture and woodland on the south.On the approach to Newquays boating lake, glide through a peaceful salt marsh home to wading birds and salt-loving plants. Turn around at the footbridge south of the A392 (or before, depending on tide and time), then return to Crantock Beach for fresh crab and lobster from the Fern Pit Ferry Caf.Access restrictions: No licence required.Starting point: Crantock Beach TR8 5RE.Grid ref. SW 7887 6110 (50.4080, -5.1134).Parking: Crantock Beach Car Park (NT), Beach Road, Crantock, TR8 5RN.Pitstops: Great coffee and cake from a converted army truck on the beach, Cargo Coffee, tel. 07976 238548; delicious crab sandwiches and views, Fern Pit Caf, tel. 01637 873181.Lessons, hire, tours: Big Green Adventures, Crantock Beach, tel. 01637 479279.Getting there: Exit Newquay on A392, right at second roundabout onto A3075 (Goonhavern), then right again following signs to Crantock Beach. Height restriction barrier at Crantock car park (2.1m), open when the car park is attended (09:00-17:00, April to October). Very busy during summer; alternative private parking nearby.Special points: Full journey upriver best paddled on a spring six-metre plus tide. At high tide, buoys mark the position of the two underwater footbridges. Generally sheltered from a north wind, but east and west winds can funnel along the estuary. Avoid the estuary mouth where a rip current is created when the tide turns or when sand bars start to appear. Crantock beach area is best paddled 90 minutes either side of high tide.FULL Route map: www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-newquay-the-gannel/