Supported ocean sessions · Free to access · At your pace
Our Purpose
Blue spaces belong to everyone
The Positive Waves Collective is a Newquay-based community wellbeing project offering free, instructor-led ocean sessions.
It exists to help remove the barriers that stop people from accessing blue spaces, whether physical, physiological, financial, or social.
For many people, the sea can feel intimidating, unfamiliar, or financially out of reach. We aim to change that through supported sessions that prioritise emotional and physical safety, learning at your own pace, respect for the ocean and a sense of community.
We believe confidence grows gradually, through understanding, support and positive experiences.
Everything we deliver is adapted to both the environment and the needs of each individual.
The sea is for everyone.
We help remove the barriers.
Who Our Sessions Are For
Our sessions are open to adults who may be…
No previous experience is needed.
We welcome a wide range of abilities and experiences, and we adapt sessions wherever possible to support individual access, comfort and safety. If you're unsure whether a session is right for you, we're always happy to have a conversation first.
The sea is for everyone.
We help remove the barriers.
Our Sessions
What we offer
All sessions are instructor-led and adapted to individual comfort levels. Participation is always optional and never pressured.
4-Week Ocean Programme
A small group programme designed to gently build familiarity and confidence in and around the sea. Across four weeks, participants are introduced to:
- A range of water-based activities designed to build your confidence
- Ocean understanding and safety
This programme is wellbeing-focused. It is about feeling safer and more comfortable in blue spaces, not performance or progression.
Wellbeing-focused — not performance.
Taster Sessions
Our taster sessions are one-off, supported water activities for those who would like to experience being in or around the sea with guidance and reassurance.
Activities are always shaped around the conditions, the group's comfort levels and safety on the day. This could be surfing, bodyboarding, paddlesports or a swim, whatever works best.
These sessions are a good place to start if you're feeling unsure, new to the sea or unable to commit to our four-week programme.
Good place to start if you're feeling unsure.
Blue Health Swim
Calm, supported sea swims focused on blue health, confidence building and community support. Wear a wetsuit or swimsuit — whatever you're comfortable with.
Sessions run year-round at local beaches, with experienced swimmers on hand throughout. No targets, no timers — just you, the sea, and a welcoming group of people.
Research consistently shows time in cold water can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and build resilience. We're here to help you experience that safely.
Sea, community, and a cup of tea after.
A Gentle Invitation
There's no wrong way to start
If you've ever felt drawn to the sea but aren't sure where to start, or if you'd like to reconnect with the ocean, we'd love to hear from you.
You can register your interest in a session using the form below, or reach us directly — we're here to answer questions and help you find the right way to start.
Our Values
Everything we do is guided by
Accessibility
Reducing financial and social barriers so the sea belongs to everyone.
Safety before ego
Physical and emotional safety always comes first — no exceptions.
Inclusivity
Everyone is welcome here. Full stop.
Education over confidence
We respect the power of the sea and teach that respect gently.
Community
Connection matters just as much as the water.
Integrity
Impact over metrics. We measure success in smiles, not stats.
We take safeguarding seriously and work in partnership with local organisations to ensure safe practice.
The Team
Stewarded by Freddie and Sarah
The Positive Waves Collective is stewarded by Freddie and Sarah, experienced water instructors based in Newquay.
With professional training in surf instruction, watersports, adaptive practice and coastal safety, we bring a strong foundation of experience to every session, alongside up-to-date safeguarding and first-aid training.
Freddie
Sarah
Register Your Interest
Take the first step.
If you'd like to join a session, the first step is to register your interest. There's no commitment at this stage. It simply allows us to understand your needs and share upcoming session dates. We'll follow up with more information and next steps.
Testimonials
What our community says
"Good."
Soph
Taster Session Participant
"I had the opportunity to try surfing with the wonderful Positive Waves Collective. They were so supportive & encouraging & we all had the best time. Building confidence, making new friends, seeing yourself in new ways…whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here."
Tracy
4 week Programme Participant
"Definitely beat a few demons on Saturday. It's the most alive I've felt in ages! It's given me the boost I needed to move onto the next stage of sorting my life out."
Ciara
Taster Session Participant
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Whether you're taking your first steps into the water or looking to build on existing confidence, we'd love to hear from you.