Complete guide to stand-up paddleboarding in Northern Ireland
This summer’s hot staycation trend 🌊
Last updated 21st Jul 2021
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has been growing in popularity over the past few years here in Northern Ireland. We’ve got an array of thrilling waterways, lakes and beaches to explore.
When the sun is shining and the weather is calm, there’s nothing quite like being in out on the water. Much of the appeal of stand-up paddleboarding lies in its tempting simplicity.
It’s no wonder celebrity stars like Rihanna, Jennifer Aniston and Peirce Brosnan are fans of this sport.
It doesn’t matter what your body size, shape or level of fitness is. It’s so easy, pretty much anyone can get involved, even your dog can jump on board.
And believe us, this is a sport, SUP is the ultimate workout. It’s an exercise in strength and endurance that requires almost every element of the body to co-operate and pull its weight.
When you paddle through the water, your quadriceps, shoulders, arms, and knees work together to propel you forward. Your leg muscles also up their game to help the core in keeping your balance.
Before paddle boarding for the first time, there are a few basic techniques and tips to learn.
Safety tips before you hit the water:
Just like you would for surfing or sea swimming, checking the weather is crucial before taking to the water. A calm breeze is best for SUP – although if you are ever caught off guard with a wind change lay down with your paddle tucked under you and paddle the board like a regular surfboard.
NI's waters might look inviting in the glorious sunshine, but they can be freezing beneath the surface. A wetsuit, swim belt and/or dry bag are advised.
A leash will keep your board tethered to you, which is crucial if the paddling conditions change, you are tired, lost and/or paddle far from shore.
Always hold the paddle with one hand on the top of the handle and the other on the shaft. Dip the blade fully into the water and pull back with long strokes.
Your core has some of the strongest muscles in your body, so they'll provide the most effective power. Just using your arms will be very tiring and you'll eventually run out of steam.
The natural temptation is to look down at the board and pray you don't fall in. However, for the best stability, you want to keep your head up, back straight and your body weight over your toes.
You want to fall away from your board, don't worry you're attached to it with your leash, it won't float too far.
Where can you paddleboard in Northern Ireland?
Some of the most popular places to SUP are...
- Bangor Marina
- Portrush Harbour
- Killyleagh Quay
- Strangford Lough
- Ballyholme Bay
- Whiterock/Mahee Island
- Donaghadee Harbour
- Sea Park, Holywood
- Portmuck, Antrim
- Lough Neagh
- Carrickfergus Marina
- Quoile River, Downpatrick
- Shaws Bridge
- River Lagan
- Castlewellan Lake
- Oxford Island
- Craigavon Lakes
- Lough Erne
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