 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
What is Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP for short)
SUP is an easy to ride giant surfboard with a paddle. The cool thing about it is you can "Surf anywhere" there is water and there's no need to be WAITING AROUND FOR WAVES!! SUP is the newest and easiest form of surfing to hit the west coast of Ireland and there is no better place to try it than on completely flat waters of the inland waterways in Lahinch.
The benefit's
- It's so much easier than surfing but you get the similar "cruising on the board" sensation
- Any one can SUP. In flat water one can learn the basics in 10min. The boards are 11 & 12ft and 3 foot wide, so they are very stable
- You can learn to surf & balance on the waterways and hopefully carry that experience into the surf where the same principles apply
- It's an awesome way to RELAX & check out the plant and wildlife of the waterways on the river Inagh in Lahinch
- BUT THE BIG BENEFIT ABOUT SUP is it's a great all body workout, from Toes & Ankles to Legs & Core to Shoulders and Neck. It is awesome body toning training
SUP has exploded globally especially in California, Australia and Hawaii, mainly because it is so easy and accessible to all
The View
-When You are standing on your board you are roughly 3feet higher than you would be on a canoe also you get to stand which feels much cooler than sitting obviously, great way to check out!
"Flat Water S.U.P. tours"
The Lahinch area has some beautiful waterways that are amazing to cruise on a SUP just 5min from Lahinch. It's totally other-worldly. It's like going on a relaxing excursion up the Amazon and a great fun work out.
"SUP Flat-Water Tours & Lessons"
Most our lessons are on flat water for SUP. When the surf goes flat and when there's no wind we can SUP on the sea. We supply the SUP boards and Wetsuits and Booties and lifevests if required. Everyone needs to be able to swim. You will be attached to the board via a surf leash for safety. There is a maximum of 4 persons per tour, per instructor. Here is the breakdown on cost.
Standard Price is 40 euro per person, min 3 per:
A SUP Lesson could be one of the three below
| "Taster" SUP Lesson: (for beginners, includes a small tour) | |
| Person 1 | €90 |
| Person 2 | €50 |
| Person 3 | €40 |
| Person 4 | €35 |
| Person 5 | €35 |
| "Tour" (2hours): (for partly experienced and experienced surfers) | |
| Person 1 | €90 |
| Person 2 | €60 |
| Person 3 | €40 |
| Person 4 | €40 |
| Person 5 | €35 |
| "Extended Tour" (3hours): (for partly experienced and experienced surfers) | |
| Person 1 | €140 |
| Person 2 | €75 |
| Person 3 | €60 |
| Person 4 | €50 |
| Person 5 | €40 |
Club Rates optional in the future.
Details:
Everyone needs to be able to swim.
Kids must be aged 13 or over - as upper body strength is needed.
Times and Duration
Tour & Lesson times are based around high tide time each day, thus times must change every day. Departure is from Lahinch Surf School Beach Hut, Lahinch Promenade. Some time is spent getting to location and launching equipment. See the duration of the tours and lessons above in "prices".
S.U.P. in the surf
Catching waves standing up on a SUP generally tricky. Once you are competent on the flat water it's definitely best to start off on a tiny (12 inch) wave on a beach break. SUP in the sea/surf is ideal for tiny waves when it may be too small to surf with a regular board. When there is no wind blowing with small surf lessons in the sea are an option. If the surf is too small for our "Surfing Lessons" we have the option to move to SUP lessons in the sea. Competent surfers really enjoy surfing waves on a SUP as the sensation of catching a wave standing up is really cool:)
"Instructors"
All our instructors are Irish Water Safety or RNLI Beach Lifeguards and I.S.A. qualified Surf Instructors.
Locations:
1 - Back strand Beach between under Lahinch-Liscannor Bridge
2 - Driving on from Location1 above, follow the signs for "pony trekking" by taking 3 rights until you see the next bridge
3 - The still water by the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon (this location is ideal if it is windy)
LESSON FORMAT:
Safety Speech & On-land Tuition
How to Launch
Learn to paddle lying down
Learn to paddle kneeling (with oar)
Practice falling in deep water
Practice standing on the board
Practice getting back to knees
Practice paddling both sides
Practice turning
