For this Discover Stand Up Paddle Boarding course participants should be able to swim 10 metres wearing a buoyancy aid. All participants should be 16 years +.
If you would like to attend with a younger course participant, please contact the centre for further details prior to attending to speak to one of our coaches, as we do also stock tandem SUP boards.
↓ Course summary
Our Discover Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) Skills course is suitable for anyone who is water confident and willing to give it a go. Tollymore’s location gives the flexibility to select the most suitable flat water sheltered venue for your First Step SUP Skills course, ensuring you get the most out of your session.
SUP boards are much longer, wider and more buoyant than ‘normal’ surfboards, enabling you to comfortably balance on them and propel yourself with the paddle. The equipment is light and easy to carry independently and really is a fantastic way to get around on the water.
The coaching session will begin with a safety briefing and general familiarisation with the board and paddle. We then demonstrate launching, landing and the safety position which everyone should revert to whenever they have any balance difficulties or when they return to shore.
We then provide detailed coaching on paddling techniques and steering the board. Skills taught will include how to stand using the correct posture and technique, forward and reverse paddle, simple turns and self-rescue techniques.
Eventually we will take you on a journey giving you the opportunity to put into practice the skills you have just acquired.
↓ Who is the course for?
The Discover Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) Skills course is an introductory session aimed at those wishing to give Stand Up Paddling a go for the first time.
Course participants will be able to avail of all kit and equipment from our extensive stores. Participants are encouraged to bring footwear (wetsuit boots or old trainers) suitable for paddling, swimwear to wear under a wetsuit which we will provide, a warm long sleeved top, towel/toiletries, snack food and flask for a warm drink at the end of your session.
Participants are always encouraged to bring any personal equipment so they get the opportunity to be coached using the equipment they are most familiar with.
↓ What does my course fee include?
The fee includes kit , equipment, in- course transport and instruction from one of our experienced instructors.
↓ Useful books and resources
BCU Handbook
Current situation
As you are probably aware the current advice from the Northern Ireland Executive, Health Promotion Agency NI and Health & Safety Executive NI, as well as our expert group within Sport NI is that we cannot deliver any face to face courses for our customers including use of the Hot Rock Climbing Wall.
We know that you and many others like minded folk are very keen to get back on track with your plans to attend and complete a range of personal skills training and qualifications in a range of disciplines.
Believe us when we say we are equally keen to get outside with you and help you reach your goals and complete that journey.
How do we know? Because every day we get emails and phone calls asking when will courses resume and with every NI Executive mention of easing of restrictions the emails and phone calls are more frequent……
