Stand Up Paddle boarding | SUP

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Northern Ireland

Stand up paddle boarding in Northern Ireland is one of the most accessible, enjoyable, and fast-growing water sports, and Strangford Lough Activity Centre offers professionally delivered SUP sessions in one of the most outstanding coastal environments in the country. Based on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down, we provide instructor-led stand up paddle boarding experiences for beginners, improvers, groups, and organisations looking to enjoy the water safely and confidently.

Often referred to simply as SUP, stand up paddle boarding is a versatile activity that combines balance, gentle physical activity, and exploration. It is suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities and is an ideal introduction to water sports in Northern Ireland. Our SUP sessions focus on confidence, technique, safety, and enjoyment, allowing participants to progress at a comfortable pace while experiencing Strangford Lough from a unique perspective.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding on Strangford Lough

Strangford Lough is widely regarded as one of the best places to paddle board in Northern Ireland. A sheltered haven of bays, inlets, drumlin islands, and historic landmarks, the lough provides calm and manageable conditions that are ideal for learning and exploring by paddle board.

Paddling on Strangford Lough allows participants to enjoy scenic coastal views and quiet waterways while remaining close to shore. Sessions are carefully planned around weather, wind, and tidal conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on the water.

Stand up paddle boarding on Strangford Lough offers:

  • Sheltered waters suitable for beginners

  • Scenic views of islands, shoreline, and historic features

  • Calm conditions for learning balance and paddle technique

  • Opportunities to explore quietly and responsibly

Our instructors have detailed local knowledge and select suitable launch points and routes based on group ability and conditions on the day.

SUP Lessons in Northern Ireland

Our stand up paddle boarding lessons in Northern Ireland are suitable for complete beginners as well as those who have paddled before and want to improve their skills. No previous experience is required, and all sessions begin with a clear introduction and safety briefing.

SUP lessons cover key skills including:

  • Board control and balance

  • Efficient paddle technique

  • Turning and manoeuvring

  • Self-rescue and water safety

  • Awareness of wind, tides, and environment

Lessons are delivered in small groups to ensure individual attention and support. Participants are encouraged to progress at their own pace, with instructors adapting activities to suit confidence levels and ability.

Ready to Ride SUP Sessions

For those new to the sport, we run regular Ready to Ride SUP sessions, which are open, instructor-led lessons designed to give participants a strong introduction to stand up paddle boarding.

These sessions are ideal if you want to try SUP before committing to a longer course. Ready to Ride sessions typically last two hours and run daily, with morning, afternoon, and evening options available depending on demand and conditions.

Participants will learn the fundamentals of SUP while enjoying a guided paddle through sheltered waters and scenic surroundings.

Book a ‘Ready to Ride’ SUP Lesson

Please read our booking terms and conditions before booking.

Book 4 or more people for 2 hours and save 12.5% using the voucher code BIG-GROUP-2HR-SUP on your booking.

SUP as Slow Tourism

SUP is often described as a form of slow tourism, offering a relaxed way to explore some of the most picturesque parts of Northern Ireland. Paddle boarding allows you to move quietly through the landscape, enjoy the scenery, and connect with the environment while improving balance, fitness, and technique.

Simply put on a wetsuit and buoyancy aid, grab a board and paddle, and follow our experienced instructors on a guided journey through remote islands and calm waters. This approach makes stand up paddle boarding suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities, weather and wind conditions permitting.

Equipment and Boards

Strangford Lough Activity Centre uses high-quality, industry-leading equipment to ensure comfort, stability, and performance on the water. We provide wide and stable paddle boards that are ideal for beginners and group sessions.

Our equipment includes boards from leading brands such as Red Paddle Co and Starboard, recognised for their quality and reliability. All boards, paddles, and safety equipment are regularly checked and maintained.

We provide:

  • Stand up paddle boards suitable for beginners and tours

  • Adjustable paddles

  • Wetsuits and buoyancy aids

  • Leashes where appropriate

Participants should bring a towel, sun protection, and footwear suitable for wearing on the water. We recommend wearing swimwear under clothing, as there are no changing facilities at some meeting points.

Group Stand Up Paddle Boarding Sessions

Stand up paddle boarding is an excellent group activity and is popular with groups of friends, schools, youth organisations, community groups, and corporate teams. Group SUP sessions can be organised to suit your availability and objectives, subject to weather and conditions.

Group sessions can focus on:

  • Team building and communication

  • Confidence building and personal development

  • Reward and enrichment activities

  • Introduction to paddle boarding in Northern Ireland

SLAC can typically accommodate up to 45 participants, on a mixture of individual paddle boards and large mega sups that can take up to ten participants depending on conditions and supervision ratios. Our instructors ensure sessions are inclusive, supportive, and enjoyable for all participants.

SUP for Schools and Youth Groups

Strangford Lough Activity Centre works with schools and youth organisations across Northern Ireland to deliver SUP sessions that support outdoor learning and physical activity. Paddle boarding is particularly well suited to young people as it is engaging, accessible, and encourages balance and coordination.

School and youth group sessions focus on:

  • Building confidence on the water

  • Developing balance and coordination

  • Encouraging teamwork and communication

  • Promoting physical activity and wellbeing

Sessions are age-appropriate and delivered in line with safeguarding and risk assessment procedures. All equipment is provided, and instructors create a supportive learning environment for young paddlers.

Corporate and Team Building SUP Activities

Stand up paddle boarding also works well as part of a corporate or team building programme. The activity encourages focus, communication, and adaptability while offering a relaxed and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Corporate SUP sessions can include:

  • Introduction to stand up paddle boarding

  • On-water team challenges

  • Combined SUP and land-based activities

  • Half-day or full-day outdoor programmes

These sessions are designed to be inclusive, with no requirement for previous paddling experience.

Other SUP Activities and Experiences

In addition to lessons and group sessions, we offer a range of SUP-based experiences and activities, including:

Paddle Board Tours

Join one of our guided SUP tours using high-quality touring boards. Tours explore scenic routes, islands, and points of interest on Strangford Lough and can also be arranged at other suitable locations across Northern Ireland. Minimum numbers apply. Contact us for more info.

Birthday Parties

Celebrate a birthday with a stand up paddle boarding session. Options include individual boards or our Mega SUP, which can accommodate multiple participants. SUP parties can include snorkelling, games and challenges suitable for different age groups. Contact us for more information.

Skills Courses

Learn to SUP in more depth on our structured paddle board skills courses. These courses cover strokes, turning, balance, rescues, safety, and the theory of tides and weather. Courses typically run over several weeks and provide a solid foundation for confident paddling. We have courses for beginners and improvers. Contact us to be added to the update list.

Instructor Courses

Strangford Lough Activity Centre is a recognised BSUPA and Paddle NI qualification provider. We offer instructor courses and leadership courses, including BSUPA Level 1 and Level 2 SUP Instructor qualifications, BCAB Paddle Sports Instructor, Paddle Sport Leader, and PSRT courses for those wishing to work in the industry or lead groups.

Events

We organise a range of SUP events and experiences throughout the year, including popular options such as Sunrise SUP and island Yoga sessions, Singles SUP, Sunset Paddle & BBQ, Full Moon Paddles. Larger group and multi-activity events can also be arranged on request.

Mobile Stand Up Paddle Boarding Sessions

As a mobile activity provider, Strangford Lough Activity Centre can deliver stand up paddle boarding sessions at suitable locations across Northern Ireland. Mobile SUP sessions are ideal for schools, organisations, and events with access to calm water environments.

All mobile sessions include qualified instruction, full equipment provision, and location assessment to ensure safety and suitability. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Environmental Awareness and Responsible Paddling

Stand up paddle boarding on Strangford Lough takes place within an environmentally sensitive area. We promote responsible paddling and respect for wildlife and habitats during all sessions.

Participants are encouraged to understand:

  • Awareness of wildlife and protected habitats

  • How to minimise disturbance while paddling

  • The importance of responsible access to waterways

This approach helps ensure that paddle boarding in Northern Ireland remains sustainable and enjoyable for future users.

Booking Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Northern Ireland

Stand up paddle boarding sessions can be booked for individuals, groups, and organisations, with flexible options available depending on group size, experience, and time available. Sessions can be booked as standalone activities or combined with other outdoor or water-based experiences.

If you are looking for stand up paddle boarding in Northern Ireland delivered by experienced instructors in a unique and sheltered coastal setting, Strangford Lough Activity Centre offers a professional, friendly, and well-established service.

To discuss availability, group bookings, courses, or tailored SUP experiences, please get in touch and we will be happy to help plan your paddle boarding experience on Strangford Lough.

FAQ’s

What do I need to Bring?

Bring a towel, sun protection & shoes that you can wear on the water

What is Provided?

Paddle Board, Paddle, Leash, Wetsuits & Buoyancy Aids Provided

Who is it Suitable For?

Depends on wind and weather. We recommend it is suitable for for ages 8+ if paddling alone. Young participants can join in. However may need to be tethered to an instructor or share a board with parents. Please note that we also have Mega SUP’s where the whole family can paddle together.

What weight is it suitable for?

Our boards can accommodate all shapes and sizes. We have larger boards for larger people and smaller boards for smaller people. A basic level of fitness is required.

Duration?

Our ready to ride sessions are 2 hours in duration (not including kit up time). However for group sessions we can tailor sessions to your requirements and budgets.

Do you need to be able to swim?

We provide buoyancy aids and leashes which help you to float and remain attached to board. Therefore, as long as you can float with confidence without panicking, you will be fine.

Where do we meet?

Most paddle board sessions start from Whiterock Bay Launch Point