The world’s fastest growing water sport can be enjoyed all-year round in Carrickfergus with WaveRides Paddleboarding now offering a range of classes in the coastal town’s sheltered harbour.
A mixture of punting, surfing and canoeing, paddleboarding is taught by Robbie Richardson, a qualified instructor with over 35 years maritime experience.
“I’m delighted to bring the joy of paddleboarding to Mid and East Antrim ,” he said.
“It is a fun activity for all the family that combines the pleasure of learning a new skill on the water with real fitness and mental health benefits.”
WaveRides Paddleboarding courses feature a two-hour beginner’s class in Carrickfergus harbour, that includes full instruction on and off the water and the chance to take to the board.
“Participants get to learn how to stand up on a wide and stable paddleboard, using an elongated paddle to power them through the water,” explained Robbie. “This is a special leisure activity that is suitable for everybody.
“Simply put on a wetsuit and buoyancy aid and grab a board and paddle.”
Each two-hour session begins with a full safety session and, if participants don’t have access to a wet suit they are provided with one, together with the board and flotation aids and basic instructions on how to get on the board.
There is also a night time paddleboarding course branded the Dark & Stormy that sees paddleboarders enjoying the illuminated views of the Castle and across Belfast Lough.
WaveRides Paddleboarding also runs Away Day Group paddling outings that sees those who have a little experience on a board travel up and down the lough shore. Or for more beginner group days the ‘Mammoth’ board is available which holds up to 12 people making it the perfect test of balance for team building days or birthday parties.
“Our main base is Carrickfergus harbour for the Away Days,” Robbie said. “We put into practice all our chat about meteorology, weather and how to interpret going downwind at venues like Fisherman’s Quay
“We might paddle from there to Carrick or the other way then go and get ice cream.”
They also do away days to the Loughshore Park, Hazelbank, Browns Bay and Whitehead. To learn more visit the WaveRides Paddleboarding Facebook page here.