Course Outline

Standup Paddle Boarding (SUP has become very popular as a water based activity in recent years.

This course is aimed at children (10 - 16) and serves as a basic introduction to Standup Paddle Boarding, with a key focus on safety, enjoyment and ideal way to build confidence, safety awareness, and essential skills on the water.

Participants learn proper board handling, paddling techniques, and how to assess weather and tidal conditions—all in a safe, supportive environment. The course not only promotes physical activity but also fosters a strong respect for the marine environment.

For young people especially, it offers an accessible and enjoyable gateway to lifelong watersports participation.

Duration

2 Morning / Evenings as indicated.

Objective

By the end of this course the participant should have learnt:

Introduction & Safety

- Equipment fitting (boards, leashes, buoyancy aids)
- Weather, wind, tide, is it Safe to Go?
- Water safety briefing and signals
- Onshore practice: paddling, standing, falling safely
- Short guided paddle in shallow water

Skills Development

- Stroke technique, balance, turning
- Supervised paddle route within safe zone
- Fun relay or team activity (weather dependent)

Confidence & Awareness

- Longer paddle exploring nearby coast (weather/conditions permitting)
- Environmental awareness: tides, wind, local marine life
- Review of safety knowledge and self-rescue drills

Location

Galway Bay Sailing Club, Renville, Oranmore, H91 W678

Previous knowledge or experience

No previous experience required.

Medical Conditions

You must inform in advance if the participant has any know medical conditions, special needs and or behavior considerations that we should be aware of and or that would impact there ability to participate safely in all the activities.

Terms and Conditions

Please click her to see and read our terms and conditions

Equipment

Buoyancy aids are provided by GBSC. Wetsuits are available however if sailors have their own wetsuits and boots, that is preferable for their own comfort.

Footwear

Sandals, Flip Flops, Crocs or other similar open shoes are NOT recommended.

We recommend Runners, Aqua Shoes or Wetsuit Boots.

On the Day

Please bring:

Your own wetsuit (if you have one) booties or old runners
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
Towel, change of socks / underwear.
Warm dry clothing for when you come out of the water.
A notebook and pen/pencil (for coursework).
Lunch each day (if your course runs for the full day), water, hot drink.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding SUP Introduction Course (Evenings 1pm - 4pm Aug 12/13)