Bay SUP

Bay SUP offers stand-up paddleboarding lessons and tours from the coastal village of Ballyvaughan, in the heart of the Burren in north-west County Clare. Sessions take place on the calm, sheltered waters along the southern shores of Galway Bay, a setting well suited to paddling for beginners and more experienced visitors alike.

The operator provides group and private lessons, board rentals, summer camps and guided SUP tours. Introductory sessions are aimed at those with no previous experience, while tours are designed for paddlers who have already learned the basics. Most beginner sessions run from the New Pier in Ballyvaughan, where there is ample parking, and all necessary kit is supplied, including board, paddle, buoyancy aid and wetsuit.

Bay SUP is run in association with the long-established Aloha Surf School, and its instructors are qualified SUP and surf coaches who are Garda vetted and trained in child protection. Paddling from the water gives a different vantage point on the Burren’s distinctive limestone coastline, with the chance to spot seals along the way.

The centre operates seasonally, from May to September. As details such as pricing and session times can change, it is worth checking the Bay SUP website before planning a visit.