PADDLEBOARDING IN ABERSOCH

Paddleboarding has seen a huge rise in popularity over the last few years and is a great way of getting on the water in the Abersoch area. The rise has been fuelled by the development of inflatable paddleboards, so that large paddleboards can now be transported in a relatively compact bag and then easily inflated at the beach.

Both Abersoch main beach and the Warren beach are often good locations for using an inflatable paddleboard, with easy access and the bay provides sheltered conditions and waves are rare on these beaches.

Safety is very important when paddleboarding on the sea - so ensure you are properly prepared, carry and wear the correct safety equipment, wear a leash, and have checked that the tide and sea / wind conditions are suitable. The RNLI provide a useful guide to safety - click here.

There are now many brands of paddleboard available to buy, with a huge range of prices, however, from our experience the very cheap brands can be a false economy purchase. The reason for this is that they are often not built to the higher specifications of the more established brands resulting in a bendier and less user friendly board, which can also be much less durable. They are often single layered, use cheap glue (very important) and low quality drop stitching (also very important). Their lack of stiffness results in an unstable platform for adult paddlers - so be careful - cheap is not cheerful in most cases of inflatable SUP.

In Abersoch, there are various hire centres and shops where you can try or buy an inflatable SUP. Abersoch Off Axis run a paddleboard centre on the Warren Beach in the summer months and they retail various brands including the locally designed O'Shea range of paddlebords. Abersochwatersports.co.uk provide paddleboard lessons and social paddles and use the Red Paddle range of inflatable SUP, which they also sell in their Abersoch shop.

Things To Look Out For When Buying An Inflatable Paddleboard

When buying an inflatable paddleboard, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get a product that suits your needs and offers good value for your money. Some of the things to look out for include:

1. Board size: Consider your weight, height, and skill level when selecting the board size. A larger board is more stable and can accommodate more weight, while a smaller board is more agile and easier to maneuver. If in doubt - ask in Off Axis or Abersoch Watersports for specific advice.

2. Board thickness: The thickness of the board determines its rigidity and stability on the water. Generally, a thicker board is more stable and can handle more weight, while a thinner board is more nimble and easier to maneuver.

3. Material quality: Look for a paddleboard made of high-quality, durable materials such as military-grade PVC or drop-stitch construction. This will ensure that your board can withstand wear and tear, punctures, and exposure to the elements.

4. Weight capacity: Consider the weight capacity of the board to ensure that it can support your weight, plus any additional gear you may be carrying.

5. Accessories: Look for a package that includes a pump, paddle, leash, and carrying bag. These accessories are essential for using and transporting your paddleboard.

6. Brand reputation: Consider the reputation of the brand to ensure that you are buying a paddle board that is reliable and backed by good customer service. Examples of high quality, durable boards with long established reputations are O'Shea Paddleboards and Red Paddleboards.

7. Price: Compare prices from different brands and models. Remember that a higher price does not always guarantee a better product, and a lower price does not always mean lower quality - but be wary of the cheaper boards which are often under £300.

O'Shea Paddleboards:

As previously mentioned, O'Shea are a local brand and their paddleboards can be seen and purchased locally at Offaxis (they have a shop in Pwllheli and one in Abersoch) and at Abersoch Hydro.

Learn more about the history and heritage of O'Shea paddleboards - click here

Safety Advice
Stay safe with this advice from the RNLI: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/stand-up-paddle-boarding

Where to Learn or Hire:
Abersoch Off Axis have a paddleboarding centre on the Warren Beach Abersoch during the summer months - situated near the beach cafe. Contact www.offaxis.co.uk for info.

Abersoch Watersports provide paddleboard lessons and social paddles - see www.abersochwatersports.co.uk

Abersoch Hydro run paddleboarding lessons and rent boards on the main beach (SCYC end of the beach) see abersochhydro.com

Where to Buy:
Abersoch Off Axis sell various paddleboard including the highly popular O'Shea inflatable paddleboard range - www.offaxis.co.uk

Abersoch Watersports sell inflatable paddleboards including Red Paddle boards - see www.abersochwatersports.co.uk

Learn more about the O'Shea range by clicking here.