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Standup paddleboarding in Northern Ireland ranks as one of my best recommended local adventures. The biggest secret about Northern Ireland is that so many world travellers have yet to discover it. Yet our Atlantic buffeted shores offer endless treks and vistas for foodies, history buffs, culture vultures, and action heroes. We have some of the cleanest beaches, best surfing, and coolest surf cafes in the world. Go experience The Blue Mind!
To say I’m not a watersports person would understate it by a wide margin. I’m not even a sporty person, though I am a recent Pilates devotee. Does that count? ;) My family was organising a surprise birthday weekend. When they asked for ideas, paddleboarding was top of my list.
In this blog post, I provide an unsolicited and impartial Standup Paddleboarding with Alive Adventures activity review.
Relaxing Weekend Paddleboarding in Portrush
Paddleboarding has captured my imagination since I snapped the paddleboarder in the cover image gliding slowly around Glenarm harbour on the North Antrim Coast right here in Northern Ireland. She was both strongly poised and physically relaxed. For those in the know, peace is something you begin crave and protect more as you get older. And, paddleboarding is one of those unique experiences where the mobile phone, laptop, and other calls for attention can be cheerfully left back on dry land.
The Blue Mind
The Blue Mind was something that was introduced to me by one of our party as we paddled slowly across the surf out into calmer, yet mesmerisingly undulating, waters. Scientists have found that being near, on, or in water brings a sense of calm, because it produces endorphins and dopamine. No amount of possessions or substances will ever achieve what nature can. This is what is known as The Blue Mind.
Undulating waves have long since been a source of solace during times of deep grief – something about the vastness of the ocean that is calming. At such times, my husband knows to bundle me – warm clothes, body, and what is left of my soul into the car and get me to the beach, stat. As a lifelong Creationist, my focus on such days is on the wildness crafted by my Creator who simultaneously pays attention to every sparrow that falls to the ground. I can drown in the crashing sounds of the ocean; the gritty taste of the salt in the air; thoughts of the lumbering giants below the surface; and the swift, sailing, bright clouds above. Even the name “The Blue Mind” makes me feel calm.
Paddledoarding with Alive Adventures in Portrush
We hired paddleboards, paddles, and personal floatation devices from six-time winner of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence and Hall of Fame Award, Alive Adventures Portrush. The first surf school in Northern Ireland and voted Best Family Activity Provider in Northern Ireland three years running, their station is situated on the grassy area in front of Portrush’s West Strand Car Park. You’ll see it as soon as you drive under the stone railway arch at the entrance.
There is free parking at the West Strand Car Park with a council toilet facility with a (very) basic shower block attached where you can get into and out of your wetsuit (always a wrangle-fest). Wear a swimsuit, and take flip-flops and a towel.
What Else is There to Do in Portrush?
- Enjoy authentic Italian food at Amici Ristorante just up the road in Portstewart. The night we were there, we spotted a DeLorean DMC-1, complete with flux capacitor, in the car park!
