Stand Up Paddle Ireland On A Wild Tour
Have you ever dreamt about paddling under cliffs that are so high you can barely see the top of them? Or venturing deep into sea caves that go hundreds of feet into a mountain or camping under the stars next to the ocean. The evening’s entertainment being millions of stars and the gentle sound of lapping waves on the seashore while you relax in front of a campfire.
Well, the west coast of Ireland has all this and a whole lot more. The west coast has been carved out by the Atlantic Ocean for millions of years, pounded by wind, rain and waves. It has some of the most dramatic coastline you will find anywhere. It is blessed by the ocean current called The Gulf Stream which hails from the Caribbean Sea. It brings with it a variety of plants, migrating birds and marine life that would otherwise be unable to survive so far north. Many areas have a sheltered micro climate that host unusual plants and wildlife which might make you think you are in a completely different country.
The south west region has a number of peninsulas that stick out into the Atlantic. These coves, bays, inlets and estuaries offer some of the best paddle board touring opportunities around. They provide excellent sheltered conditions and enable you to explore a largely undeveloped coastline. To compliment the stunning scenery, the coast is dotted with small sleepy fishing villages and lively towns full of buzzing bars and restaurants.
Wild SUP Tours has been taking groups on stand up paddle board tour adventures for a few years now and these are the areas they explore. They operate out of the bustling town of Dingle, Co. Kerry on the Dingle Peninsula but run tours all along the southwest coast. From three-hour trips into Dingle harbor to multi day camping challenges to an all-inclusive luxury retreat weaving in and out of the famous Ring of Kerry coastline, Wild SUP Tours caters to all experience levels.
We here at 101 Surf Sports sussed out the Wild SUP tours crew to make sure they shared the stoke like we do. We can let you know these folks have the same problem we do - paddle addiction.
The best time of the year to go to Ireland is in Spring when the water is warming up and not too many tourists are about yet. The water temperature is around 55⁰F, which sounds a little chilly, but Wild SUP Tours has a full range of wetsuits and equipment to suit all conditions. Summer and Fall are also great times of year to visit as the evenings are long and the water is warmer. On midsummer’s day it doesn’t become dark until 11.30pm! The water temperature at this time of year is around 65⁰F.
Nobody comes to Ireland for the sun, but it’s the clouds that make it so beautiful. They are the reason all the fields are so green and the colors so vibrant. When the sun breaks through the cloud cover, you can see beams of light shooting down from the heavens as almost solid. It’s dramatic, moody, and photographs really don’t do it justice. When you are lucky enough to get a bright sunny day, no place on Earth is as lovely. Thanks to its temperate climate, it never gets too hot or too cold. The air temperatures can range from high 50s to the low-80s. Bring a range of clothes when you next come visit, from a waterproof jacket to your swim suit, you’ll want to be ready for anything.
To find out more about this adventure of a life time go to www.wildsuptours.com for more info. Get in touch, Wild SUP Tours would love to hear from you!
