Fun and adventure for the whole family

Likely originating in Polynesia (a ship’s artist for Captain Cook’s voyage to the Sandwich Islands, in a 1781 engraving, shows a possible paddleboarder or surfer in the centre left foreground). Among the first western paddleboard pioneers was Thomas Edward Blake who, in addition to leading the way in the creation of lighter boards for surfing and paddleboarding, according to surf journalist Drew Kampion, ‘altered everything. He almost single-handedly transformed surfing from a primitive [sic] Polynesian curiosity into a 20th Century lifestyle.’

Paddleboards are divided into four ‘classes’ – Sprint Boards (also known as Racers or Racing Mals and around 10.5 foot in length), Stock (12 foot), 14 foot, and Unlimited (typically around 18 foot, but with boards exceeding 20 foot having been constructed), and have experienced several moments of popularity peaking in the 80s, 90s and again, lately, in the 2020s.

While it missed out in an attempt to be included in the 2024 games, the inclusion of surfing at Olympic level and of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) at many national and continental tournaments, is thought to be a positive indication for its inclusion at the 2028 California Olympics (which would be a suitable homage to Blake, who is considered the founder of Californian surf culture and where he adapted his hollow surfboard design into a paddleboard for use as a rescue aid).

• Traeth Crigyll (Rhosneigr): – A magnificent beach, Traeth Crigyll also makes for an excellent paddleboarding destination, especially for beginners – for whom the boat pool offers a calm and sheltered paddle – while more experienced paddleboarders can venture a little further out to challenge themselves against breaking waves.
• Bull Bay: – The mostly calm waters of Bull Bay are great for beginners, but also provide access to a challenge for more experienced SUPers – the paddle to the tiny islet of Ynys Amlwch (East Mouse), the final resting place of the wreck of SS Dakota.
• Menai Strait: – With strong currents, the Menai Strait is a destination that should be reserved for experienced paddleboarders (and even then, those that don’t mind the occasional unexpected swim), but this is a test you won’t regret taking and provides some awesome views to reward the adventurous.
• Porth Dafarch: – Offering plenty of room for beginners, but with some challenging, choppy water only a short paddle from the shore, Porth Dafarch is a stunning location that complements the opportunity for a day’s paddling with glorious scenery.
• Cemlyn : – Not for the faint of heart, Cemlyn is an area with turbulent water and a strong tidal flow, but for experienced paddleboarders, the area will provide a fantastic challenge and fantastic scenery.
• Traeth Llanddwyn (Newborough): – A spectacular area with mountain views, Traeth Llanddwyn provides a perfect paddle for both beginner (near the shore) and more experienced (a little further out into open water) as well as the option to take a trip over to the tidal island of Ynys Llanddwyn.
• Holyhead Harbour: – Ideal for beginners due to the protection of the Holyhead Breakwater, the harbour is one of the better provided for in terms of amenities – with cafes, restaurants and bars to retire to – but is also a great place for a gentle day on the board, or for newcomers to the sport to find their sea legs.
• Llyn Maelog, Rhosneigr: – If you’re not quite ready for the sea, then you can try a more sedate paddle on Llyn Maelog, which will provide all the natural beauty of the island without the waves!

 
You can find plenty of additional information on other available water sports on our site, or about the various beaches, in our beaches section.

Where to Hire Equipment

Psyched Paddleboarding

8 Bridge Street,
Menai Bridge,
LL59 5DW

Prices range from £40 for a half day and £60 for a full day, but with tours and courses also available (see below), Psyched Paddleboarding are a friendly bunch and will be happy to help you find what you need to make the most of your SUPer holiday on Anglesey.

Hiraeth Hire

10 Gwel Y Don,
Pentraeth,
LL75 8LX

Despite a limited choice of board (you can only hire a Ogwen 10’6 SUP), Hiraeth Hire competes well on price – with a day’s hire costing £40 and then £12 for every subsequent day. While the board selection may cause more experienced SUP enthusiasts to look elsewhere, this is an excellent board for beginners and will suit families looking to experiment before exploring more costly options.

Funsport

1 Beach Terrace
Rhosneigr
LL64 5QB

A little more pricey than the other two options, but with hourly rates starting from £14 per hour (but with longer slots available for booking) and a location ideal for those new to SUPing, Funsport is ideal if you just want to spend a couple of hours on the water at beautiful (if we say so ourselves) Rhosneigr.

Where to Book Lessons

Psyched Paddleboarding

8 Bridge Street,
Menai Bridge,
LL59 5DW

Prices range from £40 for a half day and £60 for a full day, but with tours and courses also available (see below), Psyched Paddleboarding are a friendly bunch and will be happy to help you find what you need to make the most of your SUPer holiday on Anglesey.

Gecko Surf

High Street,
Rhosneigr,
LL64 5UQ

A family run business, Gecko offers SUP lessons for ages 8+ and for all levels of experience. Lessons are for 1.5 hours and take place on either Broad Beach or Rhosneigr Beach depending on tides and weather conditions. Lessons cost £40 per person and include a wetsuit, board and expert tutor.