Stand Up Paddle Tours FAQs

How much are stand up paddle tours?

Stand Up Paddle Tour €35
Groups of 7+ €30pp

What is included in the tour?

  • All equipment (stand up paddle board, wetsuits, booties, buoyancy aid)
  • Transport to/from shop to the start point
  • ISA approval and insurance
  • Super friendly and qualified surf instructors
  • Land coaching
  • An introduction to stand up paddle boarding with equipment overview, paddle technique & skills.
  • If you’ve already covered the basics, we’ll tailor the session to suit your needs.
  • Tour of Dingle Bay 

What age range are your students?  

Paddle Boarding is recommended for those aged 12 and up. There is no upper age limit although a general level of fitness is required.

What kind of stand up paddle boards are used in the tour?

We use inflatable RED Paddle Boards that are the most advanced boards in their field. Don't let the word "inflatable" put you off, these boards are rock solid, yet really light so easy to manoeuvre and transport. Our equipment is regularly checked and is up to date to ensure your safety.

What kind of wetsuits are used in the tour?

We are proud to be a Billabong Surf School, and therefore we use only Billabong 5x3mm glued & blindstitched wetsuits to ensure you stay toasty and warm. Booties are also given all year around if you would like them although they are not recommended for stand up paddling.

May I bring my own wetsuit?

Yes you may, all wetsuits are suitable for paddle boarding - even shorties!

Do I have to wear a wetsuit?

Not necessarily. On warm days you are welcome to wear clothing that you don't mind getting wet. But please make sure that it is breathable as suitable for a workout.

Must I wear a buoyancy aid?

Yes. It is policy of the Dingle Harbour Marine & Fisheries Office that all users of the bay must wear a buoyancy aid at all times.

How long does the tour last?

Allow 2-2.5 hours from start to finish.  This time is made up of changing into wetsuits, transport to/from beach, land coaching and then approx 1.5hrs in the water.

What time do the tours start?

Our tours run daily at 9:00am and 5pm (during daylight saving hours) as this is when the winds are at their lightest. More sessions may be available so just ask. We need a minimum number of four people for the lessons to run so call ahead to see if we others heading out.

Do I need to book or can I just turn up on the day?

We STRONGLY advise you to book your tour. Please don’t just turn up because we may not be able to fit you in. We have a max group size of 8 people and this can book out quickly during July and August. To book simply head to our booking page or send us an email here.

What do I need to bring to the tour?

All you need is a towel, your own swimsuit and possibly sunscreen if you are lucky to get a sunny day! We provide the rest. We do recommend a light snack and some water for afterwards.

Where does the tour take place? 

All of our stand up paddle lessons start in Dingle at the surf shop on Green St – the street with the big church. We size you up for your wetsuit here and then take the short journey to our launch site on Dingle Bay near the Dingle Skellig Hotel. From there the actual make-up of the tour will depend on the conditions on the day. 

I have never tried stand up paddling before, is that a problem?

Most of our students have never SUP'd before so don’t worry about being the only beginner. All that matters is that you are not afraid of the sea, have a sense of adventure and that you are ready to have the time of your life!

Do I need to know how to swim?

It is advised that you do know how to swim. Once the basics of paddling are learned we head out into the bay which gets deep in some areas. You should be a comfortable swimmer enough that you would have no problem swimming back to your board in the event of a fall. Whilst paddling you wear a leash so your board is never far away.

Is the Dingle Surf Stand Up Paddle Tours insured?

Yes, we have full insurance and only operates to the highest safety standards.

Do you rent out the paddle boards?

Unfortunately we are not currently able to allow unsupervised use of our paddle boards. If you have SUP'd before please let us know and we will try to tailor a tour to your abilities

What if I have a medical condition? Can I still take part in surf lessons? 

All customers must complete a booking form prior to their surf lesson. This gives us information on your medical condition and it is not disclosed to any third party. Please contact us in advance if you have any concerns about your health.

How do I book my paddle board tour? 

You can book your lesson here on the website, by calling the shop on +353669150833 or by sending us an email here.

What sort of payment do you accept?  

We accept most major credit and debit cards, Paypal or cash.

What if conditions are unsuitable on the day?

Safety is king and the sea is to be respected at all times. If the swell on the day of your lesson is over 2.5m or the winds are gusting over 20kph we will be forced to cancel your lesson. In the rare event that conditions are unsuitable for surfing we will make every effort to reschedule your lesson. If we cannot reschedule we will credit you with a voucher that will be valid for 12 months or if this is not suitable, you will receive a full refund.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your lesson for whatever reason you must give us 24hrs notice. Anything after this and no refund will be issued except in exceptional circumstances such as bereavement or serious illness.

Why should I chose the Dingle Surf Paddle Tours? 

We have been in the surf business for 16 years and before that we were surfing since we were nippers. It takes a long time to discover and learn the best teaching techniques and we have this down to a fine art. We are the original tour providers in the area and we know The Bay best. We keep to small student/instructor ratios to make sure you are getting the best & safest experience.

We believe in offering you outstanding customer service and the highest level of tuition. Any tour is only as good as its instructor and we believe the calibre of our instructors is our greatest asset. Our team are incredibly highly trained, motivated and dedicated to helping you learn new skills and most of all, friendly and approachable. Our instructors stay with your the whole time in the water with you adjusting your technique and giving the best local knowledge. All our staff are Garda vetted, experienced in coaching and working with children.

There are a lot of schools to choose from in Kerry. Watersports are a big industry here and so there are quite a few operators that have jumped on the bandwagon and offer a ‘”splash and dash”’ experience, sometimes at what may seem like an attractive price point. Unfortunately, some of these surf schools do not use fully accredited instructors, and stuff their classes full of students which actually voids their insurance. So please do choose your tour provider with care, as it is so important to learn how to stand up paddle the correct way from a professional school.