So, this is it, with brightness sticking around til 10 each evening, this is the once-a-year-it-might-rain-or-it-might-not chance to get out there and do something with it. Besides the pub. Which you could maybe go to afterwards... In a quest to find some cool shizzle to do over the summer that won't leave me regretful and full of fear, I thought I'd give this SUP thing a bash. I tried it last year in Dollymount on one of the most amazing days, and it was sublime, as would anything be in that unexpected heat. So back I went over southside this time, on a not so amazing day, to see if stand up paddle boarding is still as fun when the sun is playing hide and go seek. I can now say, actually, yeah it is. We went for a bit of a cruise just around the jetty area, in and out of the boats, and along the inlet. We had the pleasure of seeing a massive seal dip in and out of the water next to us, and I even went for a few dips into the water (perhaps accidentally..!), but with the super-warm wetsuits we were given, I really didn't mind. Aboveboard itself is hidden down a bit of a higgledypiggeldy laneway just up from the Dun Laoighaire DART. It's been done up to be really super cute. They have a decking area on top of the building that you can sit on and look at the sea, and there are lots of little touches like artificial turf in the changing rooms, super cute bathrooms, and even a blistering hot heater that will blast you if you need it. As I said, the equipment is all top of the range - I've never been given wet suit shoe things before, and they're deadly. You hardly feel the water at all! The instructors and owners are all lovely, friendly, patient and fun. Just what you want when you're undertaking something like this. They also do kite surfing which I'd love to try, and I think I may like more than SUP to be honest. My problem with SUP is that it's a little too... calm for me. It was so nice to be out in the water though and I'll definitely do it again, but kite surfing will be next on the agenda. They do group sessions and one on ones. If you're looking for something different to do with your longer evenings, I'd highly recommend giving them a shout. read more

Aboveboard - Not a better way to end a day - Sports Clubs Near Me - Dublin, D

What better way to spend a bright summer evening while we have them. This watersports venue is located just off the dart line, also with plenty of parking nearby. Its slightly hard to find at the back of a car parts yard but well worth the search. We tried the stand up paddle boarding and I loved loved loved it. We received a friendly welcome and demo on arrival, all very straightforward. We then had a short walk down to the west pier in our wet suits. Its quite nerve wracking as a first timer but once your in the water its really chilled with great views across the sea. The instructor is extremely helpful at giving you tips to not fall in, I wasn't in the humor for a swim that day..... (yes!!! I didn't go in haha). Give it a shot, will defo be back. read more

Aboveboard - Sports Clubs Near Me - Dublin, D

I attended a beginners SUP class with BBQ afterwards here at Aboveboard and it was fantastic. We found the premises in the most unlikely places, beyond a scrapyard. But don't let that put you off. As soon as you get to their office you are greeted with the most excellently relaxed water-sports yard. The decor, people and atmosphere here at Aboveboard are all very chilled. They provide life-vests and the SUP equipment. But you can also use their wet-suits and booties if you wanted more insulation from the cold. All the equipment was of good standard and in very good condition. I really liked the life-vest, it was really comfy and added another insulating layer. Starting off and still at the yard we got a pretty thorough run down of the basics and safety from the head man, Ronan. Clearly explained, there was a bit to take on board (no pun intended), but once we got started on the water, it was plain sailing (pun intended). That's to say, it is daunting, but if you remember their instructions and advice, you will get the hang of it quicker than you think. At least I did anyway. I'm not even sure how long we were out for, but it was a good amount of time. Richard took care of our group on the water and he was great. Put me at ease when I was very wobbly as I first stood up. And I managed not to fall in - yay! Afterwards, back at base, we all chilled out on their decking that overlooks Dublin bay. Beer in one hand, chicken burger in the other, we all took in the fabulous sunset that was setting behind Poolbeg. I definitely want to try this again and at Aboveboard. The people here were great, so friendly and enthusiastic about what they do. But without being too pushy about it. Salthill & Monkstown is the nearest DART station to here. Cut through the park from the station to get to Aboveboard, whose location is very accurate on Google maps. When you see a scrap yard you are the right place. You can park in the Aboveboard yard after 5pm and at the weekends, but there is a car park right outside their gate should you visit them during regular business hours. read more

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So I went SUP'ing last night - I think it was THE best Yelp event so far - and let me tell you what a night I had. I think I was still buzzing from it this morning. SUP'ing was absolutely amazing - it was my first time trying, but I think I did pretty good, managed to stand on the board and not fall in the water for the whole session. Think I will not only be spreading the word about ABOAVEBOARD to all my sport loving friends and family but also taking them to SUP with me in Dun Laoghaire. First of all you are greeted by cool people who run the place, they provide you with all the right equipment and training, teach you how to SUP properly and stay with you in the water throughout the whole session. You get to spend time paddling with great people around Dun Laoghaire waters and also to socialise while eating nicely cooked burgers, drinking cold beer and watching the sunset - amazing views. Great location, less than a min walk from the dart station (get off at Salthill & Monkstown stop 'cause it's closer). If you are in to Water sports and enjoy outdoor activities ACTIVEBOARD is definitely for you. read more

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Inspired from all of that water Dublin is surrounded by, but not feeling like getting into a wetsuit and jumping off bridges?! Well Aboveboard is your answer to fun in the (hopefully) sun and water sports! If you are itching to get out of the city and try something new or pick up an new - or old- hobby, go to Aboveboard. I went here and SUP'd it up, the equipment was top of the line and clean. There are wetsuits available, but if you happen to catch Dublin on a clear, sunny, warm day, I recommend going without it. The sport itself can be very chill and relaxing, in fact the instructors always remind you to relax. But reality is, that its a full body work out. If you are doing everything as the instructors advise, you will be using your core, arms and legs (mainly trying to keep your balance). So in reality its a 2 in 1- fun and then a free abs/upper body course as well! The thing that makes Aboveboard, 5 stars is not only the opportunity to go kite surfing, paddle boarding, wake boarding and even biking, but the entire staff. Talk about lost long friends that you never knew you had! The Aboveboard staff were amazing, they welcomed you in to their "home" from the very first moment up until it was (sadly) time to go home. They ended the lesson with a BBQ accompanied by an amazing sunset from the roof top. It doesn't get better than that!! They do groups, private lessons and I could imagine this as a great corporate team bonding activity! I will def be back again and with a ton a friends! Thanks Row, Debbie and Richard! read more

Rock up, suit up and hit the bay! The folks at Aboveboard where so friendly from the get go. As a group, many of us trying Stand Up Paddling Boarding For the first time we were given a rundown on the basics on land before hitting the marina. Our instructor Ronan took time to make sure we all launched safely and while on our knees for awhile making us all get comfortable with stopping, turning, manoeuvre boats, etc. After awhile we where all ready to stand up, well except me. Ha ha... And that's where massive kudos to Ronan he took lots of time with me to coach me through it, so after a few failed attempts his perseverance paid off and I was super chuffed, I was officially Standing Up on a Paddle Board! Boom... He helped me settle and get my confidence up, seriously only for him being so attentive with me I wouldn't of done it myself! Top man altogether!!! We got plenty of time out in the water, felt they let everyone work to their own limit yet made sure everyone was safe and not in harms way! Afterwards, returned to their building where we got to hangout on the roof for a bit and watch and amazing sunset over Dublin city! Whether a once off activity or a regular hobby, this sure is a top notch way to spend a few hours! Look forward to a return visit and will bring the hubby next time, I know he'll love it! read more

I wasn't expecting anything so wonderful when I arrived here for an evening of Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP). Tucked away at the back of a scrap yard in Dun Laoighaire is a little piece of surfercool heaven. No where in Dublin has ever felt this way! The owners and instructors aim to make everyone feel welcome no matter their experience. I have attempted surfing before but was a little bit apprehensive of SUP (don't worry it's a lot easier). We arrived after work on a warm and clear evening and were taken out into the harbour after being given a few tips on dry land. Within minutes I was standing up and paddling to my hearts content. We given instruction on the water; we were shown how to turn around correctly, what to do if you get tired and took part in a few races. The time flew by and when we returned to their HQ we were greeted by beers, BBQ and a beautiful sunset view over the water from their rooftop platform. The owners aim is to start a club where people pay a joining fee and get to enjoy all the facilities. They also provide courses and classes in Kite Surfing, SUP and Wake and Winch Boarding. You can also rent equipment for a small fee. For our first SUP class we were taken into the west Dun Laoighaire habour but I was excited to hear that after that they will guide you out into the bay and along the coast and up to Blackrock. I will definitely return for more SUPing! read more

Got out on the water this weekend on a paddleboard and now I do feel like my summer has started. I've been coming here for three years now ever since I got a free taster introduction with a Yelp hosted event. I can't fault them, I've come back every summer because they care, they're very safety first and just lots of fun fun fun. I did initial review them 3 years ago so this is like a 3years later update. They must be good for me to always come back. Gear is top notch, price is good and it's a nice easy going activity that gets me out of the house lol. It's not hard at all to stand on the boards and you are up and running in no time at all. They do a few water sports paddleboarding, wakeboarding and kiteboarding. This weekend I did the paddleboarding, gear was provided if you haven't got any, clean wetsuits, boats, floatations jackets and of course the board and paddle. we went out as a group onto the water at 5pm for over 1:30hrs. We were all out before so we didn't need the training but if you are new you get it. We went around the harbour area, weaved in and out of the boats over to the next pier in DL harbour and then had a bit of a fun relay race at the end :) Good to meet some new people and enjoy the evening. I just always find there is something relaxing about being on the water, can't pin point it and of course you are getting some exercise too. So it's win win. I've signed up to be a member to avail of the discounts and to get out with other clubs members during the week. Fingers crossed we get the sun this summer so I'll be out every week :) really enjoyed myself this weekend and hopefully we have more good times thumbs up to the gang running the show read more

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Tried out SUP for the first time during the summer and it's something I definitely plan on doing again! It's the best way to spend an afternoon - beautiful views, fresh air and a great alternative to the gym. The guys running this place are also amazing and this really added to the overall experience. I'd recommend anyone at all to try SUP. read more

I had a great time taking a standup paddle boarding lesson at above board. everyone was super friendly, the equipment was new and the wetsuits were dry! there was no pressure to go too fast and once you got the hang of it it was loadsa fun. If you are looking for a fun evening during the summer I'd definitely recommend it for people of all fitness levels! read more

The crew is really fantastic and had loads of patience. Their "office" has one of the nicest rooftop terraces to view tha bay and chill out. Highly recommend but you will be sore for a few days read more

Had a great SUP session with Ronan one a sunny evening in September. He was a very patient instructor as he would need to be with me! By the end of the time i was able to SUP (as a beginner) with no problems. read more