Hi all, at last something positive to report from the northern hemisphere!!

OK, it's a bit of an overblown title but we took our VW Van round Northern Ireland and I managed to get the Starboard 12' 2" out for my first sessions.

Went to Tyrella Beach near the Mountains of Mourne and got to grips with the board on flat water, which was a surreal experience but really chilled.

Mt 11 year old then arrive don my 10' Stewart longboard with a canoe paddle and blasted about the place kneeling up like a speedboat (he was standing on it after 20 mins!!)

We had a day in 1-2' waves, I was staggered how many I caught with relative ease, the stability of the Starboard was amazing.

The second week saw us on the North coast with bigger waves but a very messy break. I mixed standing and prone and had a brilliant time. The stability meant that by the last day we had on the beach I was surfing in with my 9 year old riding in front of me.

This has to be one of the best purchases I have made - I have yet to try it with the sail as I did not take one with me but that treat will happen in the next few days.

Sounds great fun. I think SUP boards are ideal for traveling, especially with a family. Last time I went away I left my two boards, 3 sails and all my other windsurfing paraphernalia behind and just took one SUP board and a paddle. I surfed every day and never regretted the choice.

Steve

Maybe a dry suit, all good fun.
It appears that the safety flags for the swim zone are the same as in Aus.