People in Greater Manchester can now have a go at giant stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) at the Helly Hansen Waterpsorts Centre at Salford Quays.
A new activity for 2019, stand-up paddle boarding is being hailed as the fastest growing watersport with growth in popularity estimated to increase further again throughout 2019 and into 2020.
SUP is a cross between surfing, punting and canoeing: you take a board onto the water, stand up on it, and then use an oar to propel yourself along at your preferred speed. It’s a fun, easy-to-master activity that works the core muscles and improves balance, and the new extra large SUPs at the Helly Hansen Watersports centre can accommodate 8-10 people, making it a great group activity for team building, parties and more.
Loved by celebs including Katie Perry, Abbie Clancy and Rihanna, people can try the new giant SUPs at open hire sessions every Saturday and Sunday, from now until September.
The Helly Hansen Watersports Centre at Salford Quays is the ideal place for those wanting to try outdoor activities and there are courses and sessions to suit all levels and abilities including older children, hard-to-please teenagers and groups of family and friends.
As well as regular and giant SUP, visitors can have a go at kayaking & canoeing, wakeboarding, open water swimming, Ringo Rides and more.
For safety, participants wear a life jacket and there’s also wetsuits provided that work by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the suit. This layer of water is warmed by your body, which prevents you from losing too much heat while in the water.
Watersports are great for health, fitness and wellbeing as they promote total body toning and are done in the great outdoors. They can also help improve balance, stamina and build muscle, done at your own pace and fitness level. The watersports team are highly trained experts and you are in safe, experienced hands.
Here’s what’s on offer at the Helly Hansen Watersports Centre at Salford Quays:
Wakeboarding at Salford Wake Park
A mixture of surfing and waterski-ing, wakeboarding is for the more adventurous. Catch some ‘air’ at the wake park which features a range of obstacles, ideal for performing and practising skills. Friendly, experienced staff will help participants get the most out of their session. You can take part in courses, public sessions, coached events and competitions. We also offer a range of packages for regular riders.
Sailing
Sailing is a joyful experience. Try double handed sailing, which gives you the chance to be part of a crew on a bigger boat, or head out on your own on a smaller boat and try single handed sailing. The range of sailing courses will help you master the basics and you can progress onto different levels. For children, we also have a sailing club.
Kayaking and canoeing
It’s a great experience getting out on the open water in a kayak (for one) or canoe (for two). Easy sports to master, kayaking and canoeing are great for improving fitness and can be as intensive or leisurely as you like. As you gain more confidence you can go faster and build your strength and stamina by getting an upper and lower body workout in one. Hire a canoe or kayak at our open sessions and for kids we have a club and various activities in the school holidays.
Open water swimming
There’s no better feeling than swimming in the great outdoors, so come and try one of the fastest growing sports in the UK. Whether you’re training for a triathlon, want to improve your technique, or want to try open water swimming for the first time, we’ll help you achieve your goals. It’s not very cold in the water but you can wear a wetsuit for an extra layer of warmth.
Ringo Rides
Tear up and down The Quays reaching speeds up to 30mph on a big inflatable ring feeling every bump and splash along the way! Great fun and perfect for a day out, Ringos are a great way of getting onto the water with no skills required, just remember to hang on.
