Learn how to stand up paddle board and have SUP lessons and tours at Good2Go Paddle Boarding, an ASI accredited school located at Ballyronan Marina, Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, UK.

Good2Go Paddle Boarding is owned and operated by Gavin Knox.  He is an experienced paddler and surfer who has been stand up paddleboarding since 2013, surfing since his late teens and kayaking since his early teens, for a time competitively. 

Gavin previously worked on the Irish sea for over nine and a half years within the field of aqua culter land, sea and fresh water sites. Holding RYA power boating L1 & L2, Boat Master’s licence for a commercial vessel, and also trained in sea survival.

Gavin also has extensive experience working with vulnerable adults,  He has been part of a team at Light House hostel, a charity that helps people who find themselves homeless for various reasons.  He has attended a lot of training in subjects of mental health and wellbeing, including suicide awareness, understanding schizophrenia, handling self-harm, drug and alcohol training, overdo response, protection of vulnerable adults.

Transitioning from surfing to paddle boarding, Gavin fell in love with the versatility of paddle boarding, enjoying every stroke of adventure it’s opened him up to. Viewing it as the perfect balance between kayaking and surfing, soon after discovering SUP, Gavin was exploring the coastal and inland water ways around and within Northern Ireland.

Gavin noticed many enthusiastic new stand up paddleboard users taking to the water without any real experience or knowledge. The level of danger this posed to new users led to Gavin deciding to put the experience gained over the years to set up the SUP School.

Gavin now focuses on helping to guide, encourage, teach and instruct anyone who wishes to understand stand up paddle boarding and the associated risks which can be navigated, while sharing his passion for the versatility of paddleboarding and the adventure it can offer.

 “I have known Gavin for many years and he has always been most at home and happy when on the water. His enthusiasms and passion for water sports has led to a lifetime pursuing them and I am thrilled that he is sharing his skills and encourage others in these pursuits. Having spent time on the water with him, his calm and competent manner is ideally suited to inspiring confidence in others.

Karen Fotheringham, formally principal teacher of outdoor learning at Queen Anne High School.”

Good2Go Paddle Boarding offers group and private lessons, SUP Wise learn to SUP certificate courses, SUP tours, team building for kids, adults, parties, hens and stag parties, school groups, and corporates.

There is a range of scenic and informative tours, equally great for kids and adults at all levels with a focus on beginners.  

Introduction to SUP, introduction to exposed waters, and a number of guided tours – including a special Game of Thrones tour featuring locations from the popular television series are all available with Good2Go Paddle Boarding!

Ballyronan Marina, which has a number of facilities on-site, including toilets, a café, caravan site, camper parking, marina, boat club, beach, forest walk, a play park with sensory play area, and wheelchair access to all facilities.

Ballyronan village is within walking distance, with a number of local shops, cafes and bars.

Good2Go Paddle Boarding operates at Ballyronan Marina, Magherafelt.  It is the largest fresh water source in Northern Ireland and offers ideal conditions for stand up paddling.

This location is mixture of nature reserve areas, rivers and open water.

There are many scenic locations to paddle on including the Lough Beg Nature Reserve and Church Island, Ballymaguigan Nature Reserve, Moyola River and Toome canal used as a film location for the popular television series, Game of thrones.

The Toome canal gives a unique paddle south entering Lough Neagh, or northward toward the upper end of the Lower Bann, opening up miles of pristine enclosed water paddling. 

The River Bann is one of Northern Ireland longest rivers with a total length of over 80miles.

It is very scenic with an abundance of wildlife including migrating birds and in summer the area is teeming with nesting birds and their young.  Rare plants are also found here.  Historic sites include Church island with an eighteenth century spire, a ruined medieval church and an old graveyard.

The Ballyronan Marina and Caravan Park where Good2Go Paddle Boarding is located in set on the shores of Lough Neagh, and includes a small caravan/camper site and camping facilities as well as new on the water glamping pods.