SUP boarding in Snowdonia’s Dark Sky Reserve arrives

Sick of deadlines, mobile phones and newsfeeds? Leave the office, grab a head torch, leave the phone at home and head to North Wales. Psyched Paddleboarding (North Wales’s leading SUP provider) announce a brand new adventure as they take their SUP experiences into the deepest, darkest depths of North Wales – literally. Snowdonia holds International Dark Sky Reserve status – one of only eleven in the world.

Sian Sykes, founder of Psyched Paddleboarding, is offering the chance to take some time out, de-stress and reconnect with nature – discovering a world of great natural beauty, unusual wildlife and Welsh folklore along the way. In a beautiful remote setting, travel across lakes in the dead of night, with the moon and stars to guide you.

Sian’s mission is to inspire others and to offer high-quality and truly memorable SUP adventures and these experiences are for everyone, even complete beginners. Since Snowdonia gained Dark Sky Status in 2015, Sian knew that combining SUP with the magic and mystery of the dark would provide a genuinely mesmerising and unique experience.

Sian explains how it all works, “I confirm a location the day before. We get people kitted out in their wetsuit, rash vest and jacket to keep them nice and toasty and we set off on our adventure at dusk, our paddle journey. We can see bats flying over our heads as we make our way to a secluded bay.

“We land our boards and drink hot chocolate or Pukka Night time tea and enjoy biscuits and homemade cakes. We sit on the little beach just watching, waiting, and enjoying the moment. We can hear owls overhead and the stars start to fill up the dark sky. It’s a beautiful and tranquil experience.

“Some people are a bit cautious at first so they put their head torches on straightaway when we set back off on the water. The team and I have lights on our boards so people know who the instructor is and after a while, once they’ve relaxed, they switch them off. Some people lie down on the boards. It’s just magical. All you can hear is the sound of the lapping water.

“We’ve been fortunate to paddle when there’s been a full moon and people just lie on the board and look up to the stars. That’s when they have their solitude time. It’s very meditative and really special.

“It increases confidence, and it’s a fun time out on the water. A time to enjoy getting away from it all, to leave the phone at home, to pause and catch our breath, and to reclaim a bit of ourselves after letting it slip due to daily pressures.”

For more information, high-res images or even to come and experience the adventure yourself, go to www.psychedpaddleboarding.com or email Sian@psychedpaddleboarding.com

Photo credit: Two For Joy Photography

Press release written by Hannah Anstee: Hannahanstee@gmail.com