The Coral Islands SUP trip is a unique partnership recently formed with Norm Hann Expeditions, one of North America’s leading stand up paddleboard (SUP) instructors. Prepare for the ultimate adventure as the Coral Island SUP trip is the only multi-day SUP, lodge to lodge and snorkel trip in Belize. The trip was also named Best SUP Odyssey in Outside Magazine's Best of Travel in 2015.
For a long time Island Expeditions has known that Belize provides the ideal location for an SUP trip with the second longest Barrier Reef in the world. Working with Norm Hann was a natural progression to take the journey to the next level. Paddlers can look forward to being immersed in Belize’s spectacular marine habitat with its palm studded cayes, coral reefs, mangroves and abundant sea life.
Paddleboard Skills Session with Norm Hann
For those who are not aware, Norm Hann is as an early pioneer of the sport of SUP in Canada. Norm started paddleboarding and quickly used SUP to explore the British Columbia coast and soon started leading multi day SUP trips to the Great Bear Rainforest as part of his expedition and training company, Norm Hann Expeditions. A global athlete ambassador with Boardworks Surf and Kokatat, Norm is also a Paddle Canada SUP Instructor trainer who has taught and shared the sport with thousands of people in Canada and internationally through his courses and training programs.
Together, with Norm Hann Expeditions we meticulously built the ultimate Belize multi-day stand up paddleboard experience for all levels. The trip combines beginner through advanced skills development, downwind coaching and expert local interpretation, in one of the most incredible tropical marine environments, the Southwater Caye Marine Reserve.
Exploring Tobacco Caye
We are extremely happy that we could team up with Norm Hann Expeditions to offer this trip to adventure travelers across the world. Director, Tim Boys explained why we decided to form the partnership. Tim stated that: “Norm’s extensive background in SUP and his recognition as a top instructor in North America was one reason we reached out to him. But, it was also his passion for local culture and conservation that spoke to us. After having him in Belize, and seeing his ability to connect to the Mayans, Creoles and Garifuna in Belize, it was clear he was the right person to work with us to develop our SUP program”.
Norm Hann stated, “Like Tim, I saw the massive potential for SUP in Belize, as there are so many options for paddling and it’s just an amazing country to spend a week in. We have continued training the local guides and we now have six Paddle Canada certified Belizean instructors, who focus on safety, technique, interpretation and having fun.”
Guests have the option of participating on the Norm Paddleboard Skill Sessions - a once in a lifetime chance to paddle with Norm Hann himself and bring your paddling skills to that next level. Norm will be the official lead Instructor and trip coordinator on select departures dates for the Coral Islands SUP trip. Norm Hann has personally licenced and Paddle Canada Certified all the Belizean guides and they will be leading the trip on the departures without Norm.
If you go:
If you love SUP or just want to build your skills up and bring them to the next level, the Coral Islands SUP trip is for you. This is a 6-night/7-day journey that is ideal for paddlers seeking the adventure of a guided and fully catered SUP trip, combined with the comforts of small lodges in spectacular locations. If you are new to the sport, Norm recommends you take some beginner classes before you go, so you can really enjoy the sport and the beautiful marine environment.
The Coral Island SUP trip with Norm Hann Expeditions departure dates for 2017 are: Jan 28th, Feb 4th, March 11 and April 1st. Contact us for more information or book this trip online.
