Be master of your own ship, or at least try paddleboarding and kitesurfing in the Shoalhaven this spring! These are both super fun off-land activities you can enjoy whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro. Get the lowdown on both of these sports and where you can try them out on the NSW South Coast.
What is Stand Up Paddleboarding?
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) empowers and offers a fresh perspective on the world and your abilities. It’s a bit like surfing but riders use a paddle to propel themselves through the water. This sport has taken the world by storm because it’s so accessible and easy to learn. Even beginners will enjoy themselves while stand up paddleboarding! All you really need is a body of water and your equipment. No waves needed to try paddleboarding; it’s best to learn in a calm environment for a first-time experience. First-timers will love the great views of the water from the standing position on the paddleboards. Watch on as fish, dolphins and even seals glide across the crystal waters beneath you.
Where To Go Stand Up Paddleboarding
The Shoalhaven is full of many pristine beaches and marine reserves for your first stand up paddleboarding experience. Jervis Bay is the most famous and most popular, but there are also plentiful rivers, estuaries and entrances that make it easy for people to access the water. A few other local hotspots are Shoalhaven Heads and Narrawallee Inlet.
Hire a Stand Up Paddleboard
If you’ve tried paddleboarding or are a natural water enthusiast, hire a SUP from local operators. We’ve got experts all across the region to help out with your rental needs. In and around Jervis Bay we have Jervis Bay Kayaks and Adventure Sports and Jervis Bay Wild all ready with amazing equipment to get you on the water! Down south near Ulladulla are the team at Walking on Water ready to provide lessons and board hire.
Stand Up Paddleboarding Tours
Go SUPing at Sussex Inlet! Where the calm waters are a great place to learn the ropes with our knowledgeable instructors. Sussex Inlet Stand Up Paddle provides tours and unique fitness classes like “SUP-FIT” and “SUP-PILATES” amidst tranquil surroundings. Get ready to engage that core because it’s a much more challenging workout on the board than on land! At Narrawallee Inlet and Lake Conjola, you can book a guided tour with Coastal Paddle Surf and paddle through the beautiful, clear waters brimming with wildlife while soaking up views of Pigeon House Mountain and the Budawang Ranges. We won’t be surprised if you fall in love with paddling in Narrawallee, this beautiful and serene setting is a great place to breathe in the fresh air as you get to know the waters.
What Is Kitesurfing?
Kitesurfing is another popular water activity down in the Shoalhaven and just like paddleboarding, you don’t need waves to learn! Kitesurfing is wind-powered and uses a large parachute-type kite to propel riders across the water on a kiteboard, similar to a wakeboard. You can kitesurf in a range of different conditions. Head out for a relaxed session or hit the big jumps if you’re brave enough. There are a variety of ways to experience this water sport, meaning that it never becomes boring.
Where To Go Kitesurfing
The most consistent Shoalhaven spot in the summer months for kitesurfing is Moona Moona Creek, near Huskisson. It’s a safe beach and a great place to learn. Seven Mile Beach also makes for a great down-wind session. During winter and southerly winds, the sport becomes a little more extreme as the winds pack more of a punch. They tend to be gustier and are only for more experienced riders with very good ocean skills. Embrace a sense of fun and adventure and have a go at both of these watersports. They’re a great way to get to know the region and keep your fitness levels up – the bright blue waters are calling your name.
