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Australia isn’t just home to the great outback—it is also a sanctuary of beautiful beaches, lakes, rivers, and other waterways. Its coasts are home to many water-loving Australians. Because of this, water sports like stand-up paddle boarding are thriving.
If you haven’t tried stand-up paddle boarding yet, then you are in luck. Australia is made up of states and territories that are SUP-friendly. It would be a great place to enjoy paddle boarding, and buy stand-up paddle boards for sale too!
In this article, we will show you some of the top stand-up paddle boarding spots in Australia. We will also share some insight about the different kinds of SUPs, and where to find the best and most affordable ones!
According to Wikipedia, stand-up paddle boarding is a water sport born from surfing with modern roots in Hawaii. A paddle boarder stands up on a large board and uses a paddle to navigate through the water.
Also called SUPs, stand-up paddle boards have different types. They would usually differ in material and purpose. For example, an inflatable stand-up paddle board is made from a drop-stitch core and covered with layers of PVC. Because of its inflatable nature, it is the most portable type of SUP out there. On the other hand, there are also paddle boards that are made from materials like EPS (expanded polystyrene) foams, wood, and fiberglass.
Although they may be different in make and purpose, one thing is common among stand-up paddle boards—you can launch them almost anywhere!
When choosing a stand-up paddleboard, the rider must consider their size and level of experience. They must also know what type of riding they’re doing—will they use it for cruising? Do they want to get to longer distances on their board? Or maybe they’re a SUP expert who’s looking for a board to cut through waves.
These are some of the things one must consider. But whatever level and activity they’re using it for, there’s always a stand-up paddle board for that.
A con, though, would be the longer and narrower cruising boards that can be quite challenging for newbies. This kind of cruising SUPs glide better but are harder to turn because of their more immersed bow and stern.
Aside from their different types, stand-up paddle boards also differ in materials used. There are inflatable stand-up paddle boards, rigid boards made from fiberglass/polyester/premium fiberglass and epoxy resin, and soft boards made from dense foams like EPS or XPE.
Now that you have a bit of an idea about SUPs, let’s jump to the good part—the best spots to go paddle boarding in Australia!
Being lined with many beautiful waterways, it is impossible to choose just one spot. So, we have curated a few spots for each territory that we know many people love!
We’re starting off this list with a coastal town in NSW, home to Australia’s iconic beaches and astounding festivals—Byron Bay. When it comes to spots to go stand-up paddleboarding in Australia, Byron Bay is definitely a main-stay.
Byron Bay has something for everyone. Waves coming from the South Pacific Ocean coast are perfect for thrill-seekers. It also offers calm waters along the Richmond River for those who only want to relax and cruise around.
Aside from this, Byron Bay is also home to marine wildlife, and paddle boarders can enjoy sightings of fish, dolphins, sharks, turtles, and even whales!
You can also enjoy getting SUP lessons from various SUP schools on the coast. If you don’t have your own stand-up paddle board, you can always rent from the many rental shops, or join guided tours that will let you experience Byron Bay’s natural landscape.
Lord Howe Island is a small town in the Tasman Sea and is just less than a 2-hour flight away from Sydney. It is listed as a World Heritage and is dubbed as one of the world’s best destinations.
With its picturesque views, tropical forests, and white-sand beaches, Lord Howe has become a well-loved destination both by locals and tourists. Its mix of warm tropical and cool temperate ocean currents make up its pristine waters.
It is a paddler’s paradise for its calm currents, beautiful scenery, and lagoons that are home to marine wildlife.
Currumbin Creek is a beachfront community that serves as a link between Queensland’s Rainforest Mountains and oceans. The creek is protected from the harsh ocean waves, making it a suitable SUPing spot for newbies and families who just want to unwind!
The community is also home to warm locals and incredible SUP festivals that can serve as a highlight of your visit. If you have your own inflatable stand-up paddleboard, then you can simply hop on and enjoy the steady waters. But if you’re trying SUPing for the first time, then you can get lessons from SUP schools around the coast.
Budd’s Beach is a gem hidden in the heart of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. It is ways away from the beach’s main surf break and is a great flatwater spot to go SUPing.
(photo from corbettandco.com.au)
The beach is popular among locals, honeymooners, and retirees. This is because it serves as a resting place away from the adrenaline and excitement of Surfers Paradise. SUPers enjoy calm sessions taking in sights of the area’s mix of city life and serene parks.
Tasmania’s largest area of wilderness is covered by the Southwest National Park. It is a remote park in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness and World Heritage Area and is lined with jagged mountains, moorlands, rainforests, and paddle-friendly waterways.
The park is home to the vast stretches of Lake Gordon and Lake Pedder where SUPers can enjoy a cruise on their inflatable SUPs. Aside from paddle boarding, Southwest National Park is teeming with activities like wilderness walks, boat trips, and scenic drives.
Swan River is a great mix of Perth’s bustling city life and peaceful skyline. Also known as Perth’s playground, it is a popular location for various watersports, picnics, food crawls, and more.
Its calm waters make it a perfect destination for SUP sessions, with occasional sightings of marine life. You can get stand-up paddle boarding lessons or gear up on a SUP of your own!
Last but definitely not the least on this list is Apollo Bay located at the foothills of the Otways, along the Great Ocean Road. The bay harnesses water from the South Ocean and its coast is home to petrified rainforests filled with waterfalls and crystal-clear waterways.
You can enjoy swimming, diving, and stand-up paddle boarding on its pristine coastal waters. If you paddle far enough, you can get up close to its local fur seal colonies, and have the time of your life!
Now, these are just some of the best spots to go SUPing in Australia. We’re sure there are many more amazing spots, but as long as you have the best stand-up paddleboard with you, then you can make any place the best spot too!
Now that you have an idea of where to go, you must be thinking “Where can I buy stand-up paddle boards in Australia?” Don’t fret because there are many online and offline watersports equipment distributors just like The Boating Emporium!
Through online stores like The Boating Emporium, you can buy your stand-up paddle board from the comfort of your own home (or anywhere, literally). We have partnered with brands like Inflation Marine, Atlantis, Waterborn, and Red Paddle to give you the best and most affordable inflatable and rigid SUPs in the market!
You can also get access to our stand-up paddleboard guide if you’re worried about what size stand-up paddleboard you should get. We offer not just quality SUPs, but our customer service is top-notch too!
So, the next time you’re looking for a stand-up paddleboard, just head on to our website! You can also check out our wide collection of watersports accessories and boating equipment that are available all year round!
For more information, kindly visit www.theboatingemporium.com.au, call us at 1300-987-441, or send us a message on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages!
