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Tips and Tricks for Paddle Boarding in Sydney
Sydney, Australia is a great destination if you want to experience some of the best paddle boarding in the world. From its sparkling waters, stunning views, and rich culture, there are endless opportunities to explore this amazing city on your board. However, before hitting the waves, it’s important to consider safety first and be aware of potential hazards like surf breaks and boat traffic. Here are a few pro tips on how to take advantage of Sydney's beautiful waters!
Know Your Board: Inflatable paddle boards are not the same as SUP surf boards because they are wider, more buoyant and more difficult to keep going straight in a wave. This means that if you plan on tackling any large waves, it’s important that you have a good understanding of your board setup so you can properly control it. With practice you can get over a wave break with a step back to lift the nose of your board, and a quick paddle stroke and step forward when the wave hits the center of your board. But the Elemental wave Ten6 all around is the only board in our fleet that we use to catch and ride (small) surf waves in the ocean, because it is the most maneuverable and easiest to keep straight in the wave. If you are new and want to skip the learning curve, the Diatom Ten6 or Skylla Cross Touring board will give you some added confidence with their width and manuverable shapes. If you really don't want to hit the drink, scope out the Medusa or the Infinite Mantra, the ultimate in stability and perfect for larger riders or multiple riders.
Choose Your Spot Wisely: The Sydney Harbour by the Opera House is quite scenic but can get crowded with boat traffic. If you want to paddle it, be aware of your entry and exit points because the oysters on the sea wall are very sharp, and the walls are tough to get over. Its best to try by Mrs Macquerie's chair, but be careful of the rocks. And you definitely want to make sure you have a nice lightweight paddle board to carry to the entry there.
If you want to escape some hustle and bustle you can get a killer view of the skyline from Watson's Bay, with a nice easy sandy launch and beautiful sunsets with plenty of lights from the restaurants to guide you in.
If you are feeling quite adventurous and want a longer trip, put in at the docks at Gunnamatta bay, paddle the length and cross Port Hacking to the South/South East for a lovely brunch at Bundeena. Be cautious of the wayward wave break off Deepan Spit... Or don't! Try Riding it ;) If you dig longer adventures like this, you might enjoy the efficiency and room for gear on the Carta Marina Touring board.
Sometime the wind can really be a drag... if its just flipping your hair the wrong way, try out Kurnell, the Bonna Point offers two sides to choose from, into Quibray Bay or into Botany Bay. Sometimes its good to stick to the plan, but sometimes you just need to read the weather and be flexible to move on to Plan B.
Look Out For Obstacles: When entering or exiting your chosen spot be mindful of any obstacles like oyster beds or sharp rocks that may cause damage to your board or injure you when paddling close by them. It’s also important to check the tides so that you don’t find yourself getting stuck in shallow water while trying to get back onto shore! The wind is also a huge factor that can be your friend or foe. Plan your trip right so that you head out with the wind to your back in the morning and come back with it to your back again as it changes direction in the afternoon (depending on the day).
Paddle boarding in Sydney is an unforgettable experience and something every traveler should try at least once during their visit Down Under. With proper preparation and knowledge about the area’s conditions and potential hazards, you will be able to maximize your time on the water safely. So grab your board, make sure to check the conditions (tide, wind, weather) beforehand, and enjoy exploring this beautiful city from a unique perspective! Happy paddling!
