Where To Go In Sydney To Learn To Stand Up Paddle Board

Over the last few years, the interest in this sport has gone through the roof. Stand Up Paddle boarding as we know it today stems from the ancient Hawaiians and is now considered as Sydney as the bridge itself. Why not make this year your year to learn new things? Take up a new hobby? Spend more time in the great outdoors? If this sounds like something that you’d like to do, then we have put together for you a list of places that you can learn to Stand Up Paddle Board (or SUP, as the pros say it) around Sydney.

Watsons Bay Stand Up Paddling (WBSUP)

You’ll find this school on the beach, right out the front of the famous Watson Bay hotel (near Doyles and the ferry stop). The owners have a huge amount of experience on the water (you’ll recognise them from TV). For beginners, they offer private, semi-private or group classes for adults/kids over 12 plus a really cool kids program for children 7-12 years and (adult and kids) parties. For those more experienced in the sport, WBSUP run Sunset cruises on a Friday night and sunrise cruises on Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturday morning.

Website: More information here
Where: Beachfront of Robertson Park (in front of Watsons Bay Hotel) Watsons Bay
When: Check website for details.
Price: Adult group classes $70 per person

Cronulla Stand Up Paddleboard Shop & School

Starting up back in 2009, Cronulla Stand Up offers both flat water classes and the more challenging Stand Up Paddle boarding in waves. Like the other schools, they also have parties for adults and kids (seems to be a very popular hens party idea) plus they run regular open days which is a great way to check it all out.  Follow their Facebook page for open day dates and times. These guys seem to be more open to a younger audience which is great news for families; When asked if there were age restrictions for their classes, the school responded by saying “Its more about how good they swim but we usually say 7 years & up. You must be able to swim 100 metres unassisted to eligible”

Website: More information here
Where: Shop 3/13-15 Kingsway Cronulla Beach (The Shop)
When: Check the website for more details.
Price: Adult Group lesson $60 per person

Balmoral Paddle Surf

Balmoral is such a family friendly beach so it’s no surprise to find a Stand-Up Paddle Surf school here. They offer fours styles of lessons; private or group classes, larger groups and one they call the "fast track” which involves a one-hour private lesson plus a 30min follow up session. Most lessons happen first thing in the morning before the sea breeze comes up.

Website: More information here
Where: The Balmoral Sailing Club – The Espalande Balmoral Beach
When: See website for details
Price: Adult group classes start at $45 per person.

Manly Kayak Centre

Why not learn this trend sport at one of Sydney’s iconic trendy locations. Like all SUP schools, they run both private and group lessons but likely due to its popular location, the centre also offers cheaper weekly “Public” group classes for first-timers These introductory sessions provide a basic outline of the skills needed to get started. Included in the price is an additional hour hire so you can put what you have just learnt into practice around Manly Cove. Open to kids 8 years and over. Visit their website to book your lesson online.

Website: More information here
Where: East Pier, Manly Wharf, Manly
When: Public lessons during Peak Summer season are on Wednesdays 11 am, Saturdays 2:30pm and Sundays 2:30pm.
Price: Public Lessons are $55 per person (included 1-hour class plus a bonus 1-hour board hire)

Tony Henry's Avalon SUP 

Tony Henry’s Avalon SUP offers an idyllic location to learn to SUP, right on Avalon's stunning Clareville Beach. You can book a range of lessons, from taster sessions, group and individuals, then rent a board and go on your own mini-adventure. They also offer twilight paddle tours as the sun goes down over beautiful Pittwater, the paddle boards come to life with hundreds of coloured lights sparkling against the inky black water. 

Website: More information here
Where: Clareville Beach, Avalon
When: See website for details
Price: Group lessons are $60 per person

More Water Activities Here: 

• Six Of The Best Swimming Locations In Sydney For Families
• Sydney's Best Indoor Swimming Pools for Kids
• At What Age Should My Child Start Swimming Lessons?

 

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