12 months ago I went for a stand up paddle board lesson with Chris on the Sunshine Coast. Despite being a surfer for over 20 years it was my first SUP experience. There was something magical about gliding across those Noosa canals. It really did catch me by surprise that I could find that sort of enjoyment in the water without a wave in sight.
Since then I have moved to Melbourne due to work, added Seabreeze to my favourites, trawled these forums on a regular basis, read every review Casso did on his CyberSUP site, demoed a number of boards from the very generous guys at Strapper, taken another stand up lesson with the guys from Surf Sessions…… AND NOW I HAVE FINALLY BOUGHT ONE.
I am writing this to reflect on why it has taken 12 months for me to get to this point and hopefully inspire some others who are still on the sidelines to “pull the trigger”.
For a start the high entry costs of the sport combined with the rapidly evolving equipment left me somewhat nervous that I would make a wrong decision. There is also the different disciplines of downwind, flat water and surf that I wanted to explore. As a long time surfer the surfing discipline was the most confusing; where in the quiver does a SUP fit? It is great fun but with Mals, fishes and short boards already in my quiver what am I looking for in a SUP?
After much agonizing I ended up buying a second hand 12’ Naish Glide. Flat water paddling is what originally captured my interest and it will allow me to try and stay fit in Melbourne between weekend surf sessions. This is where I have finally decided to enter the Stand Up community although I know it is just the start and anticipate a rapidly expanding quiver as the fever takes hold. :)
So I am off to take my new (ish) 12’ Glide for its maiden voyage on the Yarra. It has been a long Journey from the gleaming canals of Noosa to the silt laden river of inner city Melbourne, but I can’t wait for that first glide.
I live near Chruch St and Swan St so will look for somewhere near there. I am up for any suggestions. I am aiming to finish work early and go around 4pm.
Hi Stuey, I usually go in at a rowing boat shed on the Boulevard just near where Williams Road hits the Boulevard. Think it might be Melbourne girls Grammar boat shed but not sure. You can park on the grass there usually with no problems at all, the ramp is pretty slippery but fine. You can head up to Dights Falls from there, it's a fair haul but well worth doing. Let's catch up for a paddle up the some time.
Your other option is the ramp opposite Richmond Girls High School (or whatever it's called) down the end of Bridge Rd. But for my money, the best Yarra cruises are between the two boat houses - Studley Park to Fairfield, and in particular, the enclave of fruit bats at Bellbird picnic area. The spot DJ mentioned - the boat ramp opposite Fed Sq is also great for a city cruise down to Victoria Harbour.
Thanks to David for accompanying me on my maiden voyage. The yarra paddle is definately great fun. You get an amazing perspective of the city. Also the buildings give a lot of protection from the wind so for those who normally paddle the bay I would encourage you to check it out when the conditions aren't favourable there.
