Any recommendations about van parks in northern NSW that are close enough to walk (or paddle) to good surf spots for a SUP? Looking to try some new places other than sunshine coast and gold coast, and keen on good point breaks. Thanks heaps

Crescent head. Paddle to the surf walk to the pub. Can't get better.

Usually only have 2-3 days away at a time so any good options that are say less than 4 hrs drive from Brisbane would be awesome.
Sparx - what is with the point at angourie?

Just around the corner from Angourie is spooky point - that would be great SUP shipwreck in a big swell
Seriously though, a pretty good option is calypso caravan park at Yamba and you can paddle to a couple of river breaks or across the river to Iluka
Evans Head is pretty good sup destination.

Flat Rock Ballina

straddie said..

Usually only have 2-3 days away at a time so any good options that are say less than 4 hrs drive from Brisbane would be awesome.
Sparx - what is with the point at angourie?

Have you been living under a rock?
The "infamous" Angourie!!! One of the best rights on the planet.
Always crowded (even in the mid seventies when I first surfed there), but when it's your turn, OOOHHHH YEEAAA.

These topics really worry me as a surfer for 30 years and a SUP rider for the past 4.

If you intend riding a SUP at Cres'n'ed, Angourie or any name set up on the east coast, you really do have to be very very selective about how and when you approach it.

In the '90's, there was no end of trouble at Angourie between longboarders and shortboarders (ask Nat) and the vibe at Cres'n'ed has changed a lot in the past 5 years and SUP's are seriously frowned upon by the longboard crew.

Living in Cronulla, I would not dream of SUP'n Cronulla Point or Sandshoes unless every single variable were in my favour, it's not that we shouldn't be able to, it's just the way things are with localism and the perceived ownership issues which are what they are regardless of right and wrong.

Let's be honest, a lot of SUP surfers do not have a surfing background and without the wave knowledge required to pick the right waves, manouvre safely and share, they can be an absolute embarrassment to watch.

Enjoy your SUP like I do but really, take a surfboard with you and choose the right equipment for the right day. Angourie breaking clean has been and always will be a critical snap and barrel shortboard wave and Cres'en'ed will always be a lazy jostle with 25 mals on the suck or in the track....respect the locals, multi skill and earn respect - don't turn up, burn and leave...that does nothing but red flag every SUP rider on the coast.

Enjoy your trips down the coast but leave the best bank to the best surfers and choose the third or fourth bank without the quality but without the crowds.

That's just my opinion, what would I know.

Straddle,

I have SUPsurfed and longboarded all of the places I mentioned and more.

I have never had any trouble anywhere. I have more issues at home in Noosa. There are creeps everywhere you go and you will always find a dickhead who wants to lash out and bad mouth you. My recipe is to stay away from mega spots when it is all time. Sit wide and pick your waves then gradually move inside and be patient, don't snake, don't take all the best waves and don't ever drop in.
It doesn't matter if you are SUPper or a surfer the rules apply. If you pick the right day and time Angourie is fine. But if you want to SUP Angourie at six foot and perfect forget it.
I am old and crusty, but am not a wannabe but I do enjoy surfing and I do enjoy right hand points and I won't be put of by wankers regardless of who they are or who they think they are. Crescent is fine, Byron is fine, Seal Rocks is fine, etc etc
Just pick your day and pick your wave like anywhere.