G'day Mick and welcome to Seabreeze.
I was down you way 2 weeks ago and drove over the bridge at Windang and thought the flatwater of Lake Illawarra looked the goods.
Should offer good protection from most winds as well.
As a beginner, it's good to clock up some miles on flat water to get your balance up and get a good feel for paddling.
Not sure about the surf spots down that way for beginners.
Couldn't imagine you would be to welcomed at Sandon Point.

Windang is a nice spot but be aware it is an entrance and the current can be excessive towards the end of each tide.

Belmore Basin is a relatively tame spot with easy access, and Mullet Creek at Dapto is under-rated as a spot with the trees along the waterway giving protection from most winds but water quality puts most people off.

There is also Little Lake at the south end of Warilla and further south at Seven Mile Beach (Gerroa end).

There isn't much else apart from Lake Illawarra (and the jellyfish) but if there is no swell there is a lot of great coastline to explore, especially if you get somewhere out of the wind.


Enjoy!

'Sharing the stoke'

Lake Illawarra is the greatest asset to the Gong Mick.....Their are many a sheltered bay from all wind directions, with easy access. The jellyfish add to the incentive of not falling in....'WARNING'...Stay away from the Lake Entrance on the out going tide! You will get sucked out to sea by the current.

Little Lake(Kiddies Corner) is generally reserved for the grommets learning to surf Mick. You can try your luck their.... Bewarned!... Some fathers are known to take it one step further if you kook it with their kids in the firing line of your uncontrollable skills.

Belmore Basin is a perfect spot to learn. It does get very bizzy on the water in weekends and after 5pm week days with Surf Boats, Surf Ski's, Outrigger Canoes, Swimmers and local Trawlers etc. I have witnessed the odd noah follow the trawlers in to the harbour too.

IMO...Sharing the stoke is about sharing the knowledge. Learn from those around you and ask questions. If you dont come from a surfing back ground. Then you need to know their are rules when it comes to surfing your SUP.

Get out their and enjoy!

'SHAAKA'

Gday Mick

Flat water spots around the Gong - Minnamurra, Mullet Creek, Windang (either the lake entrance or the lagoon) but watch the current, Belmore Basin, Pucky's lagoon (dont know its real name). Or even the lake itself, I did a 10k paddle the other day from Tallawarra to Berkely and back (with the NE behind me) again. Agree with Wazupra though (the jellies are only an issue if you fall in so best not too).
Learning to surf - Little Lake, Warilla Beach, Minnamurra or any beach really.

Minnamurra is great as you have the best of both worlds, flat water up the river and if the conditions are right head straight over to the beach near the entrance.

Butts...