10 Of The Best Places To SUP Around Perth, And Where To Hire Them
Stand up paddle boarding has become such a phenomenon in the last few years, can you blame us for hopping on the train? A great low-impact activity for building strength, it’s the perfect way to unwind – whether chatting with friends or having a solo meditative moment taking in the magic of the Derbal Yerrigan.
There’s no better way to make the most of a beautiful Perth day than cruising through crystal clear water in the sunshine – here are our favourite places to do it:
Freshwater Bay
A popular spot for beginners, Freshwater Bay has ideal conditions to get your bearings on your board. You can park alongside the bay, so it’s also super convenient for your gear – you practically step out of your car and into the water! The protected bay stays flat in most conditions, with beautiful views of the Peppermint Grove cliffs, and dolphins often around to keep you company. There’s also a strip of grass along the bay, where you can enjoy a post-paddle coffee from neighbouring Freshwaters. If you need a guiding hand, Perth SUP School run lessons every weekend at Freshwater that’ll have you paddling like a pro (as well as at Bicton Baths, Coogee Beach and South Beach), and Stand Up Surf Shop can sort you out with a board. To get an extra dose of relaxation with your paddling, Perth SUP School will also be offering SUP yoga classes in 2022 at both Freshwater Bay and Hillarys Marina.
Matilda Bay
Another favourite location for the well-heeled SUP-er, Matilda Bay is a truly picturesque spot to paddle. The foreshore is a great picnic spot with plenty of shade and parking, and you’ll have views across the river to the city. While the wind can pick up at times, the it’s largely protected, with SUP Central having you covered for both lessons and board hire at Matilda Bay.
South Perth Foreshore
The stretch of green along the South Perth Foreshore is home to some of the most iconic and beautiful views of the city skyline. There are plenty of picturesque spots to relax and watch the world pass you by – or cruise on past the world on your paddle board. It feels like a huge, flat, expanse of water is laid out in front of you – which is really the ideal conditions for SUP-ers, particularly newbies. Hit up Funcats if you need a rental – they’ve been around since 1975!
South Perth
Point Walter
Another go-to destination for anyone into water sports, Point Walter’s iconic sandbar isn’t all it has going for it. The park and foreshore is popular for picnickers, with BBQs and playgrounds for those more inclined to dry land. While it can get choppy if the wind is up, if you time it right you’ll have the perfect spot to get your SUP skills up to scratch. Paddle down the river to see the cliffs of Blackwall Reach, or head even further to get amongst it at Bicton Baths. For Point Walter, Soulkite will sort you out with both rentals and lessons.
Shelley Foreshore
Another protected spot perfect for beginner paddlers, Shelley Foreshore offers a tranquil setting on the Canning River. Stay in the bay or more experienced SUP-ers can paddle up to the Riverton Bridge, or down to the Canning Bridge. Hit up Sunset SUP for board hire or lessons to get you up to scratch!
Photo by @sunset_sup_perth
Woodman Point
Sometimes you need some salty water – and luckily there are plenty of places along the coast where you can have a paddle without contending with too much swell. One of those spots is Woodman Point, just south of Coogee. Protected by both the point itself and Garden Island, it makes a nice and calm spot to have a relaxing paddle. If your four-legged friend likes to jump on the board, too, then head to the eastern section where it’s a dog beach. For rentals and lessons, you can check out Elemental.
Coogee
Cottesloe Beach
When we’re talking about nice and calm beaches, Cott Beach practically goes without saying. Jump into those crystal clear waters and cruise along the coast, or head to the south side of the groyne to try your hand at some SUP surfing on the beginner breaks.
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
Rockingham is home to plenty of impressive wildlife – and we don’t just mean the Premier! As well as stunning white sand beaches, the surrounding water is part of the Shoalwater Island Marine Park. As well as great snorkelling and diving, it’s a great protected spot for some shallow SUP-ing. Just off the coast you’ll find the Shoalwater Islands themselves – Seal, Shag and Penguin, each named for their local residents. If you’re more experienced, you can paddle across to the islands (just make sure to keep your distance from the wildlife, and don’t head out in an easterly wind), or take a SUP tour with West Oz Kiteboarding to lead the way.
Palm Beach
Just a quick skip to the north of Shoalwater Beach, you’ll find Palm Beach – just one of Rockingham’s iconic, pristine beaches. An ideal SUP spot because of its calm waters, its crystal clear water and bright white sand will mesmerise you. Plus, there’s plenty of delicious post-paddle cafes and restaurants available to motivate you if you’re feeling tired!
Lake Leschenaultia
Named after the stunning blue wildflower, Lake Leschenaultia is a year-round favourite for camping, summer fun and wildflower spotting in spring. You can hire canoes as well as SUPs, or just walk off the white sandy beaches and hit the pontoon. Check out our full guide to Lake Leschenaultia HERE.
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Header image: Sunset SUP