A Beginner's Guide to Paddleboarding in Aotearoa – Gear, Top Spots, and Lessons for SUP Beginners
Keen to give paddleboarding a shot? Whether you’re looking to cruise along white beaches, glide over crystal-clear lakes, or even tackle a few cheeky waves, New Zealand is prime for paddleboarding (SUP). With this guide, you’ll have the know-how to get sorted with gear, find top-notch locations, and connect with local pros for some lessons if you need a helping hand to get started.
Gear Up Like a Pro (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)
While you don’t need the flashiest kit to start paddleboarding, a few essentials will make your life way easier and help you progress to a pro in no time.
Choosing the Right Board
There’s a bit of variety here, so let’s break it down:
- Inflatable vs. Hard Boards: For newbies, inflatables are where it’s at. They’re sturdy, a piece of cake to transport, and you won’t sweat it if you knock it around a bit. Hard boards can be faster but aren’t quite as forgiving and need a bit more consideration before buying as they are harder to transport and store.
- Board Types:
- All-Rounders: Perfect for cruisy paddling in all kinds of spots—beach, lake, or river.
- Touring Boards: A bit longer and skinnier, which better ‘cutting through the water’ capabilities. These are ideal if you’re planning longer paddling adventures.
- Size Matters: For most beginners starting out, a board around 10-11 feet will do the trick. If you’re on the taller side, go a bit longer; lighter people can stick to the shorter ones.
Where to Buy or Rent Gear
- The internet is a wonderful place and you can go board shopping from the comfort of your couch. Online stores are a great place to start as you can compare many different brands and models all in one place. Alternatively you can pop down to a local surf shop for some friendly customer service and advice. Renting is also sweet for beginners so they can get a feel for different types of boards—most major beach towns have rentals for the day if you just want to give it a go.
Other Handy Gear
- Paddle: Adjustable ones are sweet as for getting started as they’ll allow you to find your perfect length. You’ll want it about 20 cm taller than you, give or take.
- Leash and Life Jacket (PFD): Always wear a leash—it’s your ticket back to the board if you fall. And while life jackets might not seem too glam, they’re crucial, and like the name suggests - can save your life.
- Extras for a Smooth Ride: Quick-dry clothing, a hat, sunnies, and sunscreen are a must. Kiwis know the sun here is no joke, so slap it on!
Top Paddleboarding Spots in New Zealand
Aotearoa’s got some ripper spots for paddleboarding—everything from cruisy lakes to bustling harbours and quiet, picturesque bays. Here are a few beginner-friendly spots to start with:
Beginner-Friendly Locations
- Lake Wanaka: Calm as a cucumber and absolutely stunning. This place is practically made for paddleboarding newbies.
- Cathedral Cove, Coromandel: White sand, clear water, and sheltered coves. You’ll feel like you’ve paddled right into paradise.
- Whangarei Harbour: Shallow, safe, and usually pretty quiet. Great for getting your sea legs without worrying about waves.
A Bit of a Challenge
For those keen to level up after a few goes:
- Bay of Islands: Tucked away beaches and islands to explore—but watch out for the wind, it can sneak up on you.
- Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf: If you’re comfy on your board, give this place a whirl. There’s plenty of action and some boat traffic, so it’s best for paddlers with a bit of confidence.
- Abel Tasman National Park: Known for its golden beaches and turquoise water, Abel Tasman is perfect for a paddle. Just keep an eye on the tides—they can shift fast, but on a calm day, you’ll be gliding through some of the most stunning waters in the country. This spot’s a dream for intermediates who want a bit of a scenic challenge.
Lessons for a Leg-Up
If you’re a bit unsure about paddling or just want to nail the basics, lessons are a solid idea. A bit of guidance can take the guesswork out of things, you’ll pick up a few tips and tricks to make paddling a breeze.
Where to Find Lessons
- Auckland Paddleboarding: A classic option for Aucklanders; friendly instructors and nice, safe spots to learn.
- Paddle Queenstown: Imagine gliding across Lake Wakatipu taking in the good vibes and stunning views.
- Fergs Kayaks: With locations in Auckland and Wellington, Fergs offers both rentals and paddleboarding lessons to help you get your footing and build confidence on the water.
- South Pacific Surf – Mount Maunganui: If you’re in the Bay of Plenty, South Pacific Surf offers beginner-friendly paddleboarding lessons in beautiful Mount Maunganui. Perfect for learning the basics or improving your skills.
For some friendly, laid-back coaching, consider doing a group lesson—they’re often cheaper and more social. If you’re after one-on-one attention, though, private lessons are the go. Just think about what suits you best—there’s no wrong answer!
Safety Tips: Play It Smart
New Zealand’s got some epic water spots, but as every local knows, conditions can change quick as. Here are some safety tips to keep you from winding up in strife:
- Check the Forecast: Always look up local weather and tide info. A calm morning can turn super windy by arvo, so it’s worth sussing it out before you head out. A pro recommended weather app to use is Windy.
- Bring a Mate: As much as we love a solo mission, having a buddy around is a good call, especially if you’re new to the water.
- Respect the Local Environment: Keep Aotearoa’s beaches and waterways pristine. Pack out any rubbish, and remember, we’re sharing this space with wildlife, so keep your distance and be respectful.
Get Amongst the Kiwi Paddle Boarding Community
Once you’ve got a taste for SUP, why not join the local community? There are clubs and events all over the country, and they’re a sweet way to meet new mates, get tips, increase motivation and even tackle some fun challenges.
- NZ SUP Association: Great for finding local events and clubs to join up with.
- Online Groups: Facebook has plenty of Kiwi paddleboarding groups where people share tips, arrange meet-ups, and post gear deals.
Wrapping It Up
Starting out in paddleboarding is way easier than you might think, and once you’re set up, you’re in for endless days on the water, soaking up sun, scenery, and maybe a cheeky dolphin or two. So grab a board, find a mate, and give SUP a go. You’ll be out there nailing it in no time!
Now, go on—chuck on some togs, slap on the sunscreen, and get paddling!
