Want to try a new water sport this summer? Five local experts told us about the ones they love.
Surfing
“All surfers say, 'Everything is better after a surf', and I totally agree,” said Nic Squiers, owner and head coach at Illawarra Surf Academy.
“It’s a great sport, really good for fitness but it’s a place where distractions can’t find you.”
Every day is different in the ocean.
“I think the thing that attracts me so much to surfing is you’re always being challenged by the conditions at the beach, by changing weather and tides, so not one day is the same,” Nic said.
Over summer, the Illawarra Surf Academy will provide various opportunities for beginners. Kids can join five-day holiday programs for an immersive experience, while adults have daily group lessons from Monday to Friday at 10am and on weekends at 11am at Thirroul and Corrimal beaches.
To sign up for lessons, visit the Illawarra Surf Academy’s website.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Seeking a relaxed way to explore? Look no further than stand-up paddleboarding. While a big paddle can be an all-body workout, SUP can also be a serene experience, allowing you to soak up the scenery without exerting too much energy.
“99% of our guests don’t fall off and that’s what’s great about Stand Up Paddling (SUP) – everyone can do it,” said Rebecca (Bec) Dunning, who with her husband, Justin Dunning, co-owns Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour.
“It’s a great sport for beginners to professionals, from flatwater to giant waves.
“We live in one of the most beautiful areas in Australia and what better way to explore it than by water.”
All fitness levels are suited to try SUP and, if you find yourself overheating, a quick dip offers a refreshing cool-down!
Stand-up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour offers numerous ways to enjoy the sport.
“We do yoga on paddle boards, fitness sessions, we play a game called 'SUP Ball', which is like water polo but on paddle boards,” Bec said.
“We put lights on the bottom of the boards and go Night SUPing and we even have a 17-foot SUP that takes eight adults!”
For more information, visit the Stand-up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour website.
Water skiing
A high-speed sport, water skiing makes for a great day on the lake with the family.
“It’s exhilarating, great to share the day with family, friends and give you a sense of freedom,” said John Shewall, a former member of Oak Flats Water Ski Club who has been skiing for 40 years.
“Took it up in my early 20s and for years I’ve skied every Sunday.”
Water skiing is not only enjoyable – it offers an excellent physical workout and a healthy dose of laughter.
“Great exercise, it uses every muscle in your body so there’s also that great sense of accomplishment,” said Anna Shewall, who started water skiing shortly after meeting John.
“I might also like to add that it is funny teaching people how to water ski!”
Canoe Polo
Canoe Polo offers a great work-out with a competitive edge.
“We spend most of the time getting wet, so it makes it a lot more fun,” said DJ Dubose, member of Shoalhaven Canoe and Kayak Club and part of Paddle Australia's national committee.
“We roll a fair bit or we're constantly down at water level and there's a lot of splashing – it makes it a lot of fun.”
This makes summer a great time to start with canoe polo.
“People are much more comfortable in summer, especially because they're going to be spending time out of the kayak as well as in the kayak,” said DJ.
“Another great reason to start during the summer is that a lot of people take opportunities to do river trips in the summer and polo is a really good way to prepare for that.”
The Shoalhaven Canoe and Kayak Club will run its usual Sunday sessions at Reddall Reserve, with additional Tuesday sessions in Bomaderry until December 12th for anyone keen to give it ago.
For more information about canoe polo and its history in Wollongong, read this article.
For details of canoe polo events through summer, visit the Shoalhaven Canoe and Kayak Club’s Facebook page.
Freediving
Another way of finding your zen in the water this summer is through freediving.
“Both snorkelling and freediving are great ways to disconnect from tech and wash away the stresses of your day to day life,” said Curtis Tredway, the founder and head instructor of Deep Sensations Freediving in Thirroul.
“The warmer waters also bring in a lot of vibrant marine life, so it’s one of the best times of year to jump in with a mask and fins and explore your aquatic backyard.
"Wollongong has some of the best dive sites on the East Coast.”
Through the use of breathwork and understanding mediation, you may enjoy the beauty that lies beneath, even if you start off with no experience.
“Happiness comes from 5 key areas – connection to community, immersion in nature, activity and exercise, feelings of progression, practising presence and mindfulness – and freediving and snorkelling blends all of those in one effortless and holistic practice,” Curtis said.
“Think meditation, whilst having fun and not forcing yourself to sit down in an uncomfortable position for an hour.”
Deep Sensations Freediving offers classes for people of all experience levels.
For more information on everything freediving, check out an article we did earlier this year on it.
To sign up for freediving lessons over the holidays, visit Deep Sensations Freediving’s website.