Summer in Adelaide: 5 things to do at the beach, other than swimming
THE beach is about much more than just lying around in the sun and cooling off in the water. We’ve found you five other things to do at the beach.
THE beach is about much more than just lying around in the sun and cooling off in the water. We went in search of some of the best activities to enjoy by the seaside.
Here are five things to do at the beach, aside from swimming.
1. PADDLEBOARDING
BECOMING increasingly popular in Adelaide, Stand Up Paddle SA senior trainer Nat Gohl says paddleboarding can help you unwind and build your core strength at the same time. “It’s a full body work out but it’s also very relaxing for your mind as well, paddling out in your own space,” he says. “People from 70 years of age to seven, are giving it a go.” The sport is popular in Seacliff, West Lakes and Seaford. Stand Up Paddle SA rents paddleboards at Seacliff for $25 an hour, and also offers lessons for $50. Nat’s partner Karen also offers stand up yoga for $35 per session, including board hire. “We do it on calm water and the board moves like a floating yoga mat,” he says. Visit standuppaddlesa.com
2. RUNNING
LACE up your sneakers and take a jog alongside the waves to burn off some of those silly season calories. The beach between Henley and Grange jetties is a popular place to jog, and the return journey is about 4km. To really get the heart rate going, head to the popular ‘Snake Pit’ at Largs Bay. It’s right next to Fort Largs Police Academy and features twisted paths and steep, sandy inclines. Further south, test your fitness at the stairs at Seacliff, about 100m from Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club. Better still, run the Marion Coastal Trail between Hallett Cove and Marino. It’s a tough slog but you’ll be rewarded with some beautiful views.
3. BODYBOARDING
MOANA Beach is the perfect place to tackle some smaller waves on your bodyboard. About 40 minutes from the CBD, the beach offers conditions ideal to let yourself go and have the waves carry you to the shore. Other top spots include Christies Beach and Aldinga Beach. If you want to go the next step and try your hand at surfing, Surf and Sun also runs lessons at Moana throughout the year, with prices starting at $55. Visit surfandsun.com.au
4. SNORKELLING
ONE of the best places to go snorkelling in Adelaide is Port Noarlunga Aquatic Reserve, which features the 1.6km Port Noarlunga Reef, 400m offshore. If you don’t have your own gear, you can hire it from Port Noarlunga SNUBA at The Esplanade. Owner Benny Walker says Port Noarlunga is the perfect place for families and beginners because the jetty leads all the way to the reef. “At low tide, it completely exposes the reef so the east side of the reef becomes a beautiful, calm-conditioned area,” he says. You can also feed the fish at the end of the jetty. “One person can have 400-500 fish feeding straight out of your hand.” Benny’s businesses specialises in snorkelling, scuba and snuba, which is a combination of two. Visit portnoarlungasnuba.com.au or call 0428 236 381.
5. PICNICKING
PACK your towels, drink bottles, hats and sunscreen and head down to the seaside for a family picnic. Avoid hunting for a park and hop on the tram to the Bay, or head to Henley Beach, Somerton or Semaphore. These spots all offer plenty of places to grab a burger, fish and chips or ice-cream, and nearby conveniences such as loos and showers. You can spend all afternoon here with mates or your family, without needing to spend a fortune.