The best places to try Stand Up Paddle on the Sunshine Coast
THE world's fastest stand up paddleboarder fell into the sport by accident.
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THE world's fastest stand up paddleboarder fell into the sport by accident.
Trevor Tunnington, 18, of Twin Waters, was walking along Noosa River in 2010 when he spotted a stand up paddleboard demonstration outside Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club.
"I pointed it out to my dad, but he said it was a waste of time," Trevor said.
"I decided to give it a go anyway, and convinced my dad to as well. We both loved it."
Since his chance encounter with the sport, also known as SUPing, Trevor has claimed victory at multiple national and international competitions.
RELATED:
He earned the impressive title of The Fastest Paddler on Earth at The Lost Mills International SUP Race in Germany last year.
Trevor placed first in the 200m event with a 52-second sprint. That was two seconds ahead of his rivals.
Despite his outstanding achievements, Trevor says stand up paddleboarding is for people of all fitness levels and abilities.
He encourages everyone to give it a go. And that even goes for those not accustomed to water-based sports.
"My mum had a phobia of the ocean for 20 years," he said.
"She wouldn't go past her ankles in the water. I managed to convince her to try it and now, two years later, she's out there catching waves on her board. Stand up paddleboarding is for everyone."
THE TOP SUP SPOTS
Cotton Tree
The clear, flat water in front of the caravan park allows for easy, care-free gliding.
Board Hire: Ocean Addicts, Cotton Tree Esplanade
Currimundi Lake
Flat, calm water. Perfect for developing your paddling technique.
Board Hire: Sunshine Coast Kayak & SUP Hire, Watson Street, Currimundi
Noosa River
Glide east along the flat water toward Noosa Main Beach or west toward Noosa Everglades.
Board Hire: Noosa Stand Up Paddle, Gympie Terrace, Noosaville
Pumicestone Passage
Flat water for easy paddling with views of the Glass House Mountains.
Board Hire: Golden Beach Hire, corner of Gregory Street and The Esplanade, Golden Beach
Maroochydore Beach
Perfect for intermediate and advanced paddlers wanting to catch waves.
Board Hire: Ocean Addicts, Cotton Tree Esplanade
JUST DO IT: Trevor's top technique tips
- Keep your eyes on the horizon. This will keep your posture in check and your airways open.
- Have soft knees, plant your feet shoulder-width apart and keep your arms straight throughout the stroke rather than bending them at the elbows.
- Extend the paddle in front of you and keep as much length in your stoke as possible.
- SUPing is a full body experience. Engage your arms, knees, legs, core and back.
- Focus on paddling in a clean, straight line. Your board is curved, so if your paddle hugs the side of it, you will paddle in an arc.
- To change direction quickly, paddle backwards on either side of the board.
- Arms are there to guide the paddle through the water. Your back and core should be doing the work.
Sunshine Coast SUP Club:
The Sunshine Coast Stand Up Paddle Club offers a family-friendly, social environment for stand up paddle surfing, ocean paddling and flat water paddling. Senior, family and junior memberships are available.
Contact: Di Tunnington - 0449112235
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