Destination Paddling
Rangitoto? It's little cousin Brown's Island? Or an experience like the Puhoi River? Where would you love arrive to by paddleboard?
We are fortunate in and around Auckland to have many exciting, beautiful and different destinations to paddle to. The rocky island that is New Zealand's youngest volcano (Rangitoto), the perfectly formed volcanic cone of Browns Island or more pastoral surroundings like the Puhoi River are different but very rewarding destination paddles.
Wenderholm to Puhoi along the Puhoi River
On Sunday 24 March you are welcome to join us as we glide peacefully along the Puhoi River from scenic Wenderholm to Puhoi. It's an 8km flat water and tidal paddle which is easy and enjoyable for people with some paddling experience. Once we reach the historic settlement of Puhoi we'll all have earned a seat and refreshment at the famous Puhoi Pub. More information, pictures and booking information are available here.
Rangitoto and Browns Island
If you have Island Dreams of Rangitoto or Browns Island, these are fantastic goals to train for as well as amazing destinations. To make these trips more experience and a reasonable level paddling endurance and fitness are needed. This doesn't mean you need to be an athlete, however, being comfortable with boat wake and bumpy water as well as being able to paddle for around 2 hours are good yardsticks to judge your readiness. We're planning a Rangitoto and a Brown's Island paddle in the late summer, early autumn. The weather plays a big role in when these trips are possible, so like and follow SUPWell and SUPSNZ on Facebook to keep your finger on the pulse of our events.
Still dreaming but don't quite feel ready? Dreams or goals often start out feeling a little beyond our reach. Some say that's a sign of a well set goal and it's also when you need a plan to achieve your dream.
SUPWell's 8km training plan progressively builds your fitness, speed and endurance over 6-8 weeks. It provides 3-5 workouts a week of varying intensity and length so you can paddle to destinations like Rangitoto or Brown's Island. Contact Helen (helen@citysup.co.nz) or Victoria (victoriasupsnz.me.com) for more information.
If you prefer a group training environment or want to increase your experience in choppy harbour conditions with a coach to guide you, then a SUPWell Tech I, Tech II or Water class are ideal ways to get the time on the water you need. Our class schedule provides early-mid morning, evening and weekend training options for paddlers of all ability levels in Auckland's Eastern Bays, North Shore and West Auckland.