By Allan Shephard
The Redlands is an ideal area to enjoy Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) all year round. Although it’s a bit colder at this time of year, winter often brings calm, glassy conditions to the waters of Moreton Bay.
The waters between the Raby Bay beaches and the Cleveland Point lighthouse are an ideal location to try SUP for the first time. They’re also home to a small reef system with splashes of coloured coral. Turtles pop up there and all around the bay. And if you’re lucky, you may spot a pod of dolphins and the occasional dugong.
Another favourite paddle destination is Coochiemudlo Island. Paddle a loop around the island and stop at the golden sandy beaches along the way. Or paddle straight over to the main beach for a shorter paddle.
WH Yeo Park and Thompson’s Beach at Victoria Point are also great places to launch. They have easy parking nearby, grassy places to unload boards and sandy beaches to make launching easy.
For a leisurely paddle up a creek, try dropping in at Tingalpa Creek, which winds its way inland towards Leslie Harrison Dam and is ideal for a relaxed social paddle. You can access the creek from the Thorneside canoe ramp.
Most spots around the Bay are best accessed or paddled around high tide. For more canoe, kayak and SUP launch points in the Redlands, download Council’s handy launch points map.
Don’t own a board? Hire one from the beach at Raby Bay from Bay Island SUP Co. If you’re over on Coochiemudlo, you can hire SUPs from Coochie Boat hire.
Join the BrisSUP Club on Facebook to find out more about SUP in Brisbane and the Redlands. They’re a friendly bunch and there is always a paddle going on somewhere. Keep an eye out for two upcoming BrisSUP Winter Distance Series races scheduled in the Redlands in coming months – one around Coochiemudlo and the other at Wellington Point.
Last but not least – safety first! Follow these safety tips to stay safe:
- Paddle with others
- Always wear a leash or personal floatation device
- Check the weather forecast before you go
- Carry your phone in something waterproof
- NEVER paddle in conditions that are beyond your ability.
