A few members of the Cronulla Sutherland SUP Club threw around the idea of partaking in a weekend away. It was decided we would load up our touring boards with tents, sleeping bags, spare clothes, and other gear and paddle 10kms to a campground in the Royal National Park. The weekend of Oct 22nd & 23rd was chosen and luckily we got perfect weather for both days! Leaving from Audley Weir, we headed up past Swallow Rock (thanks for the drinks Jason !) and into Southwest Arm. This led us around Lilli Pilli Point and and eventually to Mianibar Spit, and finally to our destination of Bonnie Vale campground.
This really is a fantastic spot, especially for SUP, with an abundance of places to explore inc inlets, creeks, and of course the Bay itself which has been known to throw up the odd wave every now and then.
We were glad to reach the campgrounds, set up and shower, get into some jeans and head up to one of our favourite spots in Bundeena - Club Bundee ! \m/ A Chinese meal and a few jugs later we walked back to our tents and called it a night. An early wake up call on Sunday saw us paddle around the point to Bundeena beach and walk up to get some breakfast. It was still high tide but we could see from the (small) swell rolling into the Bay we could be in for some fun waves on the low. This proved to be correct as about 10am the runners were breaking in the usual spots. Tents and gear were packed and picked up so we headed out on our 12'6 and 14 footers and got some long, fun rides for the next few hours.
With the tide coming back in, and the wind swinging around it was our cue to call it day and start the paddle back to Audley.
All up a top weekend, and one that is sure to be replicated in the new year ! Here are just a few photos from the weekend:
All photos courtesy of Daniel Hampson http://looktosea.com.au/
great weekend. next time we make sure we go with the wind both ways somehow. another use for duct tape. it workede well
A Big thanks to Sutherland Shire Stand Up Paddle School for organising the Overnight SUP Tour.
Good article Mick. I had forgotten about the seniors card crack. After getting back I said not again. Now I will be ready for the next one. The beer and Chinese food went down a treat. I think next time strap everything to the boards. No back packs except for drink packs. Maybe I may take the Laird instead of the Glide. Yes and big thanks to Pete for getting the whole thing up and running. Like you said Mick, I just said I would go along not thinking it would happen. Pete is the mover and shaker.
Did you blokes know there were three UFO's in the shot of you all on the sand spit????
Why havent you contacted Today Tonight or A Current Affair??
