Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) in Tropical Palm Cove

Explore FNQCairnsPalm CoveGreat Barrier Reef

May 18

Spending the day ‘chilling’ on a tropical beach doesn’t cut it for me after a while.

My problem is I get restless quickly and need to be doing something. The opportunity to learn Stand Up Paddle Boarding at tropical Palm Cove is something I've been itching to do for a long time - And the good news is it managed to tick my boxes for several reasons….

No. 1 – The Water was Warm.

Falling off was a breeze. In fact at one stage I wanted to fall off cause it was getting too warm up there on top of the Stand Up Paddle Board. It was wonderful to plunge into balmy tropical waters and then take up the paddle boarding once again dripping wet – knowing full well the warm ocean winds and tropical winter sun would dry me off again.

SUP Lesson Palm Cove @adventuremumma.jpg

No. 2 - The Lesson was Short and Sweet.

A short 10-minute brief onshore then it was out onto the water to practise ‘all’ that theory. Hands-on is how I learn best. Sunny, our Instructor from Paddle Boarding Cairns, stayed close and gave us extra tips when we were ready. Plus, having her paddling nearby meant you could watch her style and learn from example. I can’t say that I completely mastered the style element just yet but I'm working on it!

No. 3 – You get a Workout.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a cross-training dream. Your core muscles get a workout from all that balancing and paddling. Your shoulders and arms are made to work and if you’re a novice like me, your legs get the best workout of all. All that kneeling to standing action was squat heaven for my body. The best part about it is whilst you’re on the Stand Up Paddle Board you don’t really feel like you are doing a workout. It’s only the next day or two that it creeps up on you!

No. 4 – No Kids!

Sorry but my children had to sit this one out whilst I concentrated all efforts on maintaining my balance on the Stand Up Paddle Board. Maybe later when I progress to Pro status they can join me on the SUP Board, or perhaps even paddle beside me. In the case of my first lesson however, it was all about ‘me’ and time to give myself full attention. Needless to say it was very peaceful out there :)

No. 5 – A New View.

I love getting a different perspective of an area when I’m visiting. In this case it was from the water looking back at the coastline. If the water is calm it also gives you a great angle for noticing what’s happening on or under the water too (Click HERE to read about my Fitzroy Island Stand Up Paddle Board experience).

No. 6 – It’s not all Work, Work, Work.

There’s a fair amount of chill time on a Stand Up Paddle Board. If you work your way into the wind (if there’s any) the ride back can be super easy. It’s also possible to just ‘lie’ for a while on your board and take in the ocean around you. Plus it’s hard to take your mobile with you, unless you have a dedicated water resistant case. That means there’s plenty of time to enjoy the moment and really take in your surrounds.

No. 7 – Bragging Rights.

Possibly one of the most important reason for some of us, particularly if you’re on a holiday. Who doesn’t love posting a nice photo of themselves doing something adventurous against a tropical backdrop. Our instructor Sunny made sure she snapped some fantastic photos of my friend and I whilst we were Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Palm Cove. Even better, you can bring the GoPro and get the odd ‘selfie’ or two on the water – just make sure you watch your balance though…..

Good Things to Know:

Go early for less wind and less waves. Late morning is often when sea breezes start to pick up.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Palm Cove is seasonal. From May to November you will find Paddle Boarding Cairns set up at the Southern end of the beach, just opposite Chill Café.
Paddle Boarding Cairns offers lessons as well as tours. When the wind picks up Paddle Boarding Cairns becomes Kite Boarding Cairns and also offers lessons for people wishing to learn Kite Boarding.
You can hire a Stand Up Paddle board for a solo cruise along the beach.

SUP Palm Cove - PB Cairns @adventuremumma.jpg — Are you a fan of Stand Up Paddle Boarding? If so you may enjoy these posts too:

SUP Cairns Rainforest Tour
Cairns Things to Do - Copperlode Dam Fish & Kayak
Somewhere up a Lazy River - SUP Touring TNQ style
Fitzroy Island – 6 Reasons Families will love this Tropical Island

I received a complimentary lesson at PB Cairns. If you would like to BOOK click HERE – PaddleBoarding Cairns.

BREAKING NEWS: Opportunity to WIN an opportunity for you & a friend to learn Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Palm Cove on FaceBook - CLICK HERE for more details.(Please Note: A Winner has been chosen and entries are now closed)

Have you tried Stand Up Paddle Boarding yet? Anything else I should add to my list?

Leave a comment below 👇