Smorgasboarder_11_May-2012

Paddleboarding
around
Christchurch
WORDS JAMES BRADSHAW
Christchurch was devastated in last year’s
major quake but the beauty of the region and
its waterways is still evident.
You could say the paddleboard scene here
in Christchurch is on shaky ground! After
four major earthquakes and eight months of
polluted water, you think everyone and anyone
would be deterred from getting out on the
water, but you couldn’t be further from the
truth. If anything, it’s made more people take
to the water.
There are so many great spots to SUP here
in Canterbury. We have a very strong and
varied scene. Last Saturday for example
there were twenty plus paddleboarders out at
Sumner Bar at 6.30am. Those who were out
were rewarded with some great head high,
long walls. There was an awesome vibe and
everyone was having so much fun.
On any given day you will always see
someone on a SUP out at Sumner, Taylor’s
Beach or up the coast at Waikuku or Pegasus
Beach. Not forgetting we also have some
amazing world class breaks up at Kaikoura or
on the Banks Peninsula.
Where else in the world can you stand out in
the break looking up at 2000+m snow-capped
mountains that reach right down to the sea.
Then there’s also the mountain lakes which
provide a stunning backdrop whilst paddling
and can be awesome for a downwinder in the
prevailing NorthWest winds.
Christchurch is most certainly one of the most
scenic spots to get out on your SUP.
For those interested in a little more activity,
Christchurch Paddleboarding run a number of
events for all levels throughout the year. There
are monthly Sup n Fun events at Pegasus Lake
run in conjunction with Groundswell, which
are basically family fun days with a series
of races and technique clinics. In summer
there are also weekly flat water Surf & Turf
races. On Thursday evenings there’s surf
race training groups and every Saturday a
large group head out for technique paddling
sessions on Lyttelton Harbour.
For more information visit
www.christchurchpaddleboarding.co.nz
116 may/jun 2012