Your first session sorted.
Everything you need to know. Everything you need to bring.
Whether you’re looking for surf ski lessons, a try session, or a pathway to regular paddling — this is where it starts.
HOW IT WORKS
Here is exactly what happens.
Your $50 Come and Try membership includes personal accident and public liability insurance through Paddle Australia. You are covered from your very first session.
1
SIGN UP VIA PADDLE AUSTRALIA
Takes 5 minutes. Go to Paddle Australia and select the Come and Try membership for $50. This registers you, covers your insurance, and gives you your Paddle Australia member number.
2
BOOK YOUR SESSION
Once signed up, book your session via our online booking. Choose Saturday intro (7am) or a weekday dawn paddle. Takes 2 minutes.
3
SHOW UP
The Paddle House, Muriel Henchman Park, Main Beach. The shed with skis out front. Bring your Paddle Australia member number. Arrive 10 minutes early.
4
MEET YOUR PADDLER
Your first session is one-on-one with an experienced club member. No group pressure. No keeping up.
5
GET ON THE WATER
Practice in the bay first — shallow, calm, warm. Most people are paddling to the end and back within 30 minutes.
6
JOIN THE CREW
Back to the shed. Coffee. Conversation. WhatsApp group. By the time you get home you will be thinking about next session.
"Energised, relaxed, ready to win the day."
— what paddlers say after their first session.
WHAT TO BRING
Pack light.
- Board shorts or quick-dry shorts — you will get wet
- Rash vest or light t-shirt
- Old shoes you do not mind getting wet
- Sunscreen and water bottle
- $50 cash or card
WHAT WE PROVIDE
We have got the rest.
- Hire ski suited to your size and experience
- PFD (life vest) — worn every session, no exceptions
- Double-ended paddle
- Experienced paddler beside you the entire first session
- Rinse-down facilities at the shed
PRICING
Simple, honest pricing.
| Membership / Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Try membership (4 weeks) — ski and PFD included | $50 |
| Annual membership (Paddle QLD + insurance) | $165 / year |
| Session ski hire | $10 |
Membership includes Paddle Queensland affiliation and personal accident insurance. No hidden fees.
FAQ
The questions everyone asks.
No. The paddle builds your fitness. Start where you are. Come back twice a week. You will be fitter than you have been in years within two months.
You will. Knee-deep in the bay, warm water, everyone has done it. You get back on. By session three you will wonder what you were worried about.
You wear a PFD every session — no exceptions. The Broadwater near the launch is calm and enclosed. Swimming ability is not a barrier.
Harder than it looks, more achievable than you think. After 20 minutes most people are upright and paddling. By your third session you will feel like a different paddler.
No — and we would love more women paddling with us. Talk to Sue Beith on the water or reach out via email.
Every session has a tail paddler. We do not race to the finish and look back. We paddle together.
Join as a member ($120/year) and hire at $10/session. You will be added to the WhatsApp group within the hour.
Ready? One button. That is all it takes.
$50. Ski and PFD included. An experienced paddler beside you the whole time. If you do not love it, we will give you your $50 back.