Byron Bay Surf School 2-Hour Stand-Up Paddle Lesson at Brunswick Heads or Pottsville

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Get on board a stand-up paddle board: learn the basics and paddle the estuary environments of Byron or the Tweed, at Brunswick Heads or Pottsville.

Days

1.5 to 2 hours, morning or afternoon

Age

Group size

Group lesson

Start / finish

Brunswick Heads or Pottsville / same launch site

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

None — meet the instructor on site

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Byron Bay Surf School SUP Group Lesson - 2 Hours

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Included experiences

Brunswick River or Mooball Creek — stand-up paddle lesson
Estuary — guided paddle tour with an instructor
Estuary — marine and bird life spotting

Byron Bay Surf School SUP Group Lesson - 2 Hours

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR: BRUNSWICK HEADS OR POTTSVILLE

Your session runs on one of two calm estuaries north of Byron Bay, and the tide sets the time, so it may be a morning or an afternoon paddle. At Brunswick Heads, about 20 minutes' drive north of Byron, your instructor confirms the exact launch spot on the Brunswick River to suit the tide. The river's estuary lies inside Cape Byron Marine Park, which stretches along the coast from Brunswick Heads south to Lennox Head. In the Tweed, you meet at Hardy Park on Mooball Creek in Pottsville, a shallow tidal creek that runs right past the village before it meets the sea.

ON THE SAND: THE BASICS

Your board, paddle and a rash vest or wetsuit are all supplied. Before anyone gets wet, your instructor takes you through the basics: how to hold the paddle and make a clean stroke, where to put your feet, how to find your balance and how to turn the board, plus the safety rules for the water. Flat, sheltered estuary water is the easiest place to learn, because there are no waves to knock you off while you find your feet. Children from six can join in, so it suits a family as well as first-timers travelling on their own.

ON THE WATER: THE ESTUARY TOUR

Then the lesson turns into a tour. Your instructor paddles with the group the whole way, guiding you along the estuary and giving tips on stroke and balance as you go, so you get steadier with every bend. These waterways are lined with mangroves, which shelter young fish and crabs. Over the clear sand flats, look down for stingrays and small schools of fish, and look up for pelicans, egrets and the ospreys that hunt the shallows. Fewer visitors find these quieter creeks than Byron's main beach, which is half the appeal.

BACK TO THE LAUNCH SITE

After about two hours you glide back to where you started. In Brunswick Heads the village pub, the Brunz, is a short walk from the river, and in Pottsville the locals head to the Potty Tavern for a cold one after a day on the water.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: We meet on site: at Brunswick Heads on the Brunswick River (exact spot and time confirmed by the instructor, according to the tide), or at Hardy Park on Mooball Creek, Pottsville.
Departure time: Morning or afternoon, depending on the tide.
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Minimum age: 6 years.
Please note: From October to March, NSW times are in Australian Eastern Daylight Time, so 10am in Byron is still 9am across the border in Queensland.

What is included

Stand-up paddle board and paddle
Rash vest or wetsuit
2 hour tour with a qualified, experienced instructor

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.