Manly Kayak Centre SUP - 1 Hour Hire

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An hour on a stand-up paddleboard on Manly's calm North Harbour, launching from the wharf where the ferry comes in. Stable soft boards, a quick briefing and a map of the harbour's quiet beaches make it easy for first-timers.

Days

1 hour

Age

All ages; under 18s with an adult

Group size

Self-guided hire

Start / finish

Manly Wharf / North Harbour / Manly Wharf

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Your own paddleboard from Manly Wharf

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Manly Kayak Centre SUP - 1 Hour Hire

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Included experiences

Manly Wharf — briefing and launch from the East Pier
North Harbour — paddle the sheltered flat water past moored yachts
North Harbour beaches — land at a quiet cove east of the ferry route

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

CHECK-IN AT MANLY WHARF

Your paddle starts on the East Pier of Manly Wharf, where the ferry from Circular Quay pulls in after about 30 minutes across the harbour. Check in at Manly Kayak Centre, which has hired boats from this pier since 1990, and the crew hands you a board and paddle. The boards are soft and wide, built to stay steady on flat water. You get a short briefing on how to stand and stroke, rather than a full lesson, and the crew shows you on a map of North Harbour where you can go. Start on your knees, find your balance, then stand up once you're clear of the pier.

ACROSS MANLY COVE TO NORTH HARBOUR

You set off across Manly Cove, which Governor Arthur Phillip named in 1788 after the confident, "manly" bearing of the Aboriginal men he met on its shore. Past the moored yachts the water opens into North Harbour, a sheltered arm of Sydney Harbour, much of it an aquatic reserve protected since 1982. The sandstone cliffs and bush of Sydney Harbour National Park run down to the water's edge on the harbour side of North Head. Keep an eye over the side: on calm days the water is clear enough to see fish around the rocks and, now and then, a ray gliding over the sand. Standing up, you look straight down into the water, which makes spotting easier.

THE QUIET BEACHES

The furthest point of the hire area is about 30 minutes' paddle away, so an hour is enough to reach a quiet beach, step off the board for a few minutes and paddle back. Beaches you can paddle to include Collins Flat Beach, where a small waterfall spills over the rocks at the back of the sand, and Store Beach, which you can only reach by water. The bush behind Store Beach shelters Manly's little penguins, the only mainland breeding colony in New South Wales, so keep to the sand and leave the burrows be.

BACK TO THE WHARF

Paddle back across Manly Cove and hand the board in at the pier when your time is up. Fancy longer? Call the crew from the water and, if equipment is free, extend and pay when you're back. Change into dry clothes and you're steps from the cafés and bars along the wharf. The Corso, the pedestrian street that runs about 400 metres from the harbour to the surf at Manly Beach, starts just across the road, so you can swap flat water for ocean waves within ten minutes.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Manly Kayak Centre, East Pier, Manly Wharf, Manly. From the ferry, turn right; the centre is directly in front of Felons Brewing Co. The nearest parking is the Wentworth Street car park, a minute's walk away.
Departure time: At your booked time. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and the safety briefing; arriving late can cut your time on the water or lose the booking.
Duration: One hour on the water.
Minimum age: No set minimum. Children under 5 ride on a board with an adult, and everyone under 18 must paddle with a parent or guardian.
Fitness: You must be able to swim at least 150 metres confidently. No paddling experience is needed.
Please note: Everyone signs a waiver before paddling. There is a small change room and storage area, but valuables are left at your own risk. Hire runs daily in spring and summer and Wednesday to Sunday in autumn and winter.

What to bring

Clothes you can paddle in: rash vest, board shorts, hat
Paddle shoes, sandals or bare feet (no running shoes or socks)
Drinking water
Sunscreen and a towel
A thermal top and windbreaker on cooler days
A dry change of clothes for afterwards

What is included

Stand-up paddleboard and paddle for one hour
Life vest
Map and explanation of the North Harbour paddling area
Basic instruction if you need it

Not included

Food and drinks
Extra time on the water (can be added on the day if boards are available)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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.