What is Stand Up Paddleboarding - Rockerwave
Hi, I’m the lead Sound Therapist here at Rockerwave. I’ve spent 20 years studying how vibration and rhythm heal the body. You might wonder why a sound expert is talking about water sports. It’s simple: the ocean is the ultimate sound bath.
I tell my clients in Australia and New Zealand that if they want to reset their nervous system, they need to get on the water. Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is how you do that. It isn't complicated. You stand on a large, buoyant board and use a long paddle to move through the water. It’s quieter than a boat and easier than surfing.
If you are looking for paddle boarding Brisbane spots or checking out kayak rental Melbourne options, you have probably seen these boards everywhere. Here is what you need to know before you buy.
Why SUP is Better Than the Gym
Paddleboarding forces you to stabilize yourself. This engages your deep core muscles—the ones you ignore doing crunches. It’s physical therapy disguised as fun.
- Low Impact: It doesn't hurt your knees or joints.
- Mental Clarity: The rhythm of the paddle hitting the water calms the brain.
- Versatility: You can race, do yoga, or just float.
The Gear: Hard Board vs. Inflatable (Blow Up SUP)
This is where most beginners get stuck. Should you buy a fiberglass hard board or a blow up sup (inflatable)?
For 90% of you reading this—whether you are near surf shops Fremantle WA or on the Gold Coast—an inflatable is the better choice. They are durable, easy to store, and safer if you fall on them.
Comparison: Inflatable vs. Hard Boards
| Feature | Inflatable SUP (Recommended) | Hard Board (Fiberglass/Epoxy) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Affordable ($300 - $800 AUD) Great value for families. |
Expensive ($1,000+ AUD) High entry cost. |
| Material | Drop-Stitch PVC Bounces off rocks and docks. Very tough. |
Fiberglass/Epoxy Chips and cracks easily if you hit a rock. |
| Storage | Fits in a Backpack Throw it in the car boot. No roof racks needed. |
Requires Space Needs a garage and roof racks. |
| Stability | High Volume Thick rails sit high on the water. |
Lower Volume Often tippy for beginners. |
My Top Recommendation for Beginners
I don't believe in buying "starter" gear that you throw away in a year. You need a board that handles real life—kids, dogs, and cooler boxes. Don't waste time on narrow boards that tip over.
This is the board I tell my clients to get. Most boards are too narrow (usually 76cm). The WERSIY Wide All-Round Series sits at an 86cm ultra-wide stance. That extra 5cm makes a massive difference. You won't fall off.
Why I trust this board:
- Unbeatable Stability: The 86cm deck means beginners or kids can move around without tipping the board.
- Massive Load Capacity: It supports up to 150kg. You can fit 2 adults and 1 child, or load it up with camping gear for a lake picnic.
- Built Tough: Made with 1.0mm thick drop-stitch PVC and inflates to a rigid 15PSI. It feels like a hard board but packs down small.
- Complete Kit: It comes with a telescoping aluminum paddle (2.1-2.4m), a high-flow pump (inflates in 7 minutes), and a spacious bag.
Whether you choose the "Ocean-Aqua Harmony" or "Water-Veiled Cloud" style, this is the most practical family water gear on the market. It includes 6 integrated D-rings to secure your dry bags and a full-coverage textured EVA deck pad for grip.
What If You Just Want to Surf?
Sometimes you don't want to stand up and paddle. Maybe you are at Bondi or Waikiki and just want to catch waves with the kids. A massive SUP might be too much gear for a quick splash.
In that case, don't buy a cheap foam board from a souvenir shop. They break in a week.
Turn your beach day into an adventure with this 105cm Inflatable Bodyboard. It fixes every headache you have with traditional bodyboards.
Why it works for Australia & Hawaii:
- Rigid & Fast: Constructed from high-density drop-stitch PVC. When inflated to 10 PSI, it glides smoothly on small-to-medium waves.
- Safety First: Features a textured anti-slip IXPE deck and 5 reinforced grab handles so you stay locked in, even in choppy surf.
- Travel Friendly: Deflates in 1 minute and rolls into a backpack-sized bag. No more hauling bulky boards to crowded beaches.
It comes with a coiled wrist leash so you don't lose it in the wash. Perfect for the Gold Coast or North Shore coves.
Storage and Transport
If you do end up buying a hard board, or if you want to display your inflated SUPs in the garage, you need to store them correctly. Leaving boards on the ground damages the rails.
Look for a sturdy paddle board wall rack or a vertical surfboard rack. Getting your gear off the floor prevents delamination and scratches. A good sup board rack or surfboard holder is a small investment that extends the life of your board by years.
However, if you go with the WERSIY inflatable I mentioned above, you can skip the racks and just store it in the bag.
Where to Go?
You have the gear, now where do you go?
- Gold Coast: Forget the kayak gold coast tours; take your own SUP to Tallebudgera Creek.
- Brisbane: Paddle boarding Brisbane river spots is popular, but stick to the morning to avoid wind.
- Melbourne: You can find kayak rental Melbourne spots on the Yarra, but having your own board lets you escape to the Mornington Peninsula.
Final Thoughts
Don't overthink it. The water is healing. Whether you are catching waves on the Wave Glider or cruising with the family on the WERSIY Ultra-Wide, the goal is to get out there.
Would you like me to help you compare the specific dimensions of the WERSIY board against your height and weight to ensure the perfect fit?
