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Learn the basics or sharpen your technique in a one-hour group SUP session on Lake Illawarra. Expert coaching, all gear supplied, and a choice of flatwater, exposed stretches, or surf make this a great introduction for families and progressing paddlers.
Learn the basics or sharpen your technique in a one-hour group SUP session on Lake Illawarra. Expert coaching, all gear supplied, and a choice of flatwater, exposed stretches, or surf make this a great introduction for families and progressing paddlers.
Book with SUP Shellharbour
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by SUP Shellharbour · Lake Illawarra, New South Wales
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding at Lake Illawarra offers an immediate, tactile way to read the coast. Located on Lake Illawarra where the Minnamurra River meets Belmore Basin near Wollongong, this Group Session / Tour introduces paddlers to enclosed flatwater, exposed passages, and surf-friendly breaks along the South Coast. The format is social and instructional: up to 16 paddlers join an accredited instructor and all equipment is supplied, so you spend an hour moving, learning technique, and enjoying water that often mirrors the sky. Sessions begin at the meeting point listed as Lake Illawarra Minnamurra River & Belmore Basin, Wollongong; arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign waivers and meet the SUP Shellharbour van. Coaches progress from balance drills and stroke mechanics to safety skills and reading wind and swell — practical lessons that translate from leisure outings to more confident surf entries. Optional extras such as wetsuits, photography, and catering are on offer, making the session equally useful for solo learners and small celebratory groups. What sets this operation apart is local specificity: coaches run sessions across flat, enclosed waters of the lake, exposed coastal stretches, and surf zones when conditions allow, so you can practise low-stress paddling and challenge yourself in gradual steps. The region’s geology is visible in the surrounding sandstone headlands and tidal flats, while coastal paperbark and mangrove pockets frame quiet channels. You might notice pelicans and cormorants very near the board, or see schools of fish flash under the hull. Practical requirements are straightforward: participants should be comfortable in the water and able to follow safety briefings; children under 12 need a guardian. SUP Shellharbour completed Eco Tourism Australia’s Strive for Sustainability scorecard in 2024/25 and has completed ATEC’s Accessible & Inclusive host program, which reflects a commitment to accessible sessions. There is a discount if you bring your own rig — use promo code OWNSUP — and supervised rentals are available if you prefer a gentler, coached experience. If you have a short window while staying in nearby Lake Illawarra or Wollongong, a one-hour group session is an efficient way to connect with the coast, learn lasting board skills, and join a friendly outdoor community. Bring swimwear, sun protection, a water bottle, and a light layer for cooler evenings. Above all, expect clear instruction, inclusive coaching, and an approachable way into paddleboarding that suits beach beginners and progressing paddlers alike. Sessions can be tailored for beginners, families, and small groups, and instructors will advise on tide timing and sheltered launch points. If you have access needs or medical questions, call Bec on 0427667938 ahead of booking so staff can prepare adaptive equipment and ensure a safe, confidence-building experience for everyone. All sessions are subject to weather.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for most people with basic swimming ability; expect light core and balance activity.
Minimum age is 8; children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Yes — all equipment and an instructor are included in the group session price.
Yes — you get a $10 discount if you use your own SUP and paddle; use promo code OWNSUP when booking.
Yes — the business completed ATEC’s Accessible & Inclusive host program; contact Bec on 0427667938 to discuss needs.
Sessions may be rescheduled for unsafe conditions; the operator will contact you and offer alternative dates when possible.
Yes — optional photography, wetsuit hire, and catering are available as extras for group bookings.
Lake Illawarra has long been a recreational waterway for the Wollongong region and is used for boating and fishing as well as board sports.
The operator completed Eco Tourism Australia’s Strive for Sustainability scorecard (2024/25) and uses B-corp products, reducing single-use gear and supporting local conservation efforts.
SUP Shellharbour is a stand up paddleboarding operator based at Lake Illawarra in Shellharbour, New South Wales. The business runs coached paddleboarding sessions and focused SUP surf lessons that take participants from calm flatwater paddling to riding small surf. Sessions are delivered in a fun, safe environment with all required equipment provided. SUP Shellharbour offers a Group Session / Tour designed to teach and refine paddleboarding technique, with expert coaching and all gear included. Group sessions accommodate up to 16 paddlers, enabling social outings, corporate groups, or larger friends-and-family gatherings on Lake Illawarra. Instruction covers basics through to skill improvement, with attention to safety and progressive learning. The SUP Surf Session is a 1-hour lesson focused on learning to ride the first swell and experiencing the thrill of SUP surfing. The surf session structure emphasizes hands-on practice and guided wave-riding technique appropriate for participants working toward standing and gliding on small waves. Safety and accessibility are central: sessions include coaching, equipment, and supervision in environments ranging from calm waters to surf. SUP Shellharbour operates locally on Lake Illawarra and serves paddlers in the Shellharbour area and visiting guests seeking coached paddleboard lessons and surf-specific SUP training.
Book with SUP Shellharbour