Learn to Paddle

Good basic skills are the foundations of paddling flat, white and sea waters. Explore craft designed to match a range of activities like touring rivers, lakes and oceans, playing games and canoe polo, and racing in sprints, marathon, rivers or slalom or freestyle. Learn to paddle for fun or competition, and participate in Club events, State or National Championships.

Start with the Basics

What are the basics to paddlers?

Take a moment to view the Paddle Safe video. It covers a lot of ground (or water), with good general advice before diving too deeply into a specific paddlesport. Start your paddling conservatively and build up as your experience and skill develops. Be seen be safe, be prepared and wear a life jacket.

Paddle Your Own

The free book Paddle Your Own provides information on the craft specially designed for each paddle sport, the equipment you will need, basic strokes, environmental awareness and much more.

Waterways Guide

Explore the PaddleNSW Waterways Guide and find places to paddle, clubs to join, paddle businesses to assist with equipment, and qualified instructors in your area.

Paddling Safely in Sydney Harbour

When paddling on Sydney Harbour and its tributaries:
– Avoid shipping lanes and main traffic areas
– When you need to cross, take the most direct route at
right angles to the direction of traffic
– Always pass behind rather than in front of bigger vessels and beware of their wash
– Keep a good lookout at all times, using your eyes and ears
– Don’t assume skippers of large vessels can see you
– Always wear a lifejacket
– Refer to www.maritime.nsw.gov.au for further rules and advice