I was wondering how to scratch the surfing itch with a few days booked in at Port Douglas this week so I jumped online and luckily found Betto from windswell.com.au. In the typical relaxed FNQ style he assured me there was plenty of options and sure enough a whole new world of surfless surfing opened up. Can’t believe I hadn’t thought of some Stand Up Paddle on previous trips to Far North Queensland.
First day we launched off the local 4-mile beach which has a surprising variety of stuff to check out. Depending on the day you can get fun little downwind runners or super glassy paddling out to the reef just a few hundred yards offshore where we spotted heaps of Turtles on the reef’s edge. Or if you miss it all Bretto will chuck a kite up for you and give you your first taste of Kite Surfing.
There’s some cool little creeks and mangroves running into the North end where we were surrounded by dozens of little rays cruising under our boards. Bretto is probably a bit sick of hearing questions about Croc’s and happy to joke with you if you can handle it. Reminds me of all the tourists coming to Manly asking about the sharks really.
Next day we hit up his secret spot on the local rainforest river. This thing was amazing. The water was crystal clear so you can see all the local freshwater fish. It was like paddling into a movie set with a full tree canopy over the river and a different view around every corner. Spotted a cool big snake hanging off a branch that slipped into the river when it got sick off us looking at it. Plus we had some fun negotiating some baby rapids and seeing who could survive upright.
Stand Up Paddle River tours would be impossible without the inflatable stand up paddle boards. I was so impressed by these things. Super stable and rigid, anyone can ride them and they can take an absolute beating. At one point 3 of the 4 crew wiped out in a small rapid and the boards got jammed underwater. Any other Epoxy board would have snapped in half but these thing just kept on rocking. I wouldn’t be bringing my surf SUP near a rocky river.
So a big thanks to Bretto below from Windswell in Port Douglas. Awesome guide and instructor. We had first timers and experienced SUPer’s in our group and it was a breeze for everyone with some quick tips from Bretto. Give Bretto a call on 0427 498 042 or visit his website www.windswell.com.au before you next trip to Port Douglas or Cairns.
