The magic of paddle boarding at sunrise

If you know me, you’ll know I am an early riser and a fan of a sunrise. Whether it’s a walk at sunrise, paddle boarding at sunrise or simply just sat on some rocks watching the sunrise over the ocean. Every morning mother nature gifts us with this beautiful natural light show bursting with energy, awakening us to the present moment and reminding us to be grateful for this wonderful planet we live on.

For those that refer to themselves as ‘not a morning person’, I thought I’d attempt to capture, in this blog post, some of the magic of paddleboarding at sunrise with the hope that one day, you may be intrigued to see what all the fuss is about.

It normally goes a little something like this…

Rolling out of bed in the dark your mind is a little foggy, you don’t even think for a second about what you look like or the fact that you have bed hair - no one will see you right? It’s dark! It’s free-ing, you could even SUP in your pyjamas if you wanted.

Arriving at the launch site you feel like you’re on a secret mission. You’re the only person around, maybe you walk past one or two other early risers and you give each other a smile as you both know that you’re in for a treat that so many others are missing out on.

Getting the board on the water at first light, you can hear the birds waking up and the water gently lapping against the shore. At this time of day, there is normally very little wind and little to no boat traffic, so no matter what the forecast is for the day ahead, you’ve got yourself at least an hour of ideal paddling time (ideal for beginners looking to enhance their skills and increase confidence).

As you paddle your first strokes there it is. The sun peaks it’s rays out over the horizon and hits your face. Uncertain how to absorb what is happening in front of you, you take a deep breath. You breathe in this positive energy. It feels like that feeling you often have on the first day of a new year. Anything is possible for the day ahead.

The paddle continues and because of there being very little boat traffic at this time of day you spot some more early risers in the form of dolphins, turtles, birds, seals or stingrays. You slow your pace, not wanting to disturb them, while also observing their morning routine of hunting, swimming or perhaps just going about their own business.

As the sun rises beyond the horizon you watch the world awaken in front of your eyes. Ferries start running, commuters start scurrying around, dog walkers are out and about, the water gets busier, the land gets busier, but you still carry a sense of calm. You are floating on a different frequency than the rest, and you’ll carry this into the day ahead.

Coming back into the launch location, you continue on this frequency, and while you are aware that you must leave for work soon you don’t feel the need to rush. You feel accomplished, you have achieved so much and it’s only 7am. Just think how much you will have achieved by 5pm! You say goodbye to your paddle buddies, and head into your day feeling optimistic and excited to tell others about the magical experience you just had of paddle boarding at sunrise.

Scroll down for some of my favourite snapshots of recent sunrise SUPs:

Does this sound like something you’d like to be part of? Or perhaps you’re simply intrigued to try it out just once? (…don’t worry, I get it…sleep is awesome too!)

Experience the magic at our Sunrise SUP Club. Running Tuesdays & Thursdays in Manly, from 6am-7am. We launch at West Esplanade, by the old Manly Aquarium and paddle for 60 mins ensuring your back and ready to leave at 7am so that you can get to work on time!

**This Tuesday’s weather (14th Jan) is looking IDEAL so come join us!!**

You can book via one of the buttons below. Either book in for a once off sunrise for $45pp, or book a 3-5 session pass (great for saving a bit of $$). If you have your own board, simply text me to say you’re coming (0421 298 844) and bring $15 cash on the day as a contribution to the She SUPs Community.

Cannot wait to experience this with you! See you on the water!
Vikki x