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Hi, my name is Melissa and I have had the privilege of living in the gorgeous Shoalhaven region since I was a small child. This is the story of my introduction to the fabulous sport of Stand Up Paddling.
I spent most of my life on the beaches of the south coast traveling up and down the coast with the guys, and later my husband Jason, in search of the best waves of the day. Just like in the movie 'Puberty Blues', in my day 'chicks didn't surf!' We laid on the beach and went in for the occasional dip, but I can tell you, I didn't like going in when there were waves (most of the time if the lads were out surfing) and I definitely didn't go in if there was seaweed or the water wasn't 'crystal clear'. I was terrified of all the critters that lived in the water.
So what has happened to change all that?
My husband, Jason, who has been surfing for 30 years, heard about this new Stand Up Paddling sport. He did loads of web-surfing and before you know it, he was paddling around the creek on an old windsurfer board and a home made paddle. He was doing it nearly every day and seemed to be having so much fun: I just had to give it a try!
By the time I had my first go, he had bought himself a proper Stand Up Paddle board so I had the right equipment to learn on. Currambene creek is full of wildlife and I remember screaming and nearly falling off the first time I saw a stingray. It was about 1.5m across and went directly under my board! I cannot believe that now it is not uncommon for me to see five or six stingrays on my daily paddle and they don't bother me a bit. They are just so graceful and harmless; often gliding up to look at me!
Once I had been shown the basics of Stand Up Paddling I was sneaking out on husband's board several times a week (while he was at work!!). At first I could only make it half way up to Huskisson but within about a month I had built up fitness and could make it up to Husky Spit and back. It was at this point that husband talked me into going out the river mouth and into the little one foot waves. Once I caught my first little wave I was totally hooked: Within two weeks of my first wave I had bought my own board and was paddling nearly every day. Winter set in so I bought a wetsuit. The weather got even colder so I bought booties: Nothing was going to keep me out of the water!
Winter was a great time for me to learn as there were plenty of southerly swells getting into Jervis Bay and there were less people around to see me flopping around in the water like a baby seal! I fell off so much, but I didn't care! By Spring I could catch waves up to two foot and make a fairly smooth bottom turn (only to the right at this stage though!). Husband decided it was time too take me to a beach break and I had my first ride on unknown waves venturing north to Currarong and south to Bendalong.
In November I competed in my first Stand Up Paddling competition at the Mambo Classic in Merimbula. I was the only female entrant amongst 60 odd blokes. At this stage I could still only surf right-handers but on day three of the competition the Merimbula river mouth started working and with the support of all the other entrants, I mastered the two foot left-hander that went for miles! Boy was I stoked! I came home with a lovely Mambo Jacket as a prize.
Since then I have competed in a few more competitions, both flatwater racing and surfing, but still mostly against the guys: I am hoping that as the sport grows there will soon be women's divisions for both disciplines.
Stand Up Paddling now consumes my life: I don't feel human unless I have done at least a one hour flat water paddle every day, and these days I am really disappointed if I get to the Husky Spit and there are no waves. Husband has taken me to a lot more beaches with Bendalong Boat Ramp my absolute favourite, closely followed by Gerroa. I have now reached the point where I will put the board on the roof of the car and travel to Gerroa on my own in search of a wave! Not bad for a chick that never went in past her knees! And now for the good news. Last year's wetsuit is too big this year so I have dropped a clothes size!
I have had so much fun Stand Up Paddling that I wanted to share the 'buzz' - starting up Jervis Bay Stand Up Paddle seemed the logical step. I completed the Level One Stand Up Paddle Instructors Course with the Academy of Surfing Instructors, obtained my Bronze Medallion Surf Rescue qualification and undertook a Senior First Aid course, and now, after obtaining all the necessary permits and accreditation I am pleased to be able to offer clients an experience I am sure they are going to love!
Postscript
Since writing this story I have continued to participate in loads of events, making heaps of friends and having an absolute blast, and as you will note, some of the events even have "Women's Divisions" now! I have also upgraded my instructor qualifications to level three.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Merimbula Classic 2009 - 2nd ladies SUP surfing, 2nd & 3rd in teams relay races
- Noosa Festival of Surf 2010 - 4th womens 3km ocean race
- Malfunction Comp Kingscliff 2010 - 2nd womens 12'6" div, 5km race (behind sponsored international racer)
- Roar Comp Currumbin (Qld State Titles) 2010 - 3rd womens SUP surfing
- NSW State Titles 2010 - 4th womens SUP surfing
- Australian Titles 2010 - 7th womens SUP surfing
- Merimbula Classic 2010 - 4th Womens SUP surfing & 2nd Teams relay (20 teams entered!) and Jason won the Mens Grand Masters SUP surfing Division
- Noosa Festival of Surf 2011 - 7th Womens SUP surfing
- Malfunction Comp Kingscliff 2011 - 5th Womens SUP surfing, 1st womens 5km amateur 12'6 (and 3rd across the line open am 12'6)
- Coreban River Race Woronora - 1st Womens 14' race (and 4th across line open mens division), 1st Womens 12'6 race (and 6th across the line open mens division)
- Balmoral Blast March 2011 - 2nd in open 4km race (men & women)
- Surfing Australia NSW state titles 2011 - 4th Women's SUP surfing
- Stride 4 Stroke Burrill Lake - 3rd in open 6km race (men & women) & 1st Woman
- Australian Titles 2011 - 8th Women's SUP surfing
- SUP Australia NSW titles Oct 2011 - 4th Women's SUP surfing
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