SUP for Resilience

A Community for Resilience Initiative

Frequently asked questions

SUP4R is a community focussed group for water lovers to connect, organise local paddle boards, weekend getaways, and share their love of blue spaces. We are an inclusive group, and all padding abilities are welcome.

  • We paddle fortnightly on a Sunday morning from Black Mountain Peninsula.  You will see details in the WhatsApp group on the week we are paddling.  The fortnightly paddles are for people who have their own board and have paddled before. 

    If the weather is good, we plan to paddle with a minimum of two people.  Please RSVP so that we know you’re planning to join us, and if your plans change, please update your RSVP.  If we do not have a minimum of two for the fortnightly paddles it will not go ahead. 

    We also have beginner events and information will be posted in the Whatsapp group. 

    We aim to go to Café Solita at the Red Shed afterwards. You’re welcome to join the coffee even if you don’t paddle.

    As we have inflatable boards, we ask that you arrive 30 minutes before we launch to help with setting up and to stick around to help with pack up. 

  • We usually set off from Black Mountain Peninsula but may launch at different spots based on weather conditions.  The WhatsApp group will always have the latest launch details.

  • Yes! We have a limited pool of paddleboards to loan, with priority given to those that haven’t joined us before.  If you’re planning to join as a first timer then RSVP to the event in WhatsApp and that will help us plan for the right number of loaner boards.  

    If you’re not a first timer with us and want to borrow one of our loaner boards then it will be dependent upon availability. On particularly busy days we might ask that you take turns on boards to give everyone a chance to try it out.

  • Great! We have a regular beginner paddle scheduled. Please see the SUP4Resilience Community WhatsApp group for the next one.  If you don’t see the next one as a pinned post, keep an eye on the chat as it will be announced.  

    We have a limited pool of paddleboards to loan first timers, with priority given to those that haven’t joined us before.  If you’re planning to join as a first timer then RSVP to the event in WhatsApp and that will help us plan for the right number of loaner boards.  On particularly busy days we might ask if you take turns on board to give everyone a chance to try it out.

    For beginner paddles we’ll have someone to show you what we’ve learned and help you get started and be confident on the water.  We’re not professional instructors but the volunteers are always happy to help you learn the basics.  If you’re not a confident swimmer you should plan to source a life jacket and come dressed ready to take a potential dip.

    If you’re new to paddling our uploads in WhatsApp have a full rundown of equipment and other useful information about getting set up for paddling if you decide this is a sport for you.  

  • Yes! We are keen for anyone in the group to join us, but RSVPing lets us know the event should still go ahead as planned and gives us crucial information on whether we need to get loaner boards prepped.

  • No problem, please update your RSVP so we know not to expect you.  No later than the night before the event is ideal.

  • If you’re new to paddling our uploads in WhatsApp have a full rundown of equipment and other useful information about getting set up for paddling if you decide this is a sport for you.  

    Water quality is regularly tested by the ACT Government between October and April, and is published here

    Wind and gusts area big factor in our ability to paddle safely, WillyWeather is a great app or site to see wind forecast.  We generally paddle early in the day to get the best wind conditions but encourage everyone to note this before heading out.

  • Great!  The SUP4Resilience WhatsApp group is a great way to find some keen paddle buddies.  Think about announcing your paddle to invite some participants.  You would need to be clear on the location (google maps link is good), timing, and expected distances or pace.  That will help keep all potential paddlers aligned on expectations.  

  • No, we do not hire boards or life jackets as we are not professional service. We are fortunate to have 4 stand up paddle boards and two life jackets available for beginners to use which have been kindly donated from R4R and one of our members, Donna. This is a community led group and people who are helping at events are volunteers and are kindly offering their time to build this community. 

  • Our community lead stand up paddle board (SUP) events are designed specifically for adult participants, with safety as our highest priority.

    Paddling on open water involves inherent risks, including changing weather, water conditions, vessel traffic, fatigue, and the need for strong selfrescue and decisionmaking skills. These events are communityled recreational paddles, not lessons, guided tours, or supervised activities.

    Children require a different level of supervision, equipment, instruction, and emergency planning than our events are able to provide. We are unable to ensure the level of onetoone supervision necessary to keep children safe on the water.

  • No. Even when accompanied by a parent or guardian, children are not permitted to attend these events.

    Supervising a child on the water can affect a paddler’s ability to:

    • Monitor conditions and hazards

    • Respond quickly in an emergency

    • Assist other participants if needed

    To ensure the safety of the entire group, this applies consistently to all attendees.