Hi All,
I'm new to the sport and looking for advice on flatwater and maybe small wave paddling in Warrnambool. Heading down there at Xmas, but don't really know the area.
It looks like there is a couple of river options (Merri Hopkins) and then the beach.
is any of that beach protected?
What would it be like getting from Merri River around to the beach?
Cheers

The hopkins would be good for a paddle, you will get waves at the flume or smaller ones at main beach, main beach will be busy though. I will be down there at xmas too, not taking a sup though.

Cool, thanks. Think I'll just head down and get a feel for it. Would be handy if I could paddle down the Merri and then around to main beach.
still learning so gotta keep it tame!
if it's choppy I might even throw it in the lake so I can take my little kids for a paddle.

Get in touch with Keith from Go Surf - He runs out of Port Fairy, but knows the area well. Also has a great paddle loop, hire and knowledge of the area.

Keith Curtain - Go Surf - 0408 310 001

Ride safe,

JB

^ thanks for the tip!

G'dah mate, Im a Warrnambool local...unless the Merri river is up and a king tide you will be struggling to paddle out of the mouth into Stingray bay as its shallow and narrow. Inside the breakwater is protected but doesn't take much wind to make it pretty rough. The Hopkins is nice for a paddle, mouth to top of estuary is about 9ks. Just watch out for the noise makers in the ski lanes. The monye river in Port Fairy is nice too but boat traffic can be an issue. If you get a flat day paddling out of Lady Bay around the breakwater and across to Thunder Point is awesome.
Have fun
Clint

Hey Clint is there anywhere to hire a decent surf or race sup down there

I'll say no off the top of my head, there not sold in any of the surf shops and i dont think the surf schools get into. When I paddled regularly I never even saw anyone else with a race board down here apart from the odd tourist... just never seemed to take off. If I patch my nose ding your more than welcome to my board for a paddle. It's nothing new but will get you out on the water.