Adventure Paddling Victoria, Australia – 2,500km and counting…

What started as a simple paddle on Port Phillip Bay turned into over a decade of adventure. That first paddle was instantly addictive. Soon enough I was mapping out Port Phillip Bay, figuring out launch and exit points, how to get there and back, learning about wind, weather, and tides. Weekends became a blend of peace and excitement, chasing that feeling of discovering what’s around the next bend.

Over time, those adventures grew:

• Cruising along the Victorian coastline.
• Drifting across lakes and reservoirs like Eildon, Eppalock, Rocklands and Dartmouth.
• Navigating along rivers and creeks like the Goulburn, Glenelg, Gunbower and the Yarra.

I’ve now paddled 4580km, with 2560km being new, unexplored routes! 171 sections on a Red 13'2" Voyager. Using 2015, 2018 and 2023 models. The gallery showcases the diverse places, challenges, boards and set-ups I’ve had over the 11 years. I bought my first inflatable Red 13'2" – which was then called the Explorer – in 2015. The inflatable aspect gave me more freedom with my paddling, especially concerning storage and transportation.

I can even still drive while it’s strapped to my roofrack for longer distances. Because of its design I also don’t worry about dings or scratches – which is good as I drag it along the ground or over obstacles for portages without having to be precious about it.

Every trip brought something new: still water, ocean swells, rapids, strong winds, fallen trees, and obstacles requiring creative navigation. Multi-day paddles brought along new challenges: weather forecasts changing, pitching tents on flat ground, carrying supplies for multiple days (nine days the longest so far).

Victoria’s waterways have shown me the state from a totally different angle, including the small country towns and the backroads to access certain spots. There’s something about being on a paddleboard that forces you to slow down and really soak in the world around you, and I love this aspect of paddleboarding.

I still remember clearly the Goulburn River – my favourite. This magnificent 480km stretch took me four years to complete, broken into 31 sections, each offering unique terrain, stunning countryside, and small-country charm. It’s a paddle that taught patience, planning, and the joy of gradual achievement, one section at a time.

What started as solo exploration has blossomed into group adventures and deep friendships. Through SUP club meet-ups and weekend trips with like-minded paddlers, I’ve found joy in introducing people into the world of SUP touring.

And to anyone just starting out in stand-up paddleboarding and looking to buy a board, here’s what I learned – and passed on:

• Start with your paddling vision. What type of paddling do you want to do? Touring riverways or surfing? You’ll need a different board for each.
• Demo any board you can. There’s no better teacher than time on the water. Feel the balance, stability, and glide before you commit.
• Choose wisely. Look into brand warranties, read customer reviews, and consider the quality of support – if something goes wrong, a strong safety net matters.

I’m thankful for the 2,500km of new paddles. And more importantly, everything that came with it: the laughs, the lessons, the scratches, the swims, the sunsets, and the friendships. It’s a milestone worth celebrating – but I’m nowhere near done.

Let the adventures continue…