SUP THE RIVER

Want to take your Stand Up Paddleboarding up a notch?

SUP the River will get you there!

Hop on to a stand up paddle board (SUP) and get swept away in the fun and challenge of cruising down the Clutha River. Starting off gently, with as much coaching from your friendly guide as you need. You’ll soon feel like you are flying as you float atop the crystal clear water. A couple of small rapids along the way add to the excitement in a truly unique Wanaka adventure.

A unique guided tour of the Clutha River. All equipment provided. Start off with an instruction session on flat water before testing out your new SUP skills down the beautiful upper Clutha river! If you are already a proficient SUP paddler, we will tailor your tour to suit.

All transport to location provided
2 hours total paddling (allow 3 hours’ total time)
Daily departures

DURATION:

3 Hours

ADULT:

$ 174

CHILD:

$ Enquire

SUP THE RIVER HIGHLIGHTS

Half-day of stand up paddleboarding on a grade 1 section of river
Includes drinks and our famous brownie!
Challenge yourself to stay standing through some rapids!
Operates in most weather conditions
A little SUP experience (once or twice is fine!) is helpful, or some reasonable fitness and a sense of adventure!
Tour can be tailored to suit skill levels

SUP THE RIVER INFO

Departs: 3:00 PM
Allow: 3 hours
Bring: Sunscreen, swimwear, thermals if needed.
Includes: Stand Up Paddle boarding & light refreshments. Wetsuit (if needed) and all safety equipment. Pickup from the Wanaka I-site or your Wanaka accommodation.

FULL ITINERARY

SUP the River starts with you meeting one of your guides, either at the Wanaka I-site or right at your accommodation door. From there, it’s a quick drive down to the river, which is the start point for your epic adventure!

As soon as you arrive, you’ll get your safety gear on, get a SUP skills lesson, and get on the water! You and your guide will spend as much time as you need on the flat calm water where the lake flows into the river, until you are feeling confident enough to push on to the next level. Your guide is there to help, so they will give you lots of information about how to travel down the river safely and effectively.

After a little while of smooth, fast-flowing river, your first rapid will appear around the corner. Either drop to your knees for more stability to ride it out, or challenge yourself to stand up and bounce through the waves!

Of course, a trip with Paddle Wanaka wouldn’t be complete without a stop to refuel with some beverages and our famous brownie!

At the end of your trip, you’ll be picked up again and taken back to your starting point in town.

PRICING

Adult: $174

Child: Enquire

Cancellation: Customers may cancel or rebook without penalty up to 24 hours prior to trip departure. Cancellations or no-shows after this time will be charged full price.

FAQ's

What should I wear?

You will want to wear swimwear or something that you don’t mind getting wet. Jeans or anything cotton is not great. If it is cold we will give you a wetsuit and splash jacket to wear over your swimwear.

What should I bring?

You don’t need to bring much! Sunscreen, a water bottle, and a change of clothes for after the tour are all recommended.

What equipment is provided?

We will provide stand up paddle boards, paddles, quick-release river leashes, lifejackets, booties and helmets, plus wetsuits and thermal layers if it is cold out. Your guide will have all the appropriate safety equipment for the trip.

Do I need to be experienced?

If you’ve been out on a SUP once or twice that will be great! If you haven’t been on a SUP before, you’ll just need some basic fitness and a good sense of adventure!

How long does it take?

We generally spend a little bit of time going over basic skills on flat water, and then we’ll start going down the river. The whole time on the water is generally 1.5-2 hours. There will be some transportation and instructional time at the beginning of your trip as well.

Do I need to be able to swim?

On this trip you are much more likely to fall in, so being able to swim will make you much more comfortable. Non-swimmers will likely enjoy the Lake Escape more as an alternative trip.

Can we have a private tour?

Yes! Please contact us by phone or email for prices and to book a private trip.

Will I fall in?

Probably! Taking a “swim” is all part of the fun! Your guide will teach you how to self-rescue before you get on the water, and will be nearby if you do tip out and need extra assistance.

Will I get wet?

Yes!

What type of board do you use?

We use inflatable SUPs that are quite stable and great fun on the river!

What weather does this trip operate in?

This trip runs rain or shine! If its chilly out we’ll give you some extra thermal layers to keep you nice and toasty!

What grade is the river?

The river section for the SUP trip is a grade 1+, meaning its fast flowing, but generally pretty flat, with a couple of fun little rapids that you can challenge yourself on! However if you a proficient on a SUP contact us for a more adventurous trip!