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SUP the River Taster 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 briefing and lesson, and get on the water! You and your guide will build your skills 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.

Adult: $179
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.

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 acceptable. 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, a towel 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. 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 hour. There will be some transportation and instructional time at the beginning and end 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 our SUP the River – Lower Pro option.

The guides for this SUP taster were awesome. If you have previous SUPing experience, I would recommend booking the longer tour, as the "taster" goes by much more quicker than you'll want it to! NOVEMBER 2019

Super fun for first timers. What a great way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. friendly staff and great service. There is absolutely nothing to worry about if you are a first timer like me. The Wanaka lake is a stunner

Thank you so much for the guided tour today. It was truly a phenomenal experience. We will definitely leave a review on trip advisor. Can we grab the name of our tour guide so we can give him a shout out