6 Must-Try Activities When Paddle Boarding St Kilda
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
St Kilda’s stunning beaches are hotspots for exciting water sports activities, one of which you don’t want to miss is the paddle boarding St Kilda adventure.
Just 7 km from Melbourne, this vibrant hub attracts over a million locals and tourists for its lively atmosphere and famous attractions.
DISCLAIMER: Before traveling to a paddle location, ensure that the location still allows for paddle boarding and make yourself aware of any rules and regulations in place.
Overview of St Kilda
Today, the town is a must-visit location for lovers of outdoor adventures who want to enjoy a unique paddle boarding St Kilda experience. Its calm waters are not only perfect for beginners to take baby steps, but also for seasoned ones to leisurely paddle.
Stand up paddle boarding St Kilda is a must-try, along with kiteboarding, fishing, kayaking, and windsurfing - all set against the backdrop of pristine water and sandy beaches.
Photo by Enguerrand Blanchy on Unsplash
St Kilda's rich history begins with the Boon Wurrung people. Then, it became a resort for the elite and, after that, an arts and culture hub.
Today, its deep historical and cultural roots are evident in iconic landmarks like Luna Park and the Esplanade Hotel.
The Best Water Activities in St Kilda
It’d be such a loss not to try these activities when in St Kilda.
1. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
A stand up paddle boarding St Kilda experience is probably the most popular way to explore this scenic part of Melbourne.
The sheltered bay at St Kilda Pier has gentle conditions, ideal for balance practice. Despite occasional winds, the water is pretty stable. You might spot seabirds or dolphins circulating nearby.
Paddle board hire St Kilda services are plenty, making it easy to just hit the water when you don’t feel like bringing your own paddle board.
2. Kayaking
Early mornings are amazing for kayaking as it’s less crowded, giving you a more intimate view of the cityscape in the sun. Two popular routes are St Kilda-Elwood and St Kilda-Port Melbourne.
To make things even more convenient, iROCKER’s inflatable kayak is a great option for easily carrying your gear down the pier and setting it up in just minutes.
3. Fishing
In addition to a paddle boarding St Kilda experience, fishing is also adored either at night or early morning. Commonly, you can fish snappers, flatheads, breams, and squids.
4. Kiteboarding
After a peaceful St Kilda paddle boarding trip, add some thrills into the adventure with kiteboarding.
St Kilda has a very strong kiteboarding community. You can easily find launching points on the west side of St Kilda beach.
5. Windsurfing
Take advantage of St Kilda’s breezy conditions, consistent winds, and flat waters to enjoy windsurfing. Soft sandy beaches make great launch spots. West Beach is safe and spacious, which makes it easy to set up gear.
6. Swimming and Relaxing on the Beach
The western end is for adventures like paddle boarding St Kilda, while the southern end offers warm, shallow, and gentle waters for swimming.
Photo by Joy Saha on Unsplash
There’s easy access to nearby cafes and restaurants, with a laid-back atmosphere, so you can take a leisure stroll after a swim.
Kayak and Stand up Paddle Board Hire St Kilda
If you're planning to explore paddle boarding St Kilda and more, there are a great bunch of rental options.
1. Stand Up Paddle HQ
Located at St Kilda West Beach, they offer paddle board hire St Kilda with rentals starting at $30 for 60 minutes. Other services include paddle board yoga, group hire, and lessons.
2. Kite Republic
Located on Jacka Boulevard, this paddle board St Kilda hire has SUPs for rent from $29/hour, along with gear for kiteboarding and windsurfing.
3. Sea Kayak Australia
While not St Kilda-based, they deliver to various Melbourne locations. Their kayak hike often comes with 2-4 hour tours, starting from $158.
For easy setup and transport without the hassle of renting, consider a good quality stand up paddle board like iROCKER’s inflatable paddle board as your own! Nothing beats the ability to launch your own SUP board whenever you love.
5 Activities You Shouldn’t Miss Besides St Kilda Paddle Boarding
The highlight is getting to paddle board St kilda and enjoy a diverse range of other sports, but that’s not all. Here are 5 more activities to do.
- Observe wildlife at St Kilda Pier
Beyond St Kilda paddle boarding, you can relax and spot penguins, seals, and seabirds. The best place to do so is the pier.
- Have a meal at Donovan’s
Donovan’s is one of St Kilda’s best restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine. It’s a staple activity to do after paddle boarding St Kilda, a lovely ocean view.
- See live music at The Espy
The Espy is the local name for The Esplanade Hotel. It’s a venue full of charming bars and live music gigs.
- Shop at St Kilda Esplanade Market
If you visit St Kilda, don’t overlook this market. You can find over 100 stalls of handmade arts and crafts, clothes, and food.
- Skydive Melbourne
Don’s miss the chance to see the beauty of St Kilda from 15,000 ft above with Skydive Melbourne. It’s a perfect activity for adrenaline junkies.
Safety Tips for Paddle Boarding St Kilda
Before starting your St Kilda paddle boarding adventure, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Check wind and tides before launching. They can change rapidly.
- St Kilda beach is unpatrolled, so make sure you know what you’re doing before engaging in a sport.
- Wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD), even if you're seasoned.
- Stay within designated areas.
- Watch for swimmers and watercraft before launching.
Have a Thrilling St Kilda Paddle Boarding Adventure With iROCKER
Paddle boarding St Kilda is a spectacular way to explore this charming suburb. Beyond that, St Kilda offers various water activities, live music, markets, and great eateries.
Looking to up-the-ante your next St Kilda visit? Plan your next trip with iROCKER’s inflatable SUPs. From performance, durability, to excellent portability, with iROCKER, you’ll be ready for action anytime in St Kilda.
FAQs
Is St Kilda the right spot for sunbathing or for splashing around?
Both. St Kilda has calm, flat, and shallow water that creates a safe environment for water activities for visitors of all ages.
Can you catch a tram to St Kilda?
Yes. Trams 16, 96, 12, and 3 take about 10-40 minutes to reach St Kilda from Melbourne city center.
What is the best time to visit St Kilda?
The best time to visit St Kilda is from December to March, when the weather is warm enough for beach activities and outdoor events.
