Clever watercraft experiences near Neutral Bay
Who said children should get to have all the fun? When it comes to Sydney’s beautiful waterways and harbour, adults are only limited by their imaginations!
With so much ocean on our doorstep, there is no excuse not to experience something new. From a relaxing cruise to an adrenaline-pumping adventure, here are some of the local water activities on offer near Neutral Bay.
New watercraft on the block
There are some incredible innovations giving us new ways to enjoy water activities around the lower north shore.
Consider water bikes (yes, you read that right), which allow you to stay afloat while you’re pedalling. These machines are a bicycle/catamaran hybrid, with top speeds of around 12 kilometres an hour. Designed for people of all ages and athletic abilities, they are made for use on saltwater and ‘deliver a silent, smooth and incredibly fun’ cycling experience.
Take a look at watersportscentral.com.au for more information about water bikes.
Image Source: watersportscentral.com.au
Electric motorised surfboards, aka Fliteboard™ eFoils require a little more agility and strength to operate but are an exciting way to experience surfing or ‘flying’ over local waters. You can try before you buy at Balmoral via paddlesurfing.com.au and learn how to get the hang of ‘foilboarding’ (it will probably take a few tumbles before you master it). These ultra-cool boards are fast becoming the rage and can be purchased for upwards of $15k from fliteboard.com.au. Just be sure to check legislation about where you can operate them.
Image Source: watersportscentral.com.au
Other electric watercraft are also hitting our waterways, with options including e-paddleboards, and bodyboards. Take a look at waves.com.au to jump on board with the new water activity trend.
‘Dive scooters’ allow you to travel greater distances than a regular pair of flippers would allow. Hang on and use your ‘e-bike for the water’ as you snorkel or dive in local waters.
Kayaking & Stand Up Paddle Boards SUP
Prefer people power?
Give yourself a healthy and stimulating workout with a paddle around our local waterways. Schedule an early morning paddle for the best chances of still water so you don’t get stuck in headwinds, splashed or blown off your stand up paddleboard. Don’t forget to always wear a lifejacket for safety.
Sydney Harbour Kayaks has a base at The Spit, where you can take advantage of their aquatic hire services and rent a single or double kayak from 7:30 am on weekends or 9 am on weekdays for anywhere from one hour to a whole day.
Visit sydneyharbourkayaks.com.au to find out more about kayak rental or tours, or to purchase all the equipment you need to get out on the water. You can also visit balmoralwatersportscentre.com.au for kayak rental and SUP lessons.
Your other option is the Kayak Share Club, which is a community-run, not-for-profit kayak club that operates on a share principle. New members must complete a paddle safety training course and join Paddle Australia (NSW) but from there they can book one of nine community kayaks to use for free. The club’s fleet of 9 kayaks are moored on timber log racks built by North Sydney Council at the eastern end of Hayes St Beach. You will find information about the club at kayakshareclub.org.
Sailing on Sydney Harbour
If you like the thrill of a larger vessel, sailing may be the ideal water activity in Sydney for you. The benefit of taking up this sport is that sailboat owners are always looking for crew. You get to learn the sport, and build your skills, without buying a boat of your own!
Balmoral Water Sports Centre and Flying Fish Sailing are the places to look for all things sailing in our area. You can start as a beginner but beware… sailing is addictive.
Diving in and around Sydney’s Lower North Shore
Want to spend time under the water than on it? Sydney Harbour is rich with marine life and the waters around the lower north shore are popular with divers, freedivers and spearfishers (make sure you follow regulations and always take care when participating in this water activity).
You can request a privately guided dive at frogdive.com.au or enrol for your scuba certification via dive2000.com.au. Dive 2000 also offers an underwater photography course.
Get wet near Neutral Bay
We encourage you to venture out on the harbour and inlets around Neutral Bay to make the most of our beautiful city and its many water activities. Don’t forget to leave a comment on our socials if you discover any other water activities worth trying out.
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