From sitting to standing – finding my confidence on a paddleboard!
By Kerri | Solo Women Travel Australia
From nervous beginner to standing confidently on a paddleboard in less than 30 minutes, Kerri discovers that a little encouragement and the right instructor can make all the difference when trying something new.
At a Glance – Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour
- Who: Bec at Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour.
- Lessons: Beginner-friendly group and private paddleboarding lessons.
- Location: Reddall Parade, Lake Illawarra, with alternative locations depending on conditions.
- Bookings: Visit www.supshellharbour.com and select Book Now.
- Contact Bec: Phone 0427 667 938 or email supshellharbour@bigpond.com.
Kerri starts her paddleboarding adventure from the comfort of a kayak seat before learning to stand with a little encouragement from Bec.
I’ve always enjoyed being out on the water, but standing up on a paddleboard was something I wasn’t quite convinced I could do.
I was perfectly happy using my stand-up paddleboard (SUP) as a kayak, complete with a comfortable little seat. After all, why stand up when you can sit down and enjoy the scenery?
That was until I met Bec from Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour.
Bec wasn’t about to let me spend the whole session sitting down!
With her friendly approach, clear instructions and endless positive encouragement, she gently coaxed me out of my comfort zone. She explained what I needed to do, helped me understand how to balance and, most importantly, made me believe I could actually do it.
Success! With Bec’s patient instruction and positive encouragement, Kerri went from sitting to standing confidently on her paddleboard in about half an hour.
And guess what?
Within about half an hour, I’d gone from sitting comfortably in my kayak seat to standing up and paddling with confidence!
I think sometimes we just need someone to give us that little shove in the right direction. Not a push into the water, mind you, but the encouragement to try something we might otherwise talk ourselves out of.
That’s exactly what Bec did for me.
What impressed me most wasn’t simply her knowledge of paddleboarding, but her patience, enthusiasm and genuine belief that I could succeed.
For women travelling solo, particularly those who might feel a little hesitant about trying something new, having an instructor who makes you feel comfortable and capable makes all the difference.
I came away with more than just a new skill. I came away with a lovely sense of achievement and the confidence to get back out there and do it again.
Thank you, Bec. Sometimes all we need is someone who believes in us until we believe in ourselves.
Look at me now! Kerri celebrates mastering the basics of stand-up paddleboarding after just 30 minutes of instruction from Bec at Shellharbour.
If you’re visiting the Shellharbour region and have ever thought about giving stand-up paddleboarding a go, I thoroughly recommend getting in touch with Bec at Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour.
You might just surprise yourself!
