The Five Best Sunshine Coast SUP Locations

With the winter solstice behind us and our days set to get longer, now is the perfect time for paddleboarders to start planning a few day trips. Here at Ride The Tide we think that our neighbours to the north are spoiled with some of the best SUP spots in the state. We have listed the five best Sunshine Coast SUP locations, ranging from flat-water cruises for beginners to popular breaks for SUPers with years of experience.

Baroon Pocket Dam

Nestled in the picturesque Sunshine Coast hinterland, Baroon Pocket Dam presents gorgeous glassy conditions for beginner and experienced boarders. Baroon is surrounded by rainforests packed full of wildlife, and a quick paddle along the shoreline will reveal a wealth of inlets that are well worth exploring. Don’t forget to bring your camera, and steer clear of the dam wall which is a restricted area for obvious reasons. While a popular tourist destination for bushwalking and family day trips, there is always plenty of room to master the basics of paddleboarding out on the open water.

Ewen Maddock Dam

Another one ideal for beginners. Ewen Maddock Dam is situated a short drive from Landsborough in the Mooloolah Valley. At 3.1km long and 2.6km wide, there are endless inlets to explore, and in summer the dam is dotted with kayakers and rowers enjoying the warmth. Ewen Maddock is suited to beginners as only non-motorised craft are permitted on the waterway, meaning you won’t have to worry about dodging jetskis while you learn the basics.

Cotton Tree

Located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, Cotton Tree is a popular flat-water location for swimmers and boarders alike. It is an ideal spot to learn how to paddleboard - local business Ocean Addicts hire out SUPs and run lessons every day of the week for complete beginners. The pristine waters of Cotton Tree make it popular for a range of watersport activities, and with numerous cafes and alfresco dining options along the river it is perfect for a lazy day out.

Pumicestone Passage

We’ve talked about it before, but Pumicestone Passage is the nearest thing to perfection that Sunshine Coast SUPers will ever find. A 35 kilometre ribbon of clearest blue dotted with all kinds of marine life, Pumicestone Passage stretches from Caloundra to Deception Bay with the stunning Glasshouse Mountains providing the perfect backdrop. The waterway is ecologically varied, with mangroves, saltmarshes and coastal dunes among the features. Animal lovers may catch a sight of dolphins, countless different birds, turtles and even dugongs along this jewel of the Sunshine Coast.

Maroochydore Beach

Just north of Cotton Tree, Maroochydore Beach offers consistent breaks for the more experienced and adventurous boarder. It is typically much quieter than the nearby Mooloolaba Beach, and is often frequented by local surfers and SUPers who have been enjoying the breaks for years. You will find plenty of room to paddleboard along the long stretch of open beach, but watch out for swimmers between the flags.

Visit Ride The Tide Warehouse

Dean and Cherie started up Ride The Tide in the summer of 2013 after falling in love with the SUP lifestyle. Ride The Tide stock a wide range of SUPs and accessories for beginners to advanced boarders, and we are confident enough to offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for all customers. Our warehouse is open from 9am-12pm on Saturdays for those who want to view our range. Contact Dean on 0403549702 or dean@ridethetide.com.au to start your boarding journey.