| All-Girl SUP Riders // Session 01 June 2011 By: Mel McManus Location: Sydney Although only in its infancy, the All-Girl SUP Riders Sydney has already attracted a diverse group of passionate SUPers. The brainchild of well-known Sydney stand up paddler, Elyse Comerford, the All-Girl SUP Riders Sydney group was started as a means of getting more women out on the water by offering them a friendly, social environment with a strong emphasis on mutual support and encouragement. The concept was immediately embraced by fellow female paddlers from up and down the coast, with Kate and Cassie regularly travelling down from the Central Coast, and Mel travelling up from Jervis Bay to help Elyse out. The guiding principle in forming the club was to provide a way for women to get out on their SUPs in a wide variety of settings, without the pressure of partners or blokes watching over them! The club has had four successful outings so far including two sessions of bay cruising at Gunnamatta Bay (one in lovely summer conditions and the most recent in a testing winter southerly - check the pics below), a two-hour river exploration at Woronora and surfing at Long Reef in conjunction with the Sydney Paddle Surf Club (who kindly put on a special women's surf division), followed by an afternoon paddle at Narrabeen Lakes. As well as an enjoyable social paddle in great company, each gathering has finished with a BBQ and good old chin-wag session! The club provides the opportunity for girls to try new paddling environments and challenge themselves in the company of other enthusiastic women stand up paddlers. The more experienced paddlers happily share their knowledge and provide support and advice to the newer paddlers with all levels of paddler welcome. As well as providing regular fun outings, another of the club's aims is to introduce female paddlers to the great variety of disciplines and events that there are for SUP riders and allow them to experience the different facets of SUP without the pressure of full-on open competitions. Membership is open to all women. To learn more about the club check out the [ Facebook ] page or contact Elyse on 0434250830.            | |
