It is no wonder stand-up paddle boarding has taken off as a way to enjoy the ocean: it's fun, it's great for you (check out your abs after you've been at it a while) and it's relatively simple to get the hang of.
If you have spent the summer watching other people zipping back and forth across the bay and wondered if you'd enjoy it as much as everyone else seems to, now is the time to find out.
It couldn't be easier to give it a try with some help from the good people at Matakana Beach Outfitters.
Whether you want to simply hire the gear and go out on your own or take a lesson, there are a range of options. One popular way to get started is taking a 90-minute guided tour - these adventures start with a lesson and are an excellent opportunity to explore the coast.
A sheltered cove can usually be found, depending on which way the wind is blowing, and the team at Matakana Beach Outfitters explore a variety of stunning locations, including Omaha Estuary, Whangateau Harbour, Omaha Beach, Ti Point, Goat Island and even the Matakana River.
