Frequently Asked Questions
Kayak & SUP Hire – Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can, but there are a few conditions. For your safety, we’ll limit your paddling area, so you remain close to the shoreline and within sight of our service kiosk. You’ll be fitted with a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), which must be always worn correctly while on the water.
If you’re accompanying a child who cannot swim, the supervising adult must be able to swim.
There’s no strict age limit—young, old and everyone in between is welcome. The most important requirement is that we have a correctly fitting PFD (life jacket) for every child or infant. Adults paddling with children must also be able to swim.
Our double kayaks include a centre seat that comfortably fits a child up to approximately six years of age, allowing two adults and one young child to paddle together.
Yes.
For kayak hire, a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is provided and must be always worn while you’re on the water, as required under NSW Maritime law.
For stand-up paddleboard hire, a leg leash is fitted to every board and must be worn while paddling. A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is also available free of charge upon request.
For your safety, all non-swimmers are required to wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) regardless of the activity.
Before you head out, we’ll ensure you’re fitted with the correct safety equipment and explain its proper use.
Not at all.
Our kayaks and paddleboards are suitable for beginners, and every hire includes a complimentary on-land paddling introduction and safety briefing. We’ll explain the basics, demonstrate paddling techniques, answer any questions and make sure you’re comfortable before you head out.
Every hire includes:
• Kayak or stand-up paddleboard
• Paddle(s)
• Personal Flotation Device (PFD) – Optional for SUP
• Safety briefing and paddling introduction
• Local paddling advice
• Complimentary dry bag (subject to availability) Optional kayak backrests are also available for an additional charge.
Yes.
We provide complimentary dry bags for phones, keys and other small valuables you’d like to take with you on the water. While they’re designed to keep your belongings dry, all personal items are carried at your own risk.
If you’d prefer to leave your belongings onshore, you’re welcome to store them in our service kiosk area or in our nearby lockable storage trailer.
You’ll almost certainly get a little wet, so we recommend wearing swimwear or lightweight clothing that dries quickly.
For safety reasons, long denim jeans are not permitted, as they become heavy when wet and can restrict your movement if you unexpectedly enter the water.
We also recommend bringing:
• A hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses (with a retainer if possible) • Water bottle
There’s a very good chance!
Shoal Bay’s resident dolphins are regular visitors and it’s not unusual to see them swimming close to the shoreline or out in the bay while you’re paddling.
As they’re wild animals following natural food sources, we can’t guarantee they’ll appear during every hire—but when they do, it’s a special experience.
We’ll recommend the best areas to paddle based on the weather, sea conditions and your experience level.
Before you head out, we’ll explain the recommended paddling boundaries so you can enjoy your adventure safely and confidently.
Yes, we love doggo’s! Well behaved small to medium sized dogs and are more than welcome to join you but please note that our launch location is within a dog-prohibited section of Shoal Bay Beach. To comply with local regulations, dogs must not be on this area of the beach and must be restrained, carried and placed directly on the kayak or sup on water. Alternatively, the designated dog-friendly area is approximately 400 metres along the shoreline, where you can paddle down to and have your dog join you from there.
If you’re planning to paddle with your four-legged companion, just let us know prior to booking or arrival, and we’ll be happy to explain the procedure more thoroughly.
Absolutely.
Our hire periods are flexible to suit your plans.
For hires longer than two hours, simply add $10 per hour for each additional hour. Once you reach five hours, the five to eight-hour rate remains the same, so you can enjoy the rest of the day without any further hourly charges.
Please note that we don’t offer a reduced rate for 30-minute hires—the standard one-hour minimum hire applies.
While walk-ins are always welcome when equipment is available, we strongly recommend booking in advance, particularly during school holidays and the summer season. Please note that we operate part-time, with our opening hours varying throughout the year depending on the season, weather and demand. If you simply arrive without a booking, there’s a chance we may not be operating at that time.
Booking ahead is the best way to ensure your equipment is ready and waiting when you arrive.
Your safety and comfort always come first.
If weather or water conditions are unsafe or unsuitable for paddling, we’ll contact you to discuss the available options. Wherever possible, we’ll happily reschedule your booking to another suitable date. If rescheduling isn’t possible, a full refund will be provided.
Please note that Port Stephens Kayak & Stand Up Paddle reserves the right to determine whether conditions are suitable for paddling. This decision is made with the safety and enjoyment of our guests as the highest priority.
For more information, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
Guided Kayak Tours – Frequently Asked Questions
There’s a very good chance!
The Port Stephens estuary is home to approximately 150 bottlenose dolphins. While they’re wild animals and sightings can never be guaranteed, your guide knows the areas where dolphins commonly feed and travel and will always keep an eye out throughout the tour.
Along the way, you may also encounter rays, sea birds and other marine life that call Port Stephens home.
Every child is different, however as a general guide we recommend:
• Shoal Bay Short Paddle: Suitable from around 7 years of age.
• The Sanctuary Explorer: Suitable from around 10 years of age.
All children must be accompanied by a participating adult throughout the tour. If you’re unsure whether a tour is suitable for your child, please contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss the options.
It depends on the child’s age, experience and confidence.
We generally recommend that children paddle in a double kayak with an adult, as this provides greater support by allowing the adult to assist if required.
However, every child is different. If you feel your child may be capable of paddling independently, please contact us before booking so we can discuss the most suitable option.
There’s no right or wrong answer. It really comes down to personal preference.
Single kayaks offer greater independence, while double kayaks are ideal for families, couples and those wanting to share the experience.
If you’re paddling a double kayak, remember that teamwork is important. Coordinating your paddle strokes makes paddling easier, more efficient and much more enjoyable.
Children should always paddle in a double kayak with an accompanying adult.
No two tours are the same.
Your guide will choose the best route based on the weather, wind direction, tides and other natural conditions on the day. We aim to work with the conditions wherever possible, making your paddle safer, more enjoyable and less physically demanding.
We’ll also consider wildlife activity and the best locations to showcase the natural beauty of Port Stephens.
Our tours are designed to be genuine paddling adventures, so you can expect to cover some distance regardless of which tour you choose.
As a general guide:
• Shoal Bay Short Paddle: Approximately 3–4 kilometres
• The Sanctuary Explorer: Approximately 7–10 kilometres
Distances may vary depending on weather conditions, tides and the pace of the group.
Not anymore.
Over the years we’ve found it’s simpler and more practical for guests to bring along their own refreshments. It also allows everyone to cater for their own dietary preferences and requirements.
We recommend bringing a water bottle and, for the longer tours, a light snack.
Complimentary dry bags are available to help keep your belongings dry during the tour.
Shoal Bay Short Paddle
No previous kayaking experience is required. This tour is suitable for beginners, and before we launch your guide will provide a paddling introduction, safety briefing and demonstrate the basic techniques to help you feel comfortable on the water.
The Sanctuary Explorer
This tour is designed for paddlers with previous kayaking experience and a reasonable level of fitness.
If you’re new to kayaking, we recommend hiring a kayak first to become familiar with the equipment before booking this more adventurous experience.
We recommend bringing:
• Water bottle
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses (with a retainer if possible)
• Comfortable clothing that can get wet
• Light snack for the longer tours
We’ll provide all paddling equipment, safety gear and complimentary dry bags for your essential belongings.
Your safety is always our highest priority.
Guided tours venture further from shore and into more exposed waters than our hire activities. For this reason, we take a particularly cautious approach when assessing weather and sea conditions.
If conditions are unsafe or unsuitable for your tour, we’ll contact you to discuss the available options. Wherever possible, we’ll happily reschedule your booking to another suitable date. If rescheduling isn’t possible, a full refund will be provided.
Please note that Port Stephens Kayak & Stand Up Paddle reserves the right to determine whether weather and sea conditions are suitable for the safe operation of our guided tours. This decision is made with the safety and enjoyment of all participants as our highest priority.
For more information, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
Still Have Questions?
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.
Whether you need help choosing the right tour or simply want to know what to expect, feel free to get in touch before you book.