You’ve heard of multi-day hikes, bikepacking, and multi-day canoe trips – but what about multi-day SUPing? Strap your gear to your board and grab a paddle, cause this new multi-day activity will shake up your adventure plans.

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It’s well documented that stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is good for your core, and who doesn’t want a hard core? I’ll tell you what is also hardcore, strapping your camping kit to a standup paddle board and heading off on a multi-day SUP adventure!

I recently took two multi-day SUP trips with some mates on the Blackwood River in Augusta (3 days) and the Donnelly River in Pemberton (2 days), in Western Australia’s South West Boojarah region. It was incredible – I’m already planning my next adventure.

SUP touring joins packrafting or kayak camping as an awesome thing to do at least twice in your life. If you love to stand up paddle, SUP touring should be on your list of must-dos in 2025!

Read more: Paddle-In Camping – 7 Things to Know Before You Hit the Water

 

Parked and ready to paddle

SUP Your Own Adventure

SUP tourism is on the rise, with organised SUP tours available in along stunning waterways in countries like Norway and New Zealand.

However, with some planning, you can build your own fun stand-up paddleboard tour on the waterways in your own hood or further afield. Let’s go!

You’ll need a board and preferably some experience actually paddling one. New to SUP? Get yourself some lessons and learn the basics. Interested in a SUP tour? Here’s what you need to know and pack.

Read more: To My Surprise, I Found Mindfulness on a Stand Up Paddleboard

Can I use any SUP?

Like any paddling craft, SUPs come in all shapes and sizes.

There’s no hard and fast rules, but I recommend a board no shorter than 11ft for long distance touring. A shorter board limits gear capacity and safe paddling space.

Flipping your board with up to 45kg of gear isn’t fun and can be dangerous. Of course, as with any activity that involves you physically towing your gear, the lighter you pack, the easier it is to move.

 

Make sure to choose the right board for you

Inflatable or Hard Board?

I have a couple of boards; a narrow race board for going fast, and a cruising board for well, cruising. I also have an inflatable SUP which I prefer for touring because it’s designed for tough conditions and packs down to a transportable size. That’s just my opinion and choice. My inflatable is a Red Paddle 13’2″ Voyager.

 

No boards in the bed

 

Please note! There are many low-cost inflatables on the market that are brilliant for hanging out in your favourite bay, but beware loading them up with heavy gear.

A hard board with a flat deck wider than 30 inches will work perfectly if you don’t mind your board getting a few bumps and scratches on the way.

Types of Paddles

The best paddle is one that suits you and your paddling style. It doesn’t need to be carbon fibre and cost millions, but it should be the correct length. Adjustable paddles make life easy, allowing for board depth fluctuations when you’re loaded up.

A pack-down paddle is ideal for transporting, but I prefer a fixed paddle.

 

Whatever paddle stops you from falling in is best 😅

How to Adjust the Height of Your Paddle

The T (where you put your hand) should be around 20cm (or the length of a shaka) from the top of your head. Place the blade at your feet on level ground and adjust your paddle handle until it feels right.

All the gear but no idea what to take?

If you’re a camper with all the gear, you’re probably already packed, so start the car! You’ll need most things you usually take camping with some modifications and a shed load of dry bags.

My Packing List:

  • Tent + pegs (don’t need to be ultralight)
  • Lightweight sleep mat, sleeping bag, and pillow
  • Gas cooker + gas, a plate, cup, and cutlery
  • Coffee press
  • Ground sheet
  • Water bladder – 10L carrying capacity
  • Camelback – 2L
  • Head torch
  • Foldable knife
  • 5m of bungee cord
  • Firewood (already cut) + lighters (in fire season)
  • Microtowel and toiletries
  • Raincoat and one change of warm clothes
  • Swimwear
  • Food items – dehydrated and fresh food
  • Electric pump for inflatable SUP and backup hand pump
  • Powerpack
  • 10x dry bags (different sizes)
  • Lightweight spade and toilet paper
  • Camera packed in a waterproof case
  • First aid kit and snake bite kit
  • Leg or waist leash
  • Sunscreen, insect repellent, and hat
  • Footwear – thongs or Crocs
  • Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
  • Helmet if you’re hitting rapids

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

 

Do not forget the dry bags

Strap in For the Ride of Your Life!

Some boards have straps and loops at the front and rear for anchoring gear. They’re also available to retrofit from SUP shops.

When securing gear to your SUP, go for balance. If you have 40kg of gear, put around 20kg at each end. Items that sit up high should go to the rear so the front of your board doesn’t catch the wind if it’s blowing a gale!

Bungee cord is your best stretchy friend! I carry five metres to weave around two piles of luggage on the front and rear of the board.

 

Forget home on wheels, it’s home on water time

SUP Touring Safety

As with any watersport, it’s important to know your limits. I always use a leg leash or a waist clip for quick release. If you’re not a strong swimmer or tackling rapids, wear a PFD.

I also recommend head protection for fast-moving water with rocks.

In gnarly circumstances such as a strong headwind or shallow, log-laden water, there’s no shame in getting onto your knees – yes, it’s called standup paddling, but it’s better to save your loaded board from tipping over!

Read more: Waterfall & Swimming Hole Safety

 

We want you and your board to get home in one piece

You’re packed and ready. How far should you go?

How long is a piece of bungee cord? It’s stretchy, so quite long, actually!

Plan your adventure, find campsites, and book in advance. Choose a waterway that suits, then practice securing your load and paddling short distances.

Be realistic about the distance you want to cover. Extra gear slows even the strongest paddler. I usually aim for 10-15km per day with breaks. Don’t forget, it’s also a camping adventure.

 

Know your limits so you have enough time in the day to set up camp

Can I SUP any river I can kayak?

Most rivers that are accessible to kayaks are suitable for a SUP adventure, but not all.

SUP fins can make it tricky to get through shallow water with exposed rocks or tree branches. A shallow fin on your SUP should enable you to shimmy over most obstacles, but unless you want to unpack your SUP and lug all your gear to avoid snags, it’s best to choose waterways with few obstructions.

The same applies to getting into hard-to-access launch places. An inflatable on your back is much easier to carry in than a hard board.

 

Pick a river that all your mates can tackle too!

Where should I go on a multi-day SUP adventure?

Can I go on a SUP tour in any weather?

I love the saying, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing’, but I also live in Western Australia, where the weather is usually good most of the year!

If you have wet weather gear and are prepared for most conditions, I say go! The only factor that may make or break your SUP tour enjoyment is strong head winds.

So check your weather/wind app in the lead up to a SUP adventure and decide if it’s going to work for you. Some of the best adventures include a bit of rain and wild wind.

 

Now you’re ready to SUP it up

Have fun!

There’s nothing like cruising up or down a river and stopping to check out wildlife or set up camp, so slow down and enjoy the ride. Yours in SUP!

Find More Epic River Adventures Around Australia

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