SUP program for teens to visit Barwon Heads

Over the past four years, the Coasting Program has provided thousands of females with the chance to enjoy stand-up paddleboarding. Photo: ED SLOANE/SURFING VICTORIA

A NEW program is aiming to provide more opportunities for teenage girls to start stand up paddleboarding (SUP), with sessions set to begin in Barwon Heads.

Over the past four years, the Coasting Program has provided thousands of females with the chance to enjoy SUP.

Surfing Victoria and VicHealth, who collaborate to run the program, are now looking to introduce Coasting for Teens. This program will see SUP sessions held in four key locations.

Barwon Heads was one of the selected locations, along with Ballarat, Inverloch and Brighton. These places will regularly hold SUP sessions during summer.

Surfing Victoria chief executive officer Adam Robertson said the program helped people find ways to be active outside of more established sports.

“With the help of VicHealth we have been able to introduce SUP to women from all different parts of Victoria and show them that there are so many different ways to be active away from the traditional sports.

“With the 2019/20 programs focusing on teenage participation, we are looking forward to getting more female teenagers into SUP.”

VicHealth chief executive officer Dr Sandro Demaio said the activity had plenty to offer participants.

“Coasting is an exciting program that encourages young women to get more active in the water, learn a fun new skill, and socialise – all while enjoying Victoria’s beautiful coastline.”

Sessions are $35 with all equipment provided. They include an hour paddling taught by a fully qualified SUP instructor.

The first Coasting for Teens at Barwon Heads session begins at 9am on November 2

To register or find more information, head to coastingsup.com.