“What’s SUP?” You would be wrong if you thought it was a popular messaging service, or even a rather annoying phrase that was popular in the noughties. But you would be correct if you answered ‘stand up paddle boarding’ – or in our case sit up paddling – or in some cases when we got tired sunbathing, with a bit of token paddling.
If you would like to give it a go, there is the perfect place on Tasik Widuri at Bukit Beruntung. It’s a lake about one hour traveling north of Kuala Lumpur in Rawang and is ideal for beginners, as the calm waters on the lake make it easier to balance. Nomad Adventures even offer to incorporate a fun fitness routine into the trip, but we were already getting a good workout just trying to stay on the board.
A few SUP Do’s and Don’ts
- Do bring proof that all adults in the group have been vaccinated, wear masks when you are checking in and arrive 10 minutes before the session is due to start. Do wear suitable swimwear and lots of sun cream. If you wear a loose hat, you have to be prepared to multi task and stop it floating away along with your paddle and board when you inevitably fall in.
- Don’t bother packing your dignity, as you will lose it the first time you fall off your board and have to try and clamber back on looking like a drowned rat.
- Do pack a picnic and take lots of water with you. There are some tables for you to stop and refuel at. But if you forget, there are some small food stands on site. We did one hour’s paddling, then came out for some food and a break before going back in. And if you are still hungry or need to bribe any members of your family, there is a McDonald’s a few km away.
- Do take a dry bag with you if you don’t want to leave your valuables in the car. The paddle boards have a net on the front to hold them.
- Do take a waterproof camera to capture the fun, but only if you have something to secure it to yourself. The lake is deep and the water is not clear, so if you drop it you won’t get it back.
- Don’t worry if you’re not a very strong swimmer. Everyone has to wear a life jacket and the guides are there to keep you safe. They will even help you back on your board if you are struggling and won’t get cross if you lose a paddle or two, like we did.
Who would find this fun?
Don’t worry if you’re on the wrong side of 40, you’ve ‘forgotten’ to exercise recently or are carrying a couple of extra COVID calories (aren’t we all). You will enjoy this as much as the children! You don’t need to be really coordinated or athletic, as you can take it at your own pace. It doesn’t even matter if you don’t manage to stand up on the board. You will still have fun.
The children in our group were aged between 9 and 11 and all managed fine and have asked to go again, which is a great sign.
How much does it cost and how do you book?
A two hour guided session, plus one hour of free play costs RM90 per person and if you’re confident enough to do it by yourself, its RM60 for renting the equipment for a two hour session.
Children who are seven years old or under, can still take part by sharing a board with an adult for RM50.
You’ll need to be organised and book in advance, especially as they only run this activity on weekends and offer one morning slot at 9am – 12noon. The afternoon slot runs from 4 – 7pm.
For more information visit the Nomad Adventure website here, or to book a few hours of fun on a SUP by WhatsApp (016 201 1219) between 9am and 5pm on weekdays only.
Looking for more sporty fun on the water? How about wakeboarding in Putrajaya!? Have a look at our article here.
Our paddle board session was sponsored by Nomad Adventure. As always, our opinion is honest and our own.
