Coming down to Melb later this week for the tennis with the family. Usually bring the MTB and hit You Yangs and Lysterfield, but this time planning to bring the iSUP and do some paddling. Looking at Google earth and worked out its about 13km from Johnson St to Southbank via Yarra. Anyone done it and any hazards etc to watch out for? I've not done any rapids on the iSUP and not keen to start on the Yarra. Anyone know a good place around Johnson St to put in?. cheers, wayne.

There are no rapids from Johnson St towards the city. If you went the other way, you'd hit Dight's Falls after about 500 metres. Not aware of any public boat ramps near Johnson St as I've only ever dropped in the other side of Dights Falls or else gone as far as Bridge Rd and used the Hawthorn Rowing Club ramp.

I'd launch from Boat House Drive, next to the rowing clubs. Easy to park, easy to launch and you're right in the heart of the city between Federation Square and the mighty MCG.

StKilda SUPB said...

I'd launch from Boat House Drive, next to the rowing clubs. Easy to park, easy to launch and you're right in the heart of the city between Federation Square and the mighty MCG.

... thanks, I did your tour on the river same time last year (and a rental at the pier) which is one of the things that kicked off my interest in the iSUP for travel !

Had a nice paddle this arvo. Thanks to DJ for the company/guide and giving me a go in the big Naish. Wow, those things are smoooooth. After DJ left I went downstream to the aquarium, and on the way back got accosted by a Parks boat and an angry little man who threatened to fine me for not wearing a PFD. I pled stupidity (from NSW) but he told me I'd get fined if he saw me again. I was of the impression there was no compulsory PFD requirement in VIC? Anyone know for sure what the rules are on the Yarra, so I can tell him to get stu**ed if he stops me again over the weekend?

Will post some pics later when I work out how to do it. cheers ,wayne.

Thanks for the pictures and for the paddle on the C4.. Next time we should get a big group together and go on an upstream adventure..

btw.. I've paddled dozens of times and for years on the Yarra and often paddled past the water Police and Parks boats and I've never worn a PFD and never been stopped or questioned.. I'll have to look into the rules and regulations.. It's odd that they told you that you should be wearing one because all the rowers don't wear them.. Why should they get away with it and not us?

DJ