Ozpaddle Sydney — Local services in Sydney

I absolutely loved my ‘Sydney Highlights Tour’ experience with Sophie, the founder of OzPaddle.

Being a first time kayaker, I was a little nervous beforehand. Sophie’s warm and welcoming demeanour immediately put me at ease.

Clear and simple instructions for beginners and tips for more advanced kayakers were given before departure, including how to correctly hold the oars (which are professional and Olympic grade) and optimal sitting positions to allow the kayak to travel smoothly.

After my belongings were locked and stored, I was given a life vest (which was matched to the colour of my kayak! *more on that later) the group of 12 set off into the gentle harbour waters. In my individual kayak, surrounded by amazing scenery, I immediately felt a sense of calm and tranquility, with nothing but my thoughts and the sound of water lapping against the nearby shore to distract me.

There were no boats or ferries in sight making it the perfect spot for departure (near Boy Charlton cafe where you can grab a coffee beforehand or afterwards!).

After getting the hang of it, we headed off around the harbour and took in the beautiful surroundings. Sophie was very encouraging and helpful the whole time towards anyone who was struggling and I felt confident and safe in her presence.

For history buffs, Sophie provided some fabulous facts about the harbour and its landmarks. If you’d rather just kick back and take in the harbour, there was no expectation to stay too close to the instructor, some choosing to ride at a slower pace whilst still having the comfort in knowing that a professional was always nearby.

One of the best features of the tour was that the instructor was frequently taking action shots throughout, and also taking individual, pair or group photos depending on who you’re travelling with at iconic points throughout the tour.

Upon returning, Sophie sent all guests their happy snaps via a quick AirDrop or email. The process was very quick, made possible as each member was easily identifiable in thumbnail form through their kayak and vest colour (genius!) so other guests won’t unnecessarily get individual pictures of you or your friends for those who might be concerned about privacy. Group photos etc. from a distance and short videos were also shared to capture the essence of the experience. I left with an amazing range (over 100!) of Instaworthy, beautiful and colourful photos.

Chatting with the instructor throughout, it’s clear that she is passionate about what she does and organically started the business, stemming from a history of competing in kayaking at a professional level, which then lead to a unique idea of sharing her passion of kayaking and knowledge of the city she loves with others.

There were a range of people from a range of backgrounds on the tour, including guests from the UK, South Korea, U.S.A and locals alike. The vibe was very relaxed and inclusive.

For any LGBTQI+ readers, OzPaddle is a safe space where you can enjoy a beautiful experience with your significant other or other members of your community in a warm and welcoming environment.

So, if you’re a local like me or someone who wants to experience the harbour in a truly sensory, unique and memorable way, contact OzPaddle now and book your experience!

There a lot of kayak companies out there but after my experience with OzPaddle, I truly believe it’s the best!

Hope this review helps anyone who’s always wanted to try kayaking but wasn’t sure....

I am surprised how all the reviews here are good. Sophie is not to be an instructor for a super beginner, in my opinion. As an instructor, she lacks a basic understanding that people have different level of understanding and processing. When I did not know how to stop kayak or reverse, she actually gave me eye roll, negative body and gesture, looking at the other paddlers. I was kind of ashamed to be honest, while I was there to have a relaxing time.

Also, I think she fails to understand if someone does not understand instruction clearly, it’s better to go up close them and teach rather than shout and yell really loud constantly.

Additionally, her philosophy regarding religion, Indian and British history, downplaying Indian’s suffering and history was kind of biased. For her to be an instructor, and out speak those kind of comments out loud was so unreal.

However, did enjoy my kayaking because I would let Sophie’s lack of understanding to understand and guide her clients my experience.

Thank you with a smile 😆 And I think these reviews were bought because honestly, my experience and her comments especially at the end of kayaking was so disrespectful. I will never book with you again.

I know this does not matter to you. But you need to practice how to be down to earth. I pray to god that you do not get clients like me who are first timers and are there to have a good time and not shame Indians. lol. Sophie do better.

FYI, I’m not Indian. This does not mean I will downplay...

There are some moments to be remembered when traveling and our tour with Ozpaddle was definitely one of those for us.

First Ozpaddle travel path is unique as we started from the east and were lucky enough to witness all the green parks, city skyline and the naval boats before reaching the magnificent Opera House. This side also seems to be much quieter with less boats and made things easier for us beginners to paddle!

But, Beyond the Experience itself which was nothing short of amazing, we also met Sophie, Ozpaddle’’s owner who pioneered kayaking tours 16 year when it was not a buzz yet and who seems to do it with the same contagious passion, authenticity and aim.

The high end, light and expensive gear she is using, her willingness to share her passion of kayaking and convert us to it, and all other little personal attention (that why she only accepts small groups) made us think that Ozpaddle is not a business for Sophie, more a calling or a mission she is on. Inspiring !

if like us, you fancy a unique kayaking experience, that an experience is all about people first and think that small (local) business is beautiful and should be supported (she is alone running it!), then Ozpaddle is a no-brainer.

For us it was a fantastic start of our stay in Sydney and a moment we will remember for...