Extreme and laid-back water playtime

Few things are as exhilarating as being outdoors near water and our playground stretches from the Ord River to Lake Argyle.

The Kimberley caters for the more traditional fishing and open-water swimming, to extreme sports such as water-skiing, wakeboarding, and 4WDing. Then there are more laid-back leisure activities such as dragon boating, kayaking, canoeing and SUPing (stand up paddle boarding).

Water-skiing

Kununurra Waterski Association president Hamish Ross said water-skiing, wakeboarding and other tow-boat recreational sports were fun activities anyone of any age could participate in.

“All you need is a boat, ski gear, a skipper’s ticket and some friends and you are away, ” he said.

Ross said Lake Kununurra presented ideal conditions with “good long runs, plenty of turning space and generally nice weather conditions.”

The club runs water-skiing and wake-boarding competitions once a month during the dry season and come-and-try days throughout the year. To find out more email [email protected].

SUPING

Stand up paddle boarding has gained momentum in the past few years and the Ord presents the perfect, flat waters for the sport.

Paddle boarder Queenie Kelly said balance was key when trying to stand on a board with two people or practicing yoga moves.

“If you want to exercise outdoors it’s definitely a lot of fun because you can go swimming at the same time, ” she said.

Stand up paddle boarding

Dragon Boating

Dragon boating is a great sport for people looking to build upper body and core strength in what Kununurra Dragon Boat Club president Bruce Somerville says is the most “beautiful location in the world”.

Kununurra Dragon Boat Club trains every Saturday morning at 6am, and on Wednesday mornings in the lead-up to events.

To find out more, visit www.ordriverpaddle.com.au, phone Somerville on 0418 889 022 or email [email protected].

Kayaking and canoeing

Canoeing and Kayaking is one of the best ways to experience the majesty of the gorges of the Ord River.

Bigwater Kimberley Canoe Safari and Kununurra Eco-noeing run self-guided tours from Lake Argyle, back into Kununurra, with one to three-day options available.

Kimberley and Holiday Park hires two-person canoes for $10 per hour or $25 for half a day.

Go solo, take your partner, a group of friends or the family.