Travel Diaries: A Tranquil Tasmanian Adventure

Originally published on the https://red-equipment.com.au/ blog on 19th July 2019 

Folding down to half the size of a conventional inflatable paddleboard, our 9’6” Compact inflatable SUP is making it much easier to take on adventures big and small. Simply exploring from the water can reveal previously undiscovered wonders right on your doorstep. Keen paddler Alice Grant found a peaceful mountain escape at Dove Lake in Tasmania. We caught up with Al to hear more about the hidden gems just waiting to be found in Australia’s Cradle Mountain National Park. What’s so special about this particular paddle? 

DOVE LAKE SITS AT THE BASE OF TASMANIA’S SIXTH-HIGHEST PEAK, CRADLE MOUNTAIN WITH ITS RUGGED ROCKY OUTCROPS AND ALPINE VEGETATION. IT PROVIDES SPECTACULAR VISTAS IN EVERY DIRECTION.

The lake is accessible by vehicle and yet still retains that feeling of unspoilt wilderness. The water changes from bright blue to eerie jet black depending on the weather and although its flat water, you can almost get surfing when the wind picks up. There are a couple of sneaky little beaches that you can easily launch from to avoid the crowds at the iconic boat shed. The water isn’t as icy as you might expect especially over the summer months and paddling a mountain lake provides a welcome change of scenery from the usual ocean paddling

What’s your essential kit for tackling a SUP adventure like this?  Definitely bring your go-pro/camera/phone – seriously this is a photographer’s dream (no drones permitted though). I wore a 3mm wetsuit top to thwart the icy wind and just in case I had an oopsie into the water. Sunnies because you don’t want to be squinting in those Insta pics. And of course, my Compact paddle board 

 “Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that just happen. This transportable inflatable paddle board makes anything possible!” 

Naturally, we wanted to know what drew Al to the Red Paddle Co Compact? My dearly beloved booked a trip to the Maldives, most people think paradise, but I panicked (boredom) and immediately started researching inflatable SUPs. I found the Red Paddle Co Compact (perfect) and packed it instead of a suitcase full of clothes!! You only need a sarong and a couple of bikinis for the Maldives, right?! 

The Compact caught my eye as the complete set-up with pump and paddle packs up smaller than the standard inflatables and yet I can still squeeze in a towel and drink bottle.  Being kinda short, the compact backpack doesn’t swamp me. Yes, there are cheaper options, but you can’t beat the quality and customer service of Red Paddle Co. I love the premium little details on the board and bag. For this particular adventure, access to Dove Lake is via bus from the visitor centre so that’s not going to work for hardboards. Also, the best beaches for launching are a km or so in either direction along narrow tracks so you need to consider how you will carry your gear (a wide load is not recommended). Having an inflatable board means portability even if you have a rooftop camper or don’t have roof-racks. Where I was headed was quite remote, so I needed to have a board I could rely upon. ​ 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddling on an alpine lake so close to the mountains that you can almost touch them.
• You can bag a mountain summit and tick off a lake circuit in the same day if you’re keen.
• The refreshing mountain air makes you feel alive.
• Its absolute magic to be able to enjoy uninterrupted 360 degree views of the mountain and its sister peaks, besides that paddling is way quicker than walking!!

THINGS TO KNOW

• Weather permitting, the area is suitable for all levels of paddler.
• The lake is pretty clear of obstacles with only a few submerged rocks and tree branches.
• The main thing to be aware of is the weather – the wind can howl down off the mountain and hypothermia is possible if you let your body temperature get too cold.
• Park in the in the Cradle Mountain National Park Visitor Centre car park and then catch a bus to Dove Lake.
• There are a couple of little beaches you can easily launch from to avoid the crowds at the iconic boat shed.