Despite the lack of big waves, there are still places to pick up surfing, windsurfing, wakesurfing, and stand-up paddling
Singapore is known for many things – futuristic architecture, pockets of verdant spaces, and of course, its unique gastronomy scene. But despite its beaches and all-year-round summer, the tropical island is not known as a surfer's paradise. To make up for its lack of giant waves, it offers plenty of alternatives including surfing on artificial waves atop Kallang Wave Mall.
Even surf-related sports such as windsurfing, wakesurfing, and stand-up paddling (SUP) have been making waves in Singapore and beyond – SUP is an offshoot surf sport that originated in Hawaii, while windsurfing emerged from California’s surf culture.
Surfing usually involves riding a wave using a board, regardless of the stance. Besides building muscle in your upper body, core and legs, it also works wonders on your cardiovascular fitness.
To get started, decide on the type of surfing you want to do and sign up for a beginner’s class. We’ve even broken things down for you to help you with your selection. You don’t have to sweat about gear either – these schools will get you kitted out with their own equipment and guide you through the basics with plenty of instructions.
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For surfing
Kallang Wave Mall knows just how to raise the roof – with a water park perched on top of it. It's popular among the young and young-at-heart to splash around – or relax in the lazy pool at a grand sum of $2. For something more energetic, catch some waves on the Stingray, and learn to half-pipe surf while having a go at bodyboarding and skimboarding. However, mastering your skills in riding the boogie board and the kneeboard comes with a price, starting from $30 per hour and up.
Singapore's first and only dedicated wakesurfing school that offers a splashin' good time with equally good tunes to soundtrack your surf. Wakemusters' boats are equipped with a sound system, comfy seating space, and even a set-up to create the cleanest, biggest and best waves to ride on. It also provides skim and surf boards along with a driver and an experienced and certified instructors to give you personalised, helpful and real-time tips while you surf – all for $220.
For wakeboarding
Unlike wakesurfing, wakeboarding is about speed, tricks, jumping wake, and getting air. If you're looking to hone your wakeboarding skills, make a splash at Singapore Wake Park – it's the only cable-ski park to do so. The park has three cable systems: beginner, intermediate and full-sized ones that cater to all levels, children included. The first two are operator-controlled and allow one rider at a time to ensure newbies master their first experience balancing on the board – it’s not as easy as it looks.
For windsurfing
Get the best of both worlds – sailing and surfing – with windsurfing. Master freestyle jumps, loops and spins while surfing the calm waters of Changi with Constant Wind at NSRCC Sea Sports Centre. The sea sports and sailing school prides itself in its windsurfing programmes as well as events such as the Singapore Open Windsurfing Championship. Start with a basic windsurfing course where you learn to sail, steer, and manoeuvre with the wind, as well as safety measures at $300 for four three-hour sessions.
For stand-up paddling
Ever wondered what it feels like to walk on water? Stand-up paddleboarding is arguably as close as you can get to it. Put your core to the test at SUP Ventures as you engage in this low-impact sport – a unique cross between canoeing and surfing. The club currently calls Siloso Beach, where the lagoons are great for testing the waters before going all in. For a taster, jump on the SUP Experience where you'll team up with an instructor who will take you through the calm lagoon with the basics for $50 per hour.
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