Overview
It's the summer dilemma. Or, in Brisbane, one that lingers whenever the weather is warm. Just try to rove your eyes over a body of cool, inviting water in this city and not feel the immediate urge to plunge right in. But maybe you've splashed in all of Brissie's water holes. Perhaps you've paddled in pools, chased waterfalls and dipped your toes into every beach from Noosa to Tweed Heads. Now, you'd like to do more than just wade through the waves, swim laps or snorkel — to take these experiences up a level.
Because upskilling isn't confined to your professional life, we've teamed up with Gage Roads Brewing Co, in celebration of its aptly named Single Fin summer ale, to help you ramp up your aquatic abilities. Always wanted to dive into the ocean's depths? Just heard about underwater hockey, but are now desperate to try it? Yearning to unleash your inner Keanu on a surfboard? We're here to help. We've found the best ways to add another feather to your swim cap.
GET CERTIFIED IN SCUBA DIVING
If you're going to truly embrace Sebastian's "it's better down where it's wetter" mindset, then there's only one thing to do: make like a wannabe mermaid or merman and learn to scuba. You can take your pick of schools, but you do want one main thing: a shiny scuba certification at the end of it. Brisbane Dive Academy holds two-day courses that start in the Palm Beach Aquatic Centre before progressing to the ocean in Tweed Heads, while Go Dive's four-day personalised lessons will take you to a number of seaside spots. And, if you want to make a holiday out of it, there's the Manta Lodge and Scuba Centre on North Stradbroke Island, where you can stay at the backpackers while you take the three-day open water diver course.
UQ Sport.
HONE YOUR SWIMMING SKILLS
Whether you're in the pool every chance you get or you're more of a casual swimmer, knowing what to do in the water is an essential life skill. And every skill needs practice, which is where adult learn-to-swim classes come in. Maybe you've long mastered the basics, but still lack the confidence when taking a dip. Perhaps you really want to take your time in the water more seriously. Whichever category you fall into — and even if you're a true beginner who needs to learn everything — Brisbane boasts a heap of options. Heading to one of the university facilities around town will also give you access to water sports classes, such as at UQ Sport in St Lucia and group fitness sessions, as held at Griffith University's Mt Gravatt campus.
TAKE SURF LESSONS
We can't all chase a team of bank robbers, infiltrate their surf crew and head for the nearest point break, but we can all do the next best thing. Book a set of classes with a surf school and you'll be hitting the waves in no time. Unsurprisingly, you'll need to journey either north or south — although you can just mosey to Bribie Island, where you'll find the closest surf school to Brisbane. Our pick, however, is the Gold Coast's Currumbin Alley Surf School. Take a learner group lesson from $35, then laze on one of the area's best beaches afterwards. If you're an early bird, you can also enjoy your time in the water as the sun rises.
Brisbane Barracudas
ENTER THE WORLD OF UNDERWATER HOCKEY
It's hockey, but not on grass. It's that simple really. You'll don a mask, snorkel and flippers; pick up a hockey stick; and try to slide a puck along the bottom of the pool. Dating back to the 1950s, and also known as Octopush, the game seems like the kind of thing that someone thought of by going "hmm, but what if we did it underwater?" — but it also sounds like plenty of fun. Brisbanites can give it a try by making their way to a Brisbane Barracudas session at the Sleeman Aquatic Centre Chandler, with games for players of all skill levels (including newcomers) held from 7pm for 7.15pm every Monday and Thursday night.
UP YOUR UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY GAME
Think you've mastered everything there is underwater — besides becoming actual Aquaman? Think again, because we've found your next step. You can snorkel, scuba and play underwater sports like everyone else, or you can do all of the above and learn how to take the best snaps beneath the shoreline. It's a popular dive centre course, although it is one you'll need your scuba certification and the right equipment for. If you'd like to try it out somewhere other than Brisbane, you can do so at the Gold Coast Dive Centre. Or — and even better scenery-wise — make the trip to Byron Bay to take classes from award-winning snapper Ross Gudgeon.
Make your next summertime fling a Single Fin. The light-bodied ale is packed with plenty of hoppy flavour to keep you smiling all season.
Top image: Tourism and Events Queensland.