Port Douglas Tours - Windswell Reef & Rainforest Adventures

Apr 30

“Epic”

was the resounding reply I got when I asked the kids what they thought about their morning spent wakeboarding and tubing at Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas with Windswell Kitesurfing and Standup Paddle. So ‘epic’ I thought that I’d better tell you all about this activity and more which available for you when you come to Port Douglas to stay and play……

Brett from Windswell Kitesurfing and Standup Paddle has been operating from his base at Four Mile Beach since 1999. I first met ‘Bretto’ when he was working as a Dive Instructor on a Reef Boat I was filming on.

Bretto’s love of the water lead him to become a Skipper and then his entrepreneurial spirit lead him to open his own business on the shores of Four Mile Beach. It’s a beach that runs the full length of Port Douglas and is so wide and flat that it attracts walkers, joggers, cyclists and all manner of people enjoying its golden sands and calm waves.

Brett started offering kitesurfing lessons for those that craved surfing the wind that springs up between the months of April – October in Port Douglas ….the South Easterlies as they’re more commonly known in the marine industry. If you want to learn kitesurfing (or just get hold of some gear) then Brett has the perfect training grounds for you.

That wide stretch of sand that locals know as Four Mile, with its shallow shores and mild waves, is pretty much as ‘perfect’ as you can get for a kitesurfer during the winter months. So when it’s cold and blustery down south you can kitesurf in relative comfort up north. Why else do you think the kitesurfing community all migrate north during the winter months.

**Perfect kitesurfing conditions in TNQ during the winder months - image by Windswell**

The good news is Windswell Kitesurfing and Standup Paddle has all manner of kites to start your journey off and for the pro’s there are even hydrofoils to try out if you want to go one level up again.

Not content to just kite the beach, the entrepreneurial Brett bought a boat specifically to get customers out to the Great Barrier Reef as fast as possible (and have a whole lotta fun on the way out!!). It’s great for families or groups that want to see the Great Barrier Reef on their own terms(i.e. not with a boatload of other passengers). Opt for a private charter with a local who has lived and worked in Port Douglas since the 90’s. Yes! Brett is definitely your man!!

Harnessing the milder, less windier months was Brett’s next obstacle. So along came his Standup Paddleboarding adventures. Not only can you paddle the length of Four Mile Beach BUT you can also explore the sublime Mossman River on a rainforest tour. You can read more about our experience here >> Somewhere up a Lazy River – SUP Touring TNQ style OR watch the Video below .

For us however, we’d pretty much tried everything Brett has on offer – the Standup Paddle and the Kitesurfing training. Plus the morning we woke up at Port during our stay at Tropical Nites, the wind was little more than a gust. SO, that’s where the wakeboarding and tubing adventures came into play.

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With the boat in the water and a blow up pontoon moored just off the beach Brett worked his magic and got most of the kids up on the wakeboard for some ‘gnarly’ action. Those that didn’t make it into the ‘standing’ pose weren’t disappointed though…..the tubing was next on the cards and everyone, including me, got to ‘spin out’ just off the shores of Four Mile. It was a blast! And who cared if you were just riding in the boat. With the coconut tree lined Four Mile Beach and the view of the mountains, just ‘riding’ in the boat was an adventure too!!

So, who do I suggest for an extra level of fun and adventure when you enjoy a holiday in Port Douglas? Well ‘Bretto’ of course from Windswell Kitesurfing and Standup Paddle. I can guarantee it will make your stay more memorable, PLUS it will give you extra brownie points with your kids for being one of the best, and funnest, family holiday ever!!

Good Things to Know:

Brett’s tours cater for all ages dependant on what you’re interested in. Some may not be suitable for children under 10 years.
Bring a sunhat, sunnies & sunscreen
Bookings required by 4pm the day prior to the tour

All watersports gear is provided including a guide.

No other fees - trip is inclusive of reef tax when you go to the Great Barrier Reef.
Reef tours can take up to 15 people. Departs every day. Boat leaves at 8.30am for 3.30pm return. Duration 7 - 8 hours.
A health and safety form needs to be signed prior to all tours.

Are you keen to enjoy a tour with Windswell Kitesurfing and Standup Paddle? What activity would you choose?