Water Sports

Funcats Surfcat Hire. If you want to enjoy the Swan River at a leisurely pace and possibly spot its resident dolphins, rent a 14-foot catamaran (A$40 per hour), kayak (A$20 per hour for a single, A$30 for a double), or a stand-up paddle board (A$20 per hour) from Funcats Surfcat Hire. Funcats operates from the end of September through April, and life jackets are included. Coode St. Jetty, South Perth, Perth, Western Australia, 6151. 0408/926–003; www.funcats.com.au.

WA Surf. Perth has consistent winds, particularly in the afternoons, so it’s one of the best places to learn to kite surf. WA Surf gives lessons in both kite surfing (from A$89) and stand-up paddleboarding (from A$45) year-round on the shores of Safety Bay, just south of Perth, where the water is flat and calm. As people improve, kites increase in size, adding more power to their ride, so it can be as extreme or as mellow as you like. Safety systems are built-in, so you can be detached from your kite in a couple of seconds if you get into trouble. Most people opt for a series of three, two-hour lessons, but tricks can be taught to old hands, too. Safety Bay Yacht Club, Safety Bay Rd. at Arcadia Dr., Safety Bay, Rockingham, Western Australia, 6169. 08/9592–1657; www.wasurf.com.au. Closed Apr.–Sept..