Dozens of locals flocked to Lake Burley Griffin on Friday to try the YMCA Canberra's new stand-up paddle board and kayak hub.
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Located at the YMCA Aquatic Recreation Centre on Yarralumla Bay, it's open from 8am to 6pm from Thursdays to Sundays in January, and at the same times on Saturdays and Sundays thereafter.
YMCA Canberra community development manager Peter Burns said the hub was Canberra's only small craft hire service by the lake.
He hopes it will encourage people who don't enjoy traditional sports to get active, while enjoying "the beautiful, under-utilised location".
Stand-up paddle boarding, called SUP-ing by the regulars, is quite a fitness craze and is known to improve core strength and balance.
When The Canberra Times journalist Jil Hogan tried "SUP-ing" lessons on the lake, she called it incredible.
"The feeling of almost walking on water is quite indescribable, and just cruising along out there in the calm is a whole other level of bliss," she said.
Mr Burns said it was much more challenging than kayaking.
"But most people get the hang of it pretty quickly. ... The kayaks are an easier option for people who are smaller or don't have such good balance."
Because they're hard to control, paddle boards can be hired by people over the age of 12.
Mr Burns said feedback from the open day was positive.
"We are really excited about the paddle hub and we would love for people to come and try it," he said.
"There really there is no better spot to be when the weather is nice in Canberra, with great views of the lake and Black Mountain Tower."
