2027 GORGE CHAMPS JULY

The 2027 Gorge Champs Week

Arriving in Portland Oregon Monday 12th July 2027 we will load into a 15-seater van and make the 90min journey inland towards the Hood River where we check into our accommodation at the Carson Hot Springs Golf and Spa. Tuesday 13th July we will meet the Epic USA team and be provided our Epic surf ski plus a guided 10km tour down the Columbia river so everyone knows any dangers of the river and where to enter and exit on the daily downwind runs. If you are super keen, you can get the bus/trailer transport back and do the run for a second time that day. 

On Tuesday 13th or Wednesday 14th July (conditions depending) we load our surf skis onto the Epic trailer and will be dropped at the race start line so we can do the full 20km course run through. By Wednesday 14th we will likely know the race day (race window is Thursday- Sat) and we will start planning logistics for you. Every day is an opportunity to practice on the runners where you link runs together for greater speeds with the goal of maximising the conditions where you could do up to 4 x 10km downwinds per day., We may choose to do 1,2,3 or 4 its all up to you each day as the downwind buses run all day. Every night is a team dinner and drinks at local breweries and restaurants as we all bond together throughout the week. 

Epic USA has a full range of Epic surf skis for the Gorge Champs week, so you have the best craft for your ability in these conditions. 

Why is the Gorge River so good for downwind paddling? Luke explains...

Accommodation:

Carson Hot Springs Golf and Spa. For recovery, or enjoyment, hot and cold pools are available as part of the Hotel complex. Great fun when the whole crew is relaxing in there together debriefing the daily events.

Costs

(excluding airfares, food and beverages - TBA)

Gorge Champs

Epic Surf Ski 5-day hire, paddling logistics/coaching, storage at event gated area plus accommodation for 6 nights at the Carson Hot Springs Resort and Spa King bed. 

All logistics are covered to ensure we get you and your surf ski to the start of each paddle and the safe keeping of your surf ski after each paddle. We travel everywhere as a team in our vans ensuring the music is pumping and everyone is having a great time. Our experienced team will guide you every step of the way on and off the water so each day you know where to be and what to bring.

Other Paddling related costs you will incur as the trip occurs:

Gorge Champs Race Entry Fee $250 AUD (this includes daily downwind drop-offs up the Hood River) plus a race pack including a cool race rashie. 

General Trip Logistics

As an overview, you will require:

• normal summer/spring paddling gear, at least 3 sets
• your paddle (can travel on the planes as an oversize bag)
• leg leash (take spares, every year several leg leashes break),
• your phone case for safe storage, for SafeTrx + the all important photo taking
• VHF waterproof radio
• PFD 
• It’s highly recommended that everyone wears a bright orange paddling top, and a bright orange cap or visor for the whole week. Hi-Vis orange is the most visible colour out in the ocean and makes it easier to spot each other. 
• Your caps, sunglasses, and GoPro will all need ties

How do I get my paddle there?

Paddles go as oversize luggage, and you will need to purchase an extra bag for this.  Either a purpose-built paddle bag with padding to protect your paddle or simply tape it in bubble wrap. Vaikobi make a paddle travel bag that has compartments to take your paddle and then pack your paddling clothes around your paddles to protect them (check out our SHSC shop for this item) 

What Surf Ski Should I Select?

Stability is the key to great downwind paddling. The Gorge conditions will see you going much faster than you have ever been before and this means you could come back at least 2 x surf ski types from what you usually paddle in Sydney Harbour. When you’re down winding, stability gives you confidence to attack the swell, don’t get sucked into thinking you need a slick skinny ski to go quick, “It isn’t true!”, it’s V8, V8 Pro, V9’s all the way, unless you are trying to win the event.  

What are the normal Daily Logistics?

Luke’s Team organises trailers, vans, drivers, downwind drop offs, dinner locations – all the logistics. You name it, we have it sorted and we will communicate with you each day on the trip via the WhatsApp chat, outlining each day’s meeting time and place.

We are constantly looking at the conditions, to ensure you are in the best spot at the right time, this is why you progress so dramatically as a paddler in just in just over one week.  

Our Team Culture

Traveling as a team is a lot of fun, every day is like a fun school excursion and new friendships are formed. We have team shirts to wear - rock them and wear them with pride.

Long Lunches, plus restaurants every night, means a lot of great food and wine in excellent company (rest assured, not all talk is around paddling). The best part - all the paddling means you come home lighter (kg). Maybe not your luggage, as there will also be time to hit the shops. 

Will there be time to sightsee?

During the paddle trip, each day’s paddling is optional, so if you prefer to sightsee rather than paddle, then let us know! There are beautiful Gorge swimming holes to visit with amazing hiking trials. Remember though, you are there to experience the amazing paddling opportunities, so make sure you take advantage of all the opportunities and perhaps tack on sightseeing time before / after the trip

SHSC Paddle Trip Cancellation Policy 

Got more questions?

Reach out to Luke Horder admin@sydneyharboursurfclub.com.au