MARGARET RIVER PADDLE CAMP - FEBRUARY 2028

Ocean Downwind Camp – Southwest Western Australia 

Dunsborough • Busselton • Geographe Bay • Margaret River Coast

DATES TBC | 4 Nights | 4 days paddling L3/L4 Ocean Paddlers | 

Discover One of Australia's Best Downwind Destinations

Join us for an unforgettable five-day paddling adventure along Western Australia's spectacular Southwest Coast.

From the crystal-clear waters of Geographe Bay to the rugged limestone cliffs of Margaret River, this region offers some of Australia's most consistent downwind conditions and most breathtaking coastal scenery.

Spend your days chasing ocean runners, exploring hidden bays and surfing gentle swell, then relax each evening with great food, local wine and good company.

This trip is about much more than paddling—it's about adventure, learning new skills, building confidence and experiencing one of Australia's most beautiful coastal regions.

Your Coaches

Throughout the camp you'll be coached by experienced ocean paddlers who know these waters exceptionally well.

Reece Baker
Paddle Collective

Luke Horder
Sydney Harbour Surf Club

Together they'll guide every paddling session, provide personalised coaching, keep you safe on the water and help you become a more confident ocean paddler.

Where We'll Be Staying

We'll spend four nights at the beautiful Broadwater Resort in Busselton.

Our accommodation offers:

• Comfortable resort-style rooms
• Shared social areas
• BBQ facilities
• Easy access to the beach
• Close proximity to Busselton Jetty
• Short drives to Dunsborough, Cape Naturaliste and the Margaret River coastline

This will be our home base while we explore the incredible Southwest region.

How the Camp Works

Every day is designed around the weather to give you the best possible paddling experience.

Morning Sessions

When the ocean is calm we'll focus on:

• Technique coaching
• Skill development
• Ocean safety
• Exploring beautiful bays
• Surfing gentle rocky points
• Building confidence in open water

Afternoon Sessions

As the famous Southwest sea breeze builds, we'll head out for what this region is famous for:

World-class downwind paddling.

Each afternoon we'll choose the best run based on the wind, swell and conditions.

No two days will ever be exactly the same.

Daily Itinerary

Tuesday – Arrival Day

Welcome to Western Australia!

• Fly directly from Sydney to Busselton
• Airport pickup by our team
• Check into Broadwater Resort
• Set up surf skis and equipment
• Sunset paddle beneath the famous Busselton Jetty
• Welcome BBQ
• Camp briefing and introductions

A relaxed afternoon to settle in before the adventure begins.

Wednesday – Technique & First Downwind

Today is all about building the foundations.

Morning

• Ocean safety briefing
• Stroke efficiency
• Balance and stability
• Bracing techniques
• Remount practice
• Open-water skills

Lunch

Beach picnic overlooking Geographe Bay.

Afternoon

Our first official downwind paddle across Geographe Bay.

Learn how to:

• Catch runners
• Link ocean bumps
• Read the water
• Paddle more efficiently downwind

Evening

• Downwind information session
• Group dinner featuring local Southwest produce

Thursday – Coastal Exploration

Today we'll head north towards Cape Naturaliste.

Depending on the conditions we'll enjoy:

• Surfing rocky points
• Exploring Bunker Bay
• Eagle Bay paddle
• Crystal-clear water
• Beautiful beaches
• Coastal walks

After lunch, the afternoon sea breeze arrives and we'll complete another exciting downwind run back across the bay.

The evening includes video analysis and personalised coaching.

Friday – Adventure Day

Today showcases some of the very best paddling the Southwest has to offer.

Weather permitting we'll explore:

• Dramatic limestone cliffs
• Hidden beaches
• Remote coastline

Then comes the highlight of the entire trip—

Our longest and most exciting downwind paddle.

We'll finish the day celebrating with an incredible dinner featuring Margaret River wines and local produce.

Saturday – Farewell Paddle

Check out by 10am and enjoy our final morning paddling together. 

There are no return flight from Busselton on Saturdays so you can stay on and enjoy Margret River wine country or make an adventure up to Perth. Our 12 seater van will be driving back to Perth so there is a seat for you and your luggage. 

What You'll Learn

By the end of the camp you'll have:

• Greater confidence paddling in the ocean
• Improved downwind technique
• Better surf ski handling skills
• Increased confidence in rough water
• Better decision-making in changing conditions
• Improved safety knowledge
• Experience paddling some of Australia's best ocean conditions

Most importantly, you'll leave with memories, friendships and experiences that will stay with you long after the trip is over.

What's Included

Your trip includes:

• Airport transfers from Busselton Airport
• Four nights accommodation
• Daily paddling sessions
• Professional coaching and mentoring
• On-water safety support
• Surf ski hire
• Double surf skis available
• Welcome BBQ
• Dinners showcasing local produce
• Packed lunches on paddling days
• Afternoon tea
• Snacks during paddling sessions

You'll Need to Organise

Participants are responsible for:

• Return flights to Busselton
• Breakfasts
• Evening dinners 
• PFD
• Leg leash
• Marine radio
• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
• Flare
• Whistle
• Suitable paddling clothing
• Hydration and nutrition
• Personal spending
• Alcoholic beverages

Typical February Conditions

February is one of the best times to paddle in Southwest Western Australia.

Expect:

• Air temperature: 22–30°C
• Water temperature: 20–22°C
• Calm mornings
• Reliable afternoon sea breezes
• Excellent downwind conditions
• Plenty of sunshine

Why You'll Love This Trip

This is much more than a paddling camp.

It's an opportunity to experience one of Australia's most spectacular coastlines with an incredible group of people.

You'll enjoy:

• World-class downwind paddling
• Turquoise bays
• White sandy beaches
• Limestone cliffs
• Crystal-clear water
• Beautiful wineries
• Award-winning breweries
• Great coffee
• Amazing local food
• Outstanding coaching
• Plenty of laughs and lifelong memories

Whether your goal is to become a better ocean paddler or simply enjoy an unforgettable adventure with like-minded people, this camp promises an experience you'll never forget.

Limited places available.