BOX HEAD PADDLE WEEKEND

 

Welcome to our Sydney Harbour Surf Club weekend getaway to the stunning Killcare area on the Central Coast, just a short drive north of Sydney!  This is the perfect opportunity to refine your paddling skills, master wave-catching techniques, and enjoy the thrill of the open water in a beautiful new setting.

Over three days, we’ll be immersing ourselves in the art of surf ski paddling, on the beautiful waterways of Brisbane Water, Broken Bay, and the Tasman Sea!  If the ocean gods are smiling, the highlight of this trip will be to experience the exhilaration of catching one of the longest surf ski waves on the East Coast at the famous Box Head.  Coach Dave will teach you how to paddle onto the wave correctly, how to prevent the ski broaching on the wave, when to paddle and when to surf, and how to paddle off the wave.  Mastering these skills will ensure that you get the longest ride possible and record the highest maximum speed of course!   

We also want you to experience the joy of paddling a surf ski in the open ocean from places like Putty Beach to Wagstaffe for example.  If conditions permit, this is the perfect opportunity to experience the thrill of downwind surf ski paddling and employ your Box Head wave riding skills on the open water.

Over the weekend, Coach Dave will also conduct detailed technique sessions on water and land which will break down the paddle stroke into easily understood core components so they can be executed and practiced during the trip by each paddler.  Dave will video each paddler on the water and provide analysis and feedback aimed at enhancing each paddler's stroke to ensure you are getting the most out of your paddling.

Beyond our paddling adventures, we’ll have time to explore the natural beauty of Killcare and its surroundings. You can enjoy coastal walks, relax on the pristine beaches, or explore the nearby Bouddi National Park, offering breathtaking views and trails.  We can also arrange a group dinner at one of the local eateries, giving us a chance to unwind and share our experiences.  

We want every paddler to enhance their paddling skills and have buckets of fun in the process.  Rest assured that each paddler's safety is our highest priority and Coach Dave is there to ensure that whilst we may expose you to some new experiences and adventures and take you slightly out of your comfort zone, safety will never be compromised in the process.  This weekend is all about fun, learning, and camaraderie, so get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

 

Day One – Friday

9:30 am to 10:00 am	Arrive at 9:30 am Wagstaff Wharf (55 Wagstaff Ave) at 9:00 am ready for a weekend to remember. Meet Coach Dave and all your fellow paddlers in the group and receive your paddling gear for the weekend.
10:00 am to 10:15 am.	Pre-paddle group briefing and welcome by Coach Dave who will outline the weekends' activities and answer any questions.
10:15 am to 11:00 am.	Coach Dave will conduct an in-depth land and water-based technique class with the group.  The paddle stroke is broken down and each member's stroke is video-recorded for later analysis.
11:00 am to 12:30 pm	Coach Dave will provide an introductory briefing on the Box Head wave in terms of what to expect, where to get on and off the wave, how to hold a straight line on the wave, and all other safety requirements.
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm	Group lunch at the delicious Kilcare Bistro
2:00 pm to 2:30 pm	Group check-in at the accommodation.
2:30 pm to 4.00 pm	Relax and recharge.
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm	Social drinks with fellow paddlers and review of technique analysis video.
6:00pm	Team Dinner

Day 2: Saturday

7:30 am to 8:30 am	Travel to XXX beach for ocean paddle session (with café stop on route for takeaway coffee).
8:30 am to 12:00 pm	Morning ocean paddle session focusing on catching runners and linking runs and riding the run for as long as possible.
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm	Team Lunch at a local café
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm	Relax and recharge.
2:00 pm to 2:30 pm	Travel time to Box Head launch site (T/A coffee on route).
2:30 pm to 4:30 pm	Box Head wave session.
4:30 pm to 5:00 pm	Off the water for shower and change.
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm	Wine and cheese at the main house prepared by Coach Dave. Review videos from ocean and Box Head paddles.
7:00 pm	Enjoy a night out for dinner and drinks with the paddle crew.

Day 3: Sunday.

8:00 am to 8:30 am	Travel to XXX  Box Head session (with café stop on route for takeaway coffee).
8:30 am to 10:30 am	The final paddle is all about having fun and conquering the wave. A fun competition of recording your longest wave with your GPS watch.
10:30 am to 11:00 am	Off water with Coach Dave helping to pack up all the equipment.
11:00 am to 12:00 pm	Final brunch with the group at the local cafe to celebrate an amazing weekend of fun and achievements.
12:00 pm	Depart for home

 

 

 

Q&A's

Q: How many coaches will there be? 

A:  Dave will be your Coach for this weekend.

Q:  Will there be different groups for different levels or just one group?

A:  Our technique work is done on the flatwater of Brisbane Water, we’ll be catching waves on the inside of Box Head in Broken Bay and we will lauch from one of the beaches close to Killcare and paddle around into Wagstaffe.  Dave will accompany the group of paddlers in each scenario.

Q:  Will there be an option to paddle on my own (not in the group) in a safe place?

A:  Certainly, the Brisbane Water on the northern side of Wagstaffe can be flat water and extremely safe. If you are not liking catching the waves at Box Head, then you can let the coach know and we can organise skills for you to work on in the flatter water.

Q:  Will there be 2 paddles every day?

A:  Please see our updated itinerary for what we are doing each day. We encourage you to take part in it all, but you can choose what you do, it’s your holiday

Q:  Do we post our SafeTRX on the group app when paddling in the ocean?

A:  Yes, when we paddle offshore we would like you to send your Safetrx link to the groups chat group so we can all monitor each other. 

Q:  How do I use SafeTRX? 

A:  You can download SafeTRX from the App store and there are plenty of videos online that describe how to use it.  You can also ask Dave to show you how to use the app too.

Q:  Can I take my own surf ski? 

A:  Yes, you can bring your own ski and of course paddle and lifejacket. The trailer will be leaving early Friday morning from Sydney so the items will need to be loaded onto the trailer beforehand. Call Coach Dave 0433178123 and make arrangements to leave some equipment in the Middle Harbour Clubhouse so that he can load items for you. 

Q: What surf ski type to use?

A:  Please, please, please go as stable as you can. We run so many trips and the only downfall on trips is when people are trying to catch waves and ocean runners and can’t get on them because they choose the flatwater ski they are used to in Sydney Harbour.  Bear in mind that you will have a much better paddling experience on the trip if you choose a stable ski, one that you can confidently paddle without bracing and missing strokes.  A stable ski will ensure that you can apply all of the lessons learnt from the technique sessions that will be run over this weekend. 

Q:  How many leg leashes should I bring? 

A:  As many as you have. When you are wave catching you tend to fall off and the surf ski gets pulled on you so it’s likely leg leashes will be snapping on this trip. 

Q:  I am coming solo and don’t know anyone on the trip?

A:  Great, and after the first night’s team dinner we will all know each other and you will see what an amazing group of people we have on the trip. 

Q:  I am embarrassed with the video analysis that everyone will see my video? 

A:  We are all embarrassed, but remember we are all there to support each other to become better paddlers, that’s why we are on the paddle trip. It’s a fun session and we all learn a lot with video filming of one’s stroke. 

Q:  What safety equipment should I bring? 

A:  Well hopefully you can bring it all (leg leashes, VHF radio, whistle, PFD, mobile phone in case and SafeTRX loaded on your phone). If you don’t have all of these items, it won’t prevent you from doing anything, but you just might not feel as safe as when you have these items.  Coach Dave will always carry a mobile phone, emergency rudder kit, smoke flare etc and will also carry a portable VHF marine band radio when paddling off shore with the group.

Q:  How many paddle tops and shorts should I bring?

A:   Well depends how fast you can wash; if you don’t like to wash,bring enough clothes for every paddle of the trip. 

Q:  Where do we meet each day for the paddles? 

A:  TBA (for Box Head trip).  

Q:  Do I have to do the evening team dinners? 

A:  Well, you’re mad if you don’t, they are a lot of fun and it is what makes our paddle trips so much fun. 

Q:  Do the restaurants do split bills? 

A:  Most do but if they don’t Dave can pay for the dinner, and everyone can write down their amount and we can deduct that amount from your card on the SHSC App.