MAGNETIC ISLAND - INTRO TO DOWNWIND CAMP JULY 2026
Couldn't load pickup availability
Welcome to “Intro to Downwind” Camp – Built for Ocean Beginners, Focused on Safety & Building Confidence
If you’re new to ocean paddling or still finding your feet in choppy conditions, you’re not alone—and this trip is made for you. Our Intro to Downwind Camp on beautiful Magnetic Island is designed specifically for paddlers just starting their downwind ocean journey. Whether you're feeling unsure about your ocean skills, nervous about falling behind, or worried you’re not ready yet—this camp will meet you exactly where you’re at. You won’t be holding anyone up. We start slow, in small manageable conditions, and progress gradually throughout the week. Every paddle is fully supported by safety speed boats, step-by-step coaching, and a clear plan to help you build confidence at your own pace.
Before You Go – Your Preparation Starts at Home
To make sure you feel prepared and comfortable, we have one simple requirement:
✅ Complete 10 x “Ocean Skills” sessions before the trip. This is the Intro to Ocean class @ Sydney Harbour Surf Club.
These beginner-friendly Saturday classes run weekly from our Mosman clubhouse and are focused on the foundational ocean skills you'll use during the camp—how to re-mount your ski in moving water, paddle with confidence in small chop, and start to feel safe and in control on open water.
You’ll have plenty of time to complete these classes before the trip kicks off in late July 2026. So once you book, you can relax knowing there’s a clear path to become ocean-ready.
What to Expect at Camp – Progress, Not Pressure
Each day at camp begins with sunshine and calm. You’ll wake up at the stunning Peppers on Blue Resort, grab a coffee with the group, and ease into a short 30-minute stretch or yoga session to prep your body.
We then head to the marina, where our two support boats are ready—one for people, one for surf skis. These boats take us to the perfect downwind start point, based on your skill level and comfort on the day. You can start as close or as far out as you feel ready for. This is your pace, not a race.
From the water, coach Luke Horder provides live guidance via radio, showing you what to look for, when to paddle, and how to catch small runners. You'll always feel supported and safe, with a coach always close by. We’ll also film your sessions so you can see your progress and get personal tips during our video review sessions back at the resort.
Learning in a Supportive, Relaxed Environment
Our goal is to help you build confidence and joy in downwind paddling—not just skills. We make safety a top priority and take the time before every paddle to explain the conditions, what to expect, and how to respond.
Each afternoon includes an optional classroom-style session where we break down footage, talk through ocean reading tips, and answer all your questions.
There’s no pressure to perform. Just encouragement, progression, and support every step of the way.
Evenings & Extra Fun
By 4pm each day, we're back at the resort so you can shower, rest, and unwind. Each evening we head out as a group to a different Magnetic Island restaurant for a relaxed dinner and a chance to review the day’s footage (and enjoy a wine or two if you like!).
And if we get a day with lighter winds, we mix things up with a fun 35km team relay around the island. In teams of three, each person paddles 12–14km—it’s all about teamwork and laughter, not speed.
You Belong Here – Even If You’re Nervous
If you've ever looked at ocean paddlers and thought, “I could never do that”—this trip is here to prove you wrong (gently!).
We’ve designed this experience to be inclusive, ocean beginner-focused, and most importantly, safe. You won’t be pushed too hard, but you will be supported to grow.
All you need to do now is book your spot, and then start your journey with the 10 x Saturday Ocean Skills classes. We'll take care of the rest.
Let’s get you loving the ocean. One small step at a time.
Other Activities
We will take you on the Forts Walk - a 90-minute return walk to the WWII ruins overlooking the Coral Sea and daily stretches and core workouts are delivered around the paddle sessions.
Evenings
There are a range of restaurants on the island that we will take you to each night in our 14-seater van. The restaurants do split bills to make it easy. The evening dinners are the highlight as we get to share the fun, we all experienced each day over a few wines.
Flights
Sydney to Townsville Direct Flights or Sydney - Brisbane - Townsville with Jetstar, Virgin Australia or Qantas.
Depart Sydney Saturday morning July 18th to land by lunchtime. Catch the ferry over to the Island and we will get you on a downwind that afternoon.
When you land at Townsville airport get a 10 min taxi ride to the SeaLink ferry Terminal and take the SeaLink ferry over to Magnetic Island (30mins). Ferry runs every 30mins, tickets can be purchased here: https://www.sealinkqld.com.au/magnetic-island
Depart Magnetic Island Saturday July 25th on the ferry to Townsville and then fly Townsville to Sydney or Townsville - Brisbane - Sydney.
Accommodation
We will book you in at Peppers Blue, which is a luxurious, family friendly resort. It is elegantly laid out at the water’s edge overlooking the Coral Sea and private marina with a mountainous terrain that provides a picture-perfect backdrop.
https://www.peppers.com.au/blue-on-blue/
Trip costs:
Own room/double bed - shared apartment 7 nights, 7 Day Surf ski hire, Ocean Coaching & all transport around the Island = $3450 (if you would like to bring your partner and have your own apartment the trip would cost $3900 in total) Your partner can join for all the breakfast, lunch, dinner gatherings. If you are a paddling couple the cost for both paddlers = $6250. Simply select the 2 x Paddlers option once and email luke@sydneyharboursurfclub.com.au with the name of your paddling partner.
Please do not book flights until we have confirmed your spot!
Please note: flights, transfers, food and beverage, tourist activities are all at your own arrangement and cost.
