We'd like to invite you to an Ocean Downwind Camp on Tasmania's East Coast! This is truly "big blue" territory, and with a backdrop of pure white beaches, granite headlands tinged orange with lichen, some of the clearest water and freshest air in the World, this is a diverse and beautiful place to paddle!

This special Sydney Harbour Surf Club trip format offers participants a unique mix of adventure, training & downwind paddles, spectacular coastlines, coaching & mentoring, relaxation, friendship, food and wine. Ranging between the Chain of Lagoons, the Freycinet Peninsula, and Maria Island we have approximately 100km of coastline at our disposal allowing us to fully explore the area.

All surfski hire, transport, main meals and accommodation will be provided during our SHSC Ocean Downwind Camp. In addition we offer a high coach to paddler ratio with up to three instructors available, resulting in an optimal level of personal attention, enhanced level of safety, increased options for downwind shuttles, plus seamless and nutritious catering to support our daily activities.

We can't wait to warmly welcome you to Tasmania! If you'd like to jump aboard please read on for more information...

Luke Horder - Sydney Harbour Surf Club
Ben Maynard & Roz Barber - Next Level Kayaking

Where are we going?

Basing ourselves at Swanwick in the heart of Tasmania's east coast, we'll have Coles Bay and Great Oyster Bay on our doorstep, ranging north to the Chain of Lagoons and the fishing village of Bicheno, giving us access to the "inside" and "outside" of the Freycinet Peninsula and the Tasman Sea. The many folds in the coastline allow us to tap into conditions from all points of the compass, with islands, beaches, reefs, point breaks, straight downwind runs, out-and-backs, clifflines, bays & estuaries, river mouths & barways all on offer.

Our accommodation is at The Boathouse, a beautiful six-bedroom, two-bathroom holiday house, only a five minute walk from Sandpiper Beach at the mouth of Moulting Lagoon. This large property is perfect for groups, where our guests have plenty of room to relax and enjoy the space.

Itinerary

We've planned our Ocean Downwind Camp to make the logistics as easy as possible for you. Simply arrive in Hobart ready for our first day on Thursday 20th February 2025, and we'll do the rest! You'll be back from the East Coast in the afternoon of Sunday 23rd February 2025. 

Day 1 - Thursday 20th February 2025 

Morning - Fly out of Sydney 8:40am and land Hobart 10:40am, where we will be pick up in a 12 seater van as a team. 
12.30pm - Depart for East Coast
Mid afternoon - Light ocean surf ski paddle en route to our accommodation
Late afternoon - Arrive at our accommodation, unpack & settle in
Evening - Dinner 

Day 2 - Friday 21st February 

Morning - Breakfast & run through plan for the day
Mid morning to early afternoon - Barway or point break surfing skills session & lunch
Mid afternoon - Downwind paddle & afternoon tea on the beach
Evening - Relax & dinner

Day 3 - Saturday 22nd February 

Morning - Breakfast & run through plan for the day
Mid morning to early afternoon - Out and back style adventure paddle & lunch
Mid afternoon - Downwind paddle & afternoon tea on the beach
Evening - Relax & dinner

Day 4 - Sunday 23rd February 
 
Morning - Breakfast & run through plan for the day, pack up & leave our accommodation
Mid morning to early afternoon - Downwind paddle & lunch
Late afternoon - Driven back to Hobart airport for a 4:45pm departure to land in Sydney 6:45pm)

(Our itinerary is offered as a guide, ultimately the weather, paddling conditions and group composition will determine our activities)

What's included   

• Transport & logistics from 12.00noon on Thursday 20th February which includes airport pick up and return to Hobart airport on Sunday afternoon 23rd February. 
• Three nights accommodation (20th, 21st and 22nd of February)
• Thursday night dinner : Friday Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner : Saturday Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner : Sunday Breakfast and Lunch
• All paddling sessions
• Coaching & safety 
• Surfski hire - Epic, Nordic, Carbonology, Stellar & Think options available

You will need to arrange:

• Flights to and from Hobart airport
• Multiple changes of suitable paddling clothing
• Morning/afternoon tea snacks & drinks
• Any snacks & drinks you need while paddling
• Any alcoholic drinks you plan to consume during the Getaway 
• Everything you would normally take for a 3-night trip away
• Paddle, PFD, leg leash, waterproof mobile phone cover and pealess whistle 
• A leave pass from home!
• Spending money for the many local temptations we will pass during our travels :-)

Trip cost & reservations

Our SHSC Ocean Downwind Camp is $2450 per paddler and is limited to 11 participants. To reserve a place at the Camp, please make a deposit payment. 

At the time of your deposit we'll be in touch to welcome you on board, and provide some additional Camp information including a mandatory equipment list, medical & food allergy form, and information about the hire craft available so you can make your selection.