SHOAL BAY PADDLE TRIP
Shoal Bay Paddle Trip
Welcome to our Sydney Harbour Surf Club weekend getaway to the amazing Shoal Bay area, just a short 2.5 hr drive north of Sydney!
This is the perfect opportunity to refine your paddling skills by master wave-catching techniques and building on your downwind skills.
Over three days, we’ll be immersing ourselves in the art of surf ski paddling, where downwind drop offs will put us in the best location to use the wind and swell together with the opportunity to paddle out to the amazing islands that surround Port Stephens. We will cater for various levels with 2 coaches and a buddy system out on the ocean.
We will teach you how to paddle onto the swell runners correctly, how to prevent the ski from nose diving on the wave, when to paddle and when to surf, and how to paddle off the runner to ensure you get the next one. Mastering these skills will ensure your average moving speed increases dramatically.
What’s Included
- 2 nights accomodation at Ramada Shoal Bay.
- All transport of your surf ski or hired SHSC ski to and from Shoal Bay and throughout weekend.
- Seat on SHSC van for the entire weekend (12 spots)
- SHSC craft hire if required.
- Downwind and ocean skills coaching for the weekend.
- Team dinners each night at a local restaurant
Dates & Pricing
Mid week option:
- Check in Tuesday 4th & check out Thursday 6th March 2025
- Private room $260 per night.
Weekend Option
- Check in Friday 7th & check out Sunday 9th March 2025
- Private room $280 per night.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at destination lunchtime ready for a 1:30pm - 4:30pm paddle session. Check into room by 5pm and ready for team dinner 6:30pm at local restaurant.
Day 2
Two paddle sessions (morning and afternoon) on day 2 with timings outlined the night before based on wind, swell and tide. Team lunch and dinner.
Day 3
Morning paddle session followed by team breakfast/lunch before we return back to Sydney
In just 3 days we aim to get you on more waves than you would in 3 years, plus ensure we break down your stroke to the finest inch to ensure you have all the information to paddle with a more powerful/efficient stroke.
FAQ'S
Q: Will it be cheaper if I bring my own surf ski?
A: Same price whether using your own ski or a SHSC ski. Luke will let you know via the whatsapp group when he is loading the skis onto the trailer.
Q: Can I share the room with my partner?
A: Yes, we have your own room double bed to share with your partner
Q: How many coaches will there be?
A: Luke & Dave will be your Coach for this weekend.
Q: Will there be transport for myself too?
A: Yes, you can organise you to car pool there and back and throughout the trip you will be driven around in the SHSC downwind bus
Q: Do we need SafeTrx for the weekend?
A: Yes, offshore paddling normally requires you to send us your tracking details. Have this app ready on your phone for the weekend.
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 one of the coaches to show you how to use the app too.
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: 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: 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 Luke 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: 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.
Any questions please reach out to us admin@sydneyharborsurfclub.com.au