MARGARET RIVER PADDLE TRIP - FEBRUARY 2027
Couldn't load pickup availability
A 3-day ocean paddling adventure along the spectacular Margaret River coastline, combining downwind paddling, surf ski skills, coastal exploration, great food, and relaxed WA coastal culture.
Designed for intermediate to advanced paddlers, with routes adapted daily to wind, swell, and group ability.
Â
Day 1 — Arrival & Coastal Warm-Up
Morning — Welcome to the Margaret River Region
Arrive in the stunning Margaret River Region and settle into your accommodation at the beautiful Broadwater Resort in Busselton. Take time to unwind, meet the group, and soak in the coastal atmosphere before the adventure begins.
Welcome Briefing & Paddle Prep
Kick off the paddle trip with an engaging orientation session covering:
- Trip overview & what to expect throughout the journey
- Ocean safety, surf conditions & local paddling knowledge
- Personal equipment fitting & adjustments
- Surf ski setup, handling tips & remount practice sessions
A relaxed but valuable introduction designed to build confidence, sharpen skills, and get everyone ready for an unforgettable week on the water.
Afternoon Paddle — Prevelly to Redgate Coastal Adventure
Distance: 8–12 km
Experience your first taste of the spectacular Margaret River coastline with an unforgettable paddle from Prevelly to Redgate. This scenic coastal session is designed to build confidence in ocean conditions while immersing you in one of Western Australia’s most breathtaking marine environments.
Paddle Focus
Develop essential ocean paddling skills including:
- Understanding ocean movement & water dynamics
- Surf ski balance, control & efficient handling
- Reading swell patterns, runners & changing conditions
- Linking short downwind runs for smooth, flowing glides
Coastal Highlights
- Dramatic granite headlands & rugged coastal scenery
- Pristine remote beaches accessible only from the water
- Opportunities to spot dolphins and other marine life
- The world-famous beauty of the iconic Margaret River coastline
A perfect blend of skills, adventure, and scenery to kick off the week on the water.
Day 2 — Downwind Adventure Day
Morning — Breakfast & Ocean Conditions Briefing
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before the team gathers for a detailed weather and ocean assessment. Wind direction, swell size, tides, and local conditions will determine the day’s ultimate downwind route — ensuring the best possible paddling experience and the safest conditions on the water.
Each route offers a unique blend of open-ocean excitement, technical paddling, and spectacular coastal scenery.
Possible Downwind Runs
Hamelin Bay to Augusta
A classic southern ocean run featuring powerful swell lines, dramatic coastal landscapes, and exciting downwind opportunities into Augusta.
Contos to Redgate
An adventurous stretch of coastline with clean runners, rugged cliffs, turquoise bays, and long gliding sections ideal for building downwind confidence.
Gracetown Coastal Run
A scenic paddle along one of Margaret River’s most iconic surfing coastlines, offering dynamic ocean conditions, reef-lined bays, and incredible views from the water.
Day Focus
- Advanced downwind paddling techniques
- Reading wind lines, swell patterns & ocean energy
- Linking runners for efficient glide and speed
- Building confidence in open-water conditions
- Surf ski handling in changing coastal environments
A true ocean adventure day designed to combine skill progression, fitness, and unforgettable scenery along the wild Margaret River coast.
Main Paddle Session
Distance: 15–25 km
Focus:
- Downwind technique
- Linking runners
- Ocean positioning
- Energy management
- Group pacing
Conditions:
- Open-ocean swell
- Trade-wind runners
- Dynamic coastal sections
Support:
- Safety boat coverage
- On-water coaching
- Nutrition & hydration stops
Afternoon
Recovery & Free Time
Options:
- Beach swim
- Sauna/recovery session
- Brewery visit
- Explore local galleries & cafes
Suggested local stops:
- Surfers Point
- Augusta
Evening
Fireside Dinner & Downwind Stories
Relaxed group dinner with:
- Ocean footage review
- Coaching insights
- Forecast discussion for final day
Day 3 — Expedition Paddle & Departure
Morning
Final Ocean Session
Distance: 10–18 km
Depending on conditions:
- Longer downwind route
- Coastal exploration paddle
- Skills-focused session
- Small surf launch/landing practice
Focus:
- Applying learned skills
- Confident ocean movement
- Efficient runner connection
- Final progression coaching
Midday
Coffee & Debrief
Group wrap-up including:
- Trip highlights
- Skill progression review
- Future training recommendations
- Photos & media sharing
Afternoon
Departure
Transfers to:
- Busselton
- Perth
- Regional accommodations
Included
- Professional surf ski coaching
- Safety boat support
- Daily shuttle logistics
- Snacks & hydration
- Paddling sessions
- Technique coaching
- Trip photography/media
Optional Add-Ons
- Surf ski hire
- Performance coaching
- Video analysis package
- Winery tour
- Recovery massage
Â
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 Long Reef 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 lovely Broadwater 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 hotel.
 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 hotel so you can shower, rest, and unwind. Each evening we head out as a group to a different local restaurant for a relaxed dinner and a chance to review the day’s footage (and enjoy a wine or two if you like!).
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/Intro to Ocean classes. We'll take care of the rest.
Let’s get you loving the ocean. One small step at a time.
Flexible Payment Options:
- Pay in full here on the website = $3450 total
- 4 x monthly instalments: $897/mth = $3588 total
Any queries please email admin@sydneyharboursurfclub.com.auÂ
Please do not book any flights or anything else until we have received your payment, formulated/secured the group and then contacted you to then go ahead to book flights.Â
Trip costs:
Own room/double bed - Â 7 nights, 7 Day Surf ski hire, Ocean Coaching & all transport = $3450. Partners (non paddlers) are welcome to come on the trip - partners can join the breakfast, lunch and dinner hangouts and really feel part of the trip.
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 note:Â flights, transfers, food and beverage, tourist activities are all at your own arrangement and cost.
Please do not book flights until we have confirmed your spot!
Most direct flight route:
Sydney (SYD) to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast Airport – PPP)
Â
