• downwind skills coaching workshops in the columbia river gorge
  • downwind skills coaching workshops in the columbia river gorge
  • downwind skills coaching workshops in the columbia river gorge
  • paddle online coaching platform
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Downwind Skills Paddle Session

Downwind Skills Paddle Session

$399.00 USD
$399.00 USD
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Experience the thrill of a surfski adventure like never before as our team of seasoned professionals guide you through a transformative learning journey. With years of experience and a deep passion for paddling, we have curated a program that combines technical expertise with the joy of surfing runs, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every participant.

What Does The Session Involve?
The 3 hour session will cover:
- Setting up  your surfski and paddle for your best shot at your optimal technique
- Safety on the water
- Downwind basics
- Optimal Paddling Technique 
- Downwind Run from Bob's to HV
- Questions, Specific requests
- All signups get access to our Online Platform, to continue their learning journey

Who Is The Session For?
The session is aimed at the intermediate to advanced paddler. If you are still learning, rather sign up for our Surfski Basics Session.
We do require that you can paddle for 60-90 minutes without a break, swim 1km with your gear, and be able to remount in any conditions.
If you are still in the learning phase, please reach out and we can discuss a bespoke workshop aimed at getting you up to speed with basic competency requirements.

Equipment Required:
We recommend using your own equipment, but if you need, we can provide a stable surfski and paddle, leash and PFD.

Who Are Your Coaches?
Michele Eray is a Surfski World Champion, Olympian and World Class Coach who has spent the past few years refining her coaching method to enable her paddlers to learn most effectively.

Maggie Hogan is a world class paddler and water sports specialist who has competed at the highest level in many paddling sports, the pinnacle being the Olympic Games. 

For more info on our coaches, please see below.

Once you have signed up, a member of our team will reach out to discuss date and time options and get you scheduled in - we run coaching on Wednesdays and Saturdays, however we can work with special requests.

Cancellation Policy

Full Refund: We reserve the right to change any itinerary to match existing conditions. If we must cancel due to unsafe or unsuitable weather or water conditions (as determined by our qualified staff), you will have your choice of credit, or a full refund. We are not responsible for non-refundable hotel or transportation costs.

Full Refund: If you cancel more than 24 hours before your session, you will receive a refund or credit (your choice).

No Refund: No refund or credit will be given if you cancel less than 24 hours before your session for any reason, including those beyond your control. You may substitute another paddler provided they meet any skill or experience requirements.

Requirements

You need to have your own boat and safety gear (unless pre-arranged).
You should be able to swim for 1km in your gear, and you should be able to self-rescue, and remount your boat in any conditions (unless this is the novice Intro To Surfski session).

What To Wear

Depending on the season and water temperature, we recommend dressing for immersion.

Thermal, quick-drying top (neoprene, rash guards, fleece, polypropylene, or other synthetics are best. Cotton makes you cold).

Neoprene or yoga pants, board shorts or any quick drying pants.

Booties or barefoot, depending on the season, and a hat and sunscreen are recommended.

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Meet Your Coaches

Michele Eray

One of the few multi-discipline paddlers to have succeeded on the world stage in Canoe Sprint (Olympic finalist), Canoe Marathon (World Medalist), Surfski (World Champion), Surf Lifesaving (World Medalist) plus winner of mulitple River races, Michele brings over 2 decades of first hand athletic experience at the very top.

Over the past 15 years Michele has coached athletes to World Championship medals, and was also team USA Olympic Coach in 2016. A life-long learner and curious mind, she recently completed her MSc in Sports Performance Coaching.

Maggie Hogan

Maggie competed at the 2016 Olympic Games in the highly competitive Women's K1 500m. Over her Canoe Sprint career, she earned medals at the World Championship and World Cup level. She represented the USA in 24 World Championships across 5 different water sports. She has won over 40 National titles.

Getting her start as a collegiate D1 swimmer, Maggie has a background as an ocean lifeguard.

She brings a wealth of experience and technical knowledge to her coaching and has a knack for making the complicated paddle stroke a simple and easy thing to understand.

FAQ

Who is this session for?

Anyone who wants to improve their paddling! We cater to beginners through to the expert level.

I experience pain with paddling and battle with injuries, will this session help?

Our experienced instructors will teach you the optimal paddling technique, which will prevent injuries and help you move better. We can do a mobility assessment if needed and help guide you towards better movement.

Do you provide surfski's for the session?

We can if needed.

Questions?