Back to Events Schedule

OC1 Skills Training, California

Weekend Intensive

A weekend covering essential technique and skills to improve your all around paddling ability. 

June 14-15, 2026, Avila Beach California
June 20-21, 2026, Alameda California

Register

Does this sound like you?

Are you falling off waves or struggling to link waves together? Or maybe you experience being stuck in the trough or not knowing how to connect from one wave to the next.

If you want to improve these skills (wave linking, stalling less, and being able to surf left and right in any conditions), and more, you’re in the right place!

What You’ll Learn

You’ll improve your balance, technique, and posture to support your stability and acceleration onto waves.  You’ll become a more efficient and powerful downwind paddler. You’ll do 3-4 downwind runs* with Coach Anna to practice, refine, and reinforce what you’ve learned.

*Depending on conditions, three-day intensives include up to four downwind runs, and  five-day intensives will include up to seven downwind runs.

After completing the downwind intensive you will:

  • Lean left less and sit centered instead.
  • Use your brace stroke more.
  • Catch waves while paddling on your right side.
  • Stay on waves for longer, linking efficiently.
  • Get better at going hard and backing off at the right moments.
  • Have a faster average speed downwind.

The OC1 Downwind Intensive is for you if...

  • You regularly complete Hawaii Kai runs (or similar) and consider OC1 a primary sport for you. 
  • No matter how hard you paddle, people are getting away from you when conditions get bigger.
  • You like being out in big conditions but aren’t getting any faster.
  • You want your downwind paddling to reflect your OC1 fitness.
  • You’re planning on racing this season, or you already race OC1.
Register

“The most valuable part was the surfing and guidance through the Hawaiʻi Kai run, especially on the OC2. The more I surfed, the more I saw, and the better I understood what to look for.” – JACKIE

“I’m not falling off the back of waves as much anymore. I’m also paddling WAY more on the right and feeling more solid by not leaning left. I am reading the water better and getting great glides the whole way!”– HEIDI

Are you technically ready for the OC1 Downwind Intensive?

  • Can you paddle two sessions of up to eighteen miles per day for two or three days? (This is a physical requirement for the workshop.)
  • Are you comfortable with huli-ing and able to recover from a huli in rough water and waves?
  • Have you done at least 5 downwind runs like Hawaii Kai or the Gorge ?
  • Can you accelerate your OC1 over 6 mph to catch waves?

If you answered yes to all of the questions above, then you are ready for the Advanced OC1 Downwind Workshop.

If not…

“My biggest takeaway is that you need to spend time focusing on the little things to get the big things. You provided me with the little things to work on (tempo drills, land exercises, and how to see the on-ramps while surfing).” – JULAINE

“Thank you again for an amazing experience! Totally exceeded my expectations. The clinic I did with you in Hawaii has helped me so much. I feel so much more confident. I hear your voice telling me to hunt for that next wave!” – BONNIE

What is the difference between a 3-day and a 5-day intensive?

  • More 1-1 time
  • More downwind runs 
  • In depth information about fueling, strength training, mobility, recovery

How to get ready for a 5-day

  • Practice your brace stroke regularly.
  • Practice your huli recoveries so there is no fear.
  • Train your technique consistently.
  • Build your OC1 speed.
  • Get stronger with weight lifting.

What experience do you need to be ready for a downwind intensive?

  • Not afraid to huli.
  • 100% confident your can right your canoe after a huli in any conditions.
  • Training for OC1 races 
  • Endurance to paddle 5 days in a row
  • Strength training is part of your program 
  •  Pre-requisites?

What is a downwind run?

  • Waves harnessed by the paddler for more speed
  • A to B taking advantage of stronger than average wind speed – generally more than 15 miles an hour and upto 30 mph. 
  • Wave size varies, but the more wind the bigger the waves. 
  • Wind chop vs. ground swell which complicates the conditions
  • Examples: The Gorge, Hawaii Kai run, Maliko run, Millers fun, Dragon Run, The Dr, 
  • Swell without wind is generally not “downwind”
  •  
Register

Don't have the required experience for a downwind intensive yet?

How to get ready:

Receive articles and announcements by email