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Gorge Clinic

Half-day OC-1 Surfing Skills

Sharpen your OC1 canoe surfing skills with me during the Gorge Downwind Champs! While it’s true that surfing skills take years to build, attending a workshop is a shortcut to get you where you want to be.

Cost: $250 per paddler
Group size limited to six paddlers 

In this four hour small group clinic I will help you:

  • Understand the five most important downwind concepts for OC1 surfing. 
  • Identify the three most important skills you need to master. 
  • Identify the most common surfing mistakes and how to overcome them.
  • Identify specific areas for you to improve.

We will do a run together and I will watch you surf and give you specific feedback to get faster. 

The clinic runs as follows:

Start and end at the race HQ in Stevenson.

  1. Surf theory and skills review(90 mins)
  2. Downwind run as a group (75 mins)
  3. Transport back to race HQ (30 mins)
  4. Debrief with specific tips back at Stevenson at the end (30 mins)

Ability level and group selection

  • You must have some downwind experience to join any group.
  • Group level is based on 2024 finish times.
  • Please register for the group that best matches your ability. Ask me in your registration form if you are not sure. 
  • I cannot accommodate you in these group workshops if this your first downwind experience.
  • Use the application (below) to check with me if you are not sure which group you belong in.  

Workshop Schedule

Monday 7/14  – 11:00am-3:00pm 

Bottom tier paddlers: 
finish time 2:25-2:50 based on 2024 times

Tuesday 7/15 – 11:00am-3:00pm 

Middle tier paddlers: 
finish time 2:10-2:25 based on 2024 times

Wednesday 7/16 – 11:00am-3:00pm 

Middle tier paddlers:
time around 2:10-2:25 based on 2024 times

Registration

Cost per person: $250
5 to 6 paddlers only per group.
Small group = more specific feedback and coaching for you!

  • **No refunds available unless you find a replacement for yourself.**
  • You must have your own OC1.
  • You may not use the event shuttle if you are not registered for the event.
  • If you are not registered for the event, you need your own transportation.
  • Sign up for the group that best matches your surf skill based on past results. View past race race results »
  • If you are not sure which group is for you, tell me in your registration form
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

“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:

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