Currently there is no downwind group paddling however there is a surf ski group paddling the smaller plastic skis in Gnarabup Bay. They meet informally at the White Elephant Cafe and catch swells around the bay in several locations.
Contact Details If you are interested in paddling please email craig@thefishers.com.au and will forward details of the current paddling group.
Overview of Ocean Ski Paddling Ocean Ski Paddling is relatively new sport in Australia.
Ski's are longer than the normal Surf Life Saving and generally lighter (8-15kg) with no limitations on the design of the craft. Races are generally held in downwind conditions over 10-50km. It makes for a very wild ride in larger conditions with ski's regulary getting up to 25km/h on large swells.
The sport originated in South Africa and is growing rapidly throughout Australia, Europe, USA, Asia and the Pacific Islands. Wiith recent innovations in carbon fibre production techniques this has made the production of very light ski's possible. Epic carbon fibre boats are now mass produced in China. Fenn Skis are produced near East London in South Africa. These are the two largest producers of skis currently.
The Molakai race in Hawaii is the most famous race in the sport and was the unofficial world title race for many years. In recent times a world circuit has developed with ratings and certain races have higher value than others dependent on prize money and history of the race. Mark Nathan was our first representative from the area to paddle in the Molakai race.