Downwind
Clinics 2026/27
A structured, safe transition into downwind paddling competence. Join one of our 6 clinics this summer 2026/27 in Langebaan. Designed for competent paddlers ready to take the next step.
Langebaan
Western Cape, SA
R5,490
Premium Coaching
OPEN
Limited Availability
Includes 2 nights' accommodation, breakfasts & dinners, on-water safety, transport in Langebaan, and a mystery goodie bag.
Focus on
Competence
While this is an incredible, high-energy social weekend, our core focus is a structured and safe transition into the world of downwind paddling.
Reduced Risk
Navigate real downwind conditions under the guidance of world-class decision makers.
Accelerated Learning
Skip months of trial and error. Get the specific skill transfers you need to excel.
Real Execution
The focus is not on mileage or racing, but on practical execution in wind and swell.
Expert Access
Direct access to experienced paddlers who understand the psychology of the ocean.
What You'll Master
Wave Reading
Master the art of decoding complex wind-swell patterns and reading the ocean like a map.
Run Catching
Refine your timing and techniques to catch and connect runs with maximum efficiency.
Stability Core
Develop advanced bracing and stability skills to stay relaxed and focused when the wind picks up.
Gear & Setup
Expert guidance on selecting and configuring your ski and paddle for downwind performance.
Safety First
Comprehensive safety protocols and self-rescue skills to ensure you are always in control.
Ocean Confidence
Build the psychological grit and technical confidence to thrive in challenging conditions.
See It In Action
Clinic Gallery
Participant Feedback
"Hi Robin and Richard, great group of people, expert coaching, fun session on the water thank you… loved every minute"
"Huge thanks to Richard & Robin for the superb paddle camp and great training - I really learnt so so much! You guys have all renewed my paddling enthusiasm and it was great to share such a lekka weekend! What an incredible dolphin experience - how lucky were we 🐬🐬🐬!! Thanks to Helena & Tamsin for the fab photos."
"Thank you for Robin and Richard for the open sharing of knowledge, and answering our questions, coaching, mentoring and seeing that we leave more confident and knowledgeable than when we arrived. I have learned a great deal from all of you, and I have learned a lot of myself in this clinic."
"Yoh, I'm glowing from being around such special people! Thank you all and especially Rob and Rich for sharing and helping us all raise our game! LOVED every minute!!! Hope to see you all at freedom paddle, if not before 💗"
"Thanks everyone for a fantastic weekend, safely back in Plett. Robin and Rich you are on to something and very happy to spread the word when you have your next planned DW camp 😊. Great to meet so many fantastic people"
"Thanks for a great weekend, with quality people! Will never look at the sea the same again! Gaan nou ń hond uit ń bos slaap!😁"
"Thanks to everyone who made this weekend possible. Definitely a weekend for the history books !!"
"Thanks for a great weekend guys and girls. Great to meet you all. Thanks Robin and Richard for the fantastic clinic."
"Thank you all, what a good experience. We learned tons and feel our ocean paddling has taken a leap forward."
"I cannot thank you ALL enough for such an amazing weekend. So much learning and laughter. I can't believe that I arrived not knowing a soul, and so quickly found myself immersed and welcomed into such a great group. Massive kudos especially to our incredible coaches who set such a tone of compassion, co-creation and competence building."
"An absolutely amazing weekend thanks to Richard and Robin and all you DW junkies! Not my first rodeo and definitely not my last."
"Thank you for the most magical and incredible weekend. Robin and Richard - your kindness, patience and calm teaching styles are phenomenal and the fact that you could so effectively take a group with such a wide range of skills and give us all attention and learning is a real testament to you both. I am so looking forward to practicing what I learned and coming back to the clinic again to take it up a notch. And to my fellow intrepid DW adventurers - wow - you ROCK - spending time both on the water and off was tank filling - loads of laughter and great convos. Thank you."
"Can't thank you all enough for this weekend. To the coaches - your individual methods combine so well into a comprehensive and immersive experience. I learnt so much and I feel so lucky for this opportunity. Robin's unique ability to engage with everyone at their level with nothing but enthusiasm and encouragement gave me so much much-needed confidence in my paddling (listen, I thrive on positive feedback), and Richard's calm, logical, thorough explanations are able to translate abstract concepts into real life situations in a way that only real experience and deep understanding can do; 'If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.' And to the crew - everyone was so supportive and so collaborative, I really felt part of something. I guess it's not surprising that the kind of people volunteering to go out in a big wind on a tippy boat would be interesting, albeit slightly unhinged, people. I hope we don't let the plans to 'let's make plans!' fizzle out."
The Curriculum
Foundations & Confidence
- Ocean safety and risk assessment
- Skill transfer: Handling technical swells
- Body positioning and paddling efficiency
- Controlled shoreline runs
Execution & Decision Making
- Advanced wave selection and timing
- Wind/swell interaction workshop
- Practical downwind execution in real conditions
- Personal technical feedback and group debrief
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I learn to downwind paddle inside a lagoon?
Langebaan lagoon serves some of the best downwind conditions in South Africa. It's sheer size means plenty of room for perfect surfski runs to develop. Plus it's unique set up of wind against tide squeezed into a narrow channel creates perhaps the best conditions anywhere on the globe for learning how to paddle downwind.
What wind conditions make Langebaan good for downwind paddling?
The reliable summer south-easter creates consistent runs across the lagoon. The local geography creates a local wind funnel so Langebaan has very reliable winds. We also select clinic dates carfeully to line up with just the right tidal conditions to amplfy the affects of the SE wind.
Do you provide surfskis and equipment, or do I need my own?
We don't supply surfskis. Ideally you should learn to paddle downwind on your own craft. But if you are coming in from out of town and we can arrange for rental craft.
Is safety support provided on the water during the clinic?
Yes, when conditions warrant it, a support boat will be on the water. Experienced coaches accompany every group, and all paddlers are tracked live by the NSRI via GPS for the duration of the session. Langebaan also has a NSRI base.
How cold is the water?
Langebaan water is significantly warmer than Cape Town, usually in the high teens.
What happens if there is no wind?
In this unlikely scenario, we have many options. There is very seldom zero wind and even a gentle breeze creates ridable runs inside the lagoon. If the lagoon is indeed a mirror, then there are many beaches around Langebaan that have surfski friendly waves ideal for mastering wave riding on a surfski. There is also much to learn about surfski paddling beyond downwind wind paddling that Langebaan is ideally suited to.
Can I bring a non paddling partner?
With pleasure. They will pay a reduced fee and are invited to participate in all non paddling activities.
I have never done a downwind before, can I join the clinic?
Absolutely! This is precisely what the clinic is for. You do however need to be a competent surfski paddler. That means being able to confidently paddle your ski with good balance.
Can I use a double surfski?
This clinic is designed to teach you to paddle downwind. Being in the back of a double does not give you the opportunity to really learn how to paddle downwind. It can be exhilerating to paddle in the back of a double on large ocean swells, on a windy day, with an experienced driver, but the purpose of the clinic is to teach you how to paddle downwinds confidently and safely, in your single. If you only have a double and that is your boat of choice then bring it. But be aware that the runs in Langebaan are best suited to a single surfski.
Basecamp & Logistics
Shared Premium Accommodation
Stay in modern, self-contained units at Coast Self Catering. Each unit opens onto a central sparkling pool area, fostering a community atmosphere while maintaining privacy.
Breakfast Included
Evening Braai Provided
Salads & snacks included. Meat/alcohol for own account.
Communal Hub
Long table dining & large screen for analysis/debriefs.
The Runs & Logistics
We handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on the water. Our logistics team ensures a seamless transition between runs.
Transport Back from all Downwind Runs Supplied
Multiple ~8km Runs in Fantastic Learning Conditions
Learn from
the Best
Learn from world-class ocean athletes who bring decades of expertise and a proven track record of excellence in downwind paddling and expedition kayaking.
Richard Kohler
World-Renowned Expedition Paddler
- Paddled the entire South African coastline from the Namibian border to the Mozambique border by surfski
- Crossed the Atlantic Ocean unsupported by kayak
- Expert downwind paddler with decades of ocean experience
- ICF Qualified coach With over 10 years of surf ski coaching experience
- Deep understanding of ocean dynamics, safety protocols, and progression pathways
Robin Tindall
Co-Founder, Freedom Paddle
- Exceptionally competent downwind paddler with extensive coaching experience
- Experienced across almost every ocean sport discipline
- Brings multi-dimensional ocean expertise and deep understanding of ocean dynamics from various angles
- Experienced water sports instructor in various disciplines from kite surfing to windsurfing and open ocean yachting
- Specializes in safe skill progression and building paddler confidence
Secure
Your
Position
Please answer the form questions honestly. We want to be sure you will get the most from the weekend and your honest answers let us determine if you are a good fit.
The clinic is aimed at competent paddlers who are ready to step up to being confident downwind paddlers. Numbers are strictly limited to 10 participants per clinic.