From the first stroketo the start line
Ocean paddling adventures and surf ski coaching by hall of fame and national champions. Whether you are new to the water or chasing race podiums, you will find your answers and your people here.
First session free with the code firstsessionfree at checkout.
We have a way in
More people deserve great coaching and the ocean
Paddle Collective grew out of a simple belief: that more people deserve access to great coaching and the ocean. Head coach Reece Baker is the current Open Single Ski Champion and IOP Open WA Ocean Racing Series Champion, with more than 15 years of elite coaching experience. On the Gold Coast, sessions are led by Murray, with the same weekly program, levels and season plan that runs in Perth.
Beyond weekly sessions we run multi day adventure camps, skills clinics for newer paddlers, downwind sessions and our own race events. Whatever brings you to the water, we have a way in.
Meet the coachesThese videos are so helpful, thank you so much for your time and effort in getting this package together for us. You are an incredible coach.Kai
Patient and supportive, which makes this learning experience an enjoyable journey. Your calm nature takes the pressure off.Stuart W
You are the man for the job because you listen, encourage and know your stuff. I enjoy watching people teach what they are passionate about.Marion M
Show up. We do the thinking.
Every Paddle Collective session is part of a structured weekly program, written fresh each Sunday. It follows a season plan, a build phase, a speed phase, a taper into key races, so the work you do on a Tuesday morning connects to where you want to be months from now. Each week has a theme and a purpose built session, released in levels so a first timer and a national medallist can share the same water and both leave better.
You do not need to know any of that to show up. Just come. The coach briefs the session on the sand before you launch, and you paddle your level while we do the thinking.
Every session runs the same rhythm: arrive 15 minutes early and get set up, shore briefing, warm up, the main set scaled to your level, live coaching and feedback, cool down, then coffee and a debrief. Skis, paddles and safety gear provided, or bring your own.
Per session or a 10 pack
Pay as you go
Book a session10 session pack
Equipment hire is included at no extra charge on the Gold Coast for now. Bring your own ski if you have one.
Tap a date. Pay. You are in.
Times are Gold Coast time (AEST). Spots update live.
Multi day paddling along the best coast in the country
Down south, up the Ningaloo, or out to Rotto. Each camp is a mix of skill building, exploration and a chance to disconnect with a great crew. Equipment provided, no experience required. Book with a deposit, pay the balance 60 days out.
Camps run from both states. Your deposit secures your spot; we invoice the balance 60 days before the camp with bank transfer details, or you can pay it by card at the same price.
Our own race events
Fun, safe ocean racing open to every level, run by the people who coach you all week. Enter early, bring a mate, and we will see you on the start line.
Paddle better. Read this first.
Technique self checks, beginner guides, camp day by days and race preparation from the coaching team.
All posts
Never paddled before? You are exactly who we built this for.
Expert coaching, all the gear provided and a first session that costs you nothing.
What is a surf ski, and can a beginner do it?
A surf ski is a long, sleek sit on top kayak built for open water. It looks fast because it is, but here is the part nobody tells you: it is one of the most beginner friendly ways into paddling, as long as you start in the right water with the right coach.
You do not need to be an athlete. You do not need to own a ski. You do not need ocean experience. Our beginner sessions start on calm, protected water where balance and technique come quickly, and we stay right beside you the whole way. If you can swim and you are keen, you can learn to surf ski with us.
Four levels, one program
- L1First strokes. Calm protected water. Learn to set up your ski, hold the paddle and get on and off.
- L2Building confidence. Lock in your technique and base fitness in protected water with a supportive group.
- L3Into the ocean. Step off the flat and start reading the sea, managing small bumps in a safe group.
- L4Downwind and racing. Master downwind runs and ocean racing tactics.
What is included
All equipment provided
Expert coaches, calm water
Your people
Beginner FAQs
Do I need my own surf ski?
No. We provide skis, paddles and all safety equipment. Just bring yourself, swimmers and a willingness to get wet.
Is surf ski hard for beginners?
It is easier to start than most people expect. We begin on calm, flat water where balance comes quickly, with a coach right beside you. Falling in is part of the fun, and we teach you to remount with control on day one.
How fit do I need to be?
If you can swim and you are reasonably active, you can start. Surf ski builds fitness as you go, and our beginner sessions are paced for first timers, not athletes.
What should I bring to my first session?
Swimmers, a towel, sun protection and water. We supply the rest, and your confirmation tells you exactly where to meet.
Is the first session really free?
Yes. Your first coached session is free with the code firstsessionfree at checkout. No commitment.
Coached by people who race
Murray Stewart · Gold Coast
Reece Baker · Head coach
Selma Alibegovic · Perth
Jeremy Doney · Perth
Brendan Rice · Perth
Mission
Find your people, fuel your passion. Our mission is to ignite the passion for paddling through transformative experiences. By creating unforgettable moments on the water, we inspire and connect paddlers through the power of collective adventure.