Island Escape - Rotto

Service Description

The concept Paddle across to Rottnest, base ourselves on the island for three nights, spend two days chasing the best conditions around Rotto, then ride the full Doctor course back to the mainland on the final day. Is this you? You love being on a ski and you want a few days where paddling is the whole point. We paddle as a group and regroup often, so nobody gets left behind and nobody gets held up. On the way home you can swap onto the boat or into a double ski at any regroup, and there is no pressure to paddle every kilometre. If hardcore is your middle name, you can do every one of them. The crew Coaching from Reece Baker and Murray Stewart, a three time Olympian in sprint kayaking with Aussie surf titles and plenty of downwind results. Fi Baker runs logistics and the kitchen, and Bec Stewart keeps the whole show moving. The support boat MV Wildcat, a commercially chartered vessel with a commercially qualified skipper who knows Rottnest waters very well, is with us for both crossings. We also run two double skis with a coach in each, so you can cycle in and out through the paddle. A PFD and leg leash are worn on every session, no exceptions. Accommodation A big share house at the southern end of Thomson Bay, a short walk from the pub and the sand. Four bedrooms with two king singles each plus a large bunk room, linen and towels provided, and lots of room to spread out. Food All food on the island is included and cooked for you, hopefully with some fresh seafood in the mix. Lunch is waiting on the beach when you land on Sunday. Soft drinks are covered and alcohol is bring your own. The Saturday night dinner in Cottesloe is on you. What Rottnest brings Most of you have done the Doctor and know the island, but for the uninitiated: pristine water, world-class paddling, reef breaks and transits we know like the back of our hand, ridiculous snorkelling, and a serious amount of sea life and seafood. Timing We've timed this for the lead-up to race week, when the wind is at its best. You finish the camp having paddled the exact course of The Doctor a few days before the race itself. The plan, day by day Saturday 14 November: Arrive, shake out, dinner Settle in to Perth, then meet the crew for an afternoon paddle at Port Beach to shake out the travel and get comfortable on your ski before the crossing. Dinner together in Cottesloe that evening. Sunday 15 November: Cross to Rottnest on the easterly We launch from Cottesloe Beach mid morning, meet the support boat on the water and paddle across as a group, about 19km, in short segments with regular regroups. Land at Thomson Bay around midday with lunch waiting, then welcome drinks at Hotel Rottnest. The afternoon is yours: quokka selfie, hire a bike, snorkel the bay. Group dinner at the house. Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 November: Island days Each morning we look at the weather, find the best conditions and go. Across the two days expect exploring paddles along both the north and south coasts, surfing on skis at the break out the front of Thomson Bay, technique work, and downwind runs when the wind is cranking. Between sessions there is snorkelling and free time to ride a bike, throw a line in or join a guided walk. Wednesday 18 November: Ride The Doctor home Pack up, then a morning session on the race itself: where it starts, how it works, tactics, navigation and equipment. Late morning the south westerly arrives and we paddle the exact route of the race from Rottnest to Sorrento Beach, about 27km, with the boat alongside. We finish with a debrief in the Sorrento SLSC club rooms. It's a guide only: the wind, swell and sea breeze decide the detail each day. Pricing $2,400pp. Includes coaching across all five days, the support vessel and skipper on both crossings, three nights in the share house on Rottnest, all food on the island, skis, paddles, PFDs and leg leashes (or bring your own), snorkelling gear, luggage transfer to the house, ferry freight and the island admission fee. Excludes: flights to Perth, your accommodation on the mainland before and after the island, alcohol, and the Saturday night dinner in Cottesloe. Booking Bookings are open now for the Saturday 14 to Wednesday 18 November trip. Spots are limited, first in, best dressed. A $600 deposit at checkout secures your place, and we will be in touch to arrange the balance by bank transfer. Once you are in, we send the full attendee briefing with pick ups, gear lists and everything else you need.