Perfect Downwind Paddle

Paddle Down Sandrax to Cottesloe. The Freo Doctor generates excellent wind waves nearly every afternoon of the summer along the Perth Metropolitan Coast creating perfect conditions to paddle downwind. Doubles or single are fun. Novices usually go on the back of a double with an experienced paddler and learn how to navigate the peaks and troughs. We paddle from Fremantle to Cottesloe, sometimes several kilometers offshore for safety so stick together as a group, wear PFD's and attach safety leashes to skis and paddles. On the down wind run we stop and regroup along the way checking on how everyone is travelling. Even on a moderate day like this a leash saves a long swim to shore and possible loss of kayak or ski.
On this afternoon the breeze had been in about 2 hrs and wash gusting 15 to 20 knots. The boats were perfect for the task. Only a few strokes were required to get the boat running and onto a wave. We were skating on waves all the way and maintaining boat speed easily linking from wave to wave.