Wave Wise: Advanced Skills for the Surf Zone
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What it's all about
This clinic is for confident ocean swimmers who want to feel sharper, smoother, and more in control in the surf zone. It’s about refining your technique, improving your timing, and making smarter decisions in dynamic conditions. We’ll show you how to read the waves, move with the water, and turn challenging surf into your strong suit. It’s ocean swimming, done wisely.
What we’ll cover
We’ll kick things off on the sand with a deep dive into surf zone strategy, exploring how to read and work with waves like a pro. Then it’s into the water, where you’ll put it all into practice – right in the thick of it – with expert guidance to sharpen your timing, technique, and decision-making.
- Master the surf zone strategy
Break down the surf zone and sharpen your strategy for moving through each stage – know your line, time your moves, and stay one step ahead.
- Make smarter calls in real time
Refine your decision-making in shifting surf so you can make quick, confident decisions and turn pressure into calm – and calm into speed.
- Master surf-specific techniques
Drill advanced wave negotiation techniques, surf zone stroke changes, and advanced body surfing techniques that’ll have you gliding into shore with style.
- Feel the power of good timing
Learn how to out-swim – not out-muscle – your competition. We’ll cover effective drafting, pack positioning, buoy turns, and tactical decision-making.
What you’ll walk away with
This clinic gives you the edge that separates capable swimmers from smart ocean swimmers. You’ll leave with a full toolkit of surf skills and the clarity to make every swim feel smoother, faster, and more fun.
Control and clarity in the surf
Understand waves, currents and surf breaks with confidence, so every swim becomes a decision, not a guess.
Better choices, better results
Know how to respond to the surf in real time, giving you an edge in training, events, and everyday ocean swims.
Efficiency that makes it look easy
From entry to exit, you’ll learn to work with the ocean – not against it – for smoother, faster movement.
Body surfing that feels like flying
There’s nothing more satisfying than catching the perfect wave from out the back. We’ll show you how to set it up and ride it long.
What’s included
Everything you need to take your surf skills to the next level.
- 3-hour advanced ocean clinic
- Min 2 instructors (1:4 ratio) for personal feedback
- OceanFit silicone swim cap to keep
- Post-clinic advice and support
What our swimmers say
Who this clinic is for
This is an intermediate-level clinic for confident swimmers.
To get the most out of your clinic, you’ll need to:
- Have completed the Ocean Ready/LTOS clinic
- Be swimming ~2km squad sessions in a pool
- Have completed a 2km ocean swim (preferred)
Not quite there yet? Start with our Ocean Ready clinic to build your foundation knowledge and skills.
Not sure if it’s the right fit? Get in touch.
Investment
Unlock your next level in just one session – Sydney, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast.
The 2025-26 season schedule will be live in September
Frequently asked questions
We’ve answered the most common questions here to help you plan with confidence.
When do confirm the tour is going ahead?
We will confirm the tour is going ahead, 90 days before scheduled departure, or when minimum numbers are met, whichever comes first.
What is your policy with tour withdrawals or transfers?
Your 20% deposit per person is non-refundable.
You can transfer to another swim tour, that is already scheduled, up to 90 days before the departure of your originally purchased tour.
You cannot hold your booking to be transferred to a future swim tour that is not already scheduled and taking bookings (i.e. you cannot transfer to a tour the following year).
What is the minimum age to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this swim tour is 18 years.
For the Family Swimcation, the minimum age is 5 years old.
Can I charter my own tour with friends?
You can book your own charter for a minimum of 18 guests and fill it with swimmers and non-swimmers, adults and kids! The itinerary can be adpated to meet your needs.
Ask us about the dates we have available
Where do I fly into and when do I need to be there?
The airport you will need to fly into is Proserpine/Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP), and Virgin and Jetstar fly here. Your return airport transfer to/from Airlie Beach is included in your tour package.
Flights need to arrive by 2:30 pm at the latest on the day of departure (day 1), and shouldn’t be booked earlier than 1.30 pm on the day final day (day 5).
Airport transfer from the airport to the marina or your accommodation, and back, are included.
If you’re arriving earlier, and/or staying later, you will need to organise your own travel between your accommodation and the marina.
Do I need to take out travel insurance?
We recommend travel insurance to protect against loss of valuables, illness (including COVID-19), late cancellations or failure to meet departure.
For Covid-19 cover, it is important that you secure your cover early (>21-days before the start of your trip) in order to take advantage of most insurance companies’ COVID-19 cover.
What type of accommodation is it?
All four nights’ accommodation is aboard the tall ship ‘Solway Lass’.
There are nine basic air-conditioned cabins onboard, with a mixture of shared bunkroom (singles), private double and private double with ensuite available.
In most cases, there are only two guests per cabin.
The clean, but rustic window-less sleeping cabins are befitting a 120-year-old tall ship, and you will likely be taken aback initially by the small size and limited standing and storage room.
Don’t worry, the cabins are primarily designed for sleeping in only.
The beds in the cabins are bunk-style, so some beds require climbing up to (including in the Private Double/Twin cabins). Please factor this in, and talk to us, if this may present an issue for you.
What meals are provided?
Dinner on the first night, three meals on day 2, 3 & 4, and breakfast on the final morning. There are also snacks available, and coffee, tea and tap water. All meals are freshly prepared onboard buffet-style. Most dietary needs can be catered for with advanced notice.
A standard day’s meals include a light early breakfast, hot (post-swim brunch), light lunch, evening snack, dinner and dessert.
I have special dietary requirements, can you accommodate me?
Yes. The following diets can be catered for: lactose-free, gluten intolerance, nut/fish allergies, vegetarian and vegan diets. You will be asked for your dietary requirements before the tour.
What swimming ability is needed to be a swimmer on the tour?
You will need to be able to swim at least 1km non-stop freestyle (i.e. you may have previously completed a 1km ocean swim event).
We welcome swimmers of all speeds, however, there may be times when we need to give you a quick lift in our support boat if you’re getting too far behind. This won’t be a problem if you stick to the shorter distance options on each swim.
And, of course, you can hop out of the water at any time.
Can my friend/partner join me if they don't want to do the swims?
Yes! We welcome friends/partners to join swimmers at a ratio of one non-swimming guest to one swimming guest. Non-swimming guests can participate in all activities except the scheduled ocean swims.
Will I be safe in the water?
Absolutely! We will have two support inflatable boats in the water and swimmers will swim in clear water between the shore and the line of support boats.
We have a comprehensive water safety plan for all swims.
A support boat may not always be within talking distance, but they will always be watching out for you.
Swimmers can exit the water at any stage during a swim by raising their hand.