experience the downwind surfski paradise!
Become a Downwind Zen Master
Become a Downwind Zen Master by taking on the challenges below
Bajeta Master
Tackle the strong currents, up to 10 km per hour, and messy waves at Bajeta tidal race. It is located 3 km offshore and it works best at a full moon and no wind.
Levante Master
This is the challenge of doing a downwind from Tarifa to Bolonia during a full blown Levante (Easterly) wind 25-35 knots. When you time it with the current the conditions are flowing. Doing it against the current is for the most daring downwind enthusiasts.
Strait of Gibraltar Master
This is the most magnificent downwind paddle in Tarifa. The beauty of the strait is real and the challenge just as much. You will have to time it right as the currents flow in different directions making it both challenging and interesting to do.
Zen Master
You have become a Zen Master once you have completed the Bajeta, Levante and Strait of Gibraltar challenges. Of course being a zen master is not only a matter of skills but also a demonstration of positive attitude toward the other paddlers. You show you care about having fun just as much as the well being of your paddling buddies. You are ready to take responsibility and become a leader when someone else is struggling. That's what makes you a real Zen Master.
A BUCKET LIST of EXPERIENCES
There is always something fun to do in Tarifa
- Do you want to be more stable in rough conditions?
- Do you want to surf longer while spending less energy downwind?
- Do you want to get better at reading the waves?
- Are you looking for effective ways to improve your safety on water?
- Do you want to learn how to prevent injuries and improve longevity in paddling?
- Do you want to have more confidence paddling through the surf zone?
Team
Boyan
Downwind Zen Master
I am your downwind guide and the person who will be there for you on water anytime and anywhere.
Val
Professional Downwind Shuttle Bunny
I take care of your equipment, safety gear and shuttle to / from paddling. Count on me to get things organised so you could kick back, relax and enjoy your surfski holiday.
Yasen
Mini-Zen Master
I will help with skills and techniques demonstration (especially in the surf zone as I am a bit lazy to paddle long distances). Occasionally I will join the team for a downwind paddle or a foiling session together.
Nevena
Demolition Expert
I specialise in the destruction of various kinds of items and equipment. I help the rest of the family by keeping their reflexes and quick reactions at a high level. I might occasionally pull your hair but don't get angry - this is how I show affection.
Rubie
Security
I pretend to be a guard dog and in reality I am just hanging out with this gang for food, walks and other extras.
F.A.Q
How many paddlers are there in a group booking?
Are private bookings available all year?
Are you open all year?
Yes
Expanded answer:
Yes, we are open all year, although from 20th June until 15th September we only offer private and semi-private bookings due to more restricted beach access and parking space. Tarifa is at its high season each summer and logistics is a challenge if we had to use a trailer.
I am traveling alone, do you book me in a group or do I have to go for a private booking?
Another alternative is to pay for a private booking and we would refund the difference if we found a suitable paddler/ paddlers to join you on the same dates.
What surfski models do you have available to use?
- Epic V8 Ultra (8)
- Epic V9 Ultra (2)
- Epic V8 Double Ultra (2)
- Fenn Bluefin S Glass Vacuum (3)
- Fenn XT S Glass Vacuum (1)
- Fenn Swordfish S Glass Vacuum (1)
- Fenn Bonito Glass Vacuum (1)
- Nelo 540 XXL (1)
What paddles do you have available to use?
What is the best time of the year to have a better chance for good downwind?
April, May, June, September, October, November
Expanded answer:
Tarifa has approximately 320 - 330 windy days per year and the days without wind are spread around in an unpredictable pattern. With other words, based on the statistics shown in Windfinder website, you stand 76% to experience wind 24+ knots all year around. Sometimes the wind could also be too much. In any case our commitment is to find the best conditions for each day so you could get the most of your time in Tarifa.
In general the best time to visit Tarifa is April - June and September - November. The weather is warm and the days are longer, which gives us more flexibility with the paddling hours and conditions.
Can I rent a surfski from you?
No
Expanded answer:
We don't offer equipment rental. Tarifa is an amazing downwind destination and at the same time it could be unpredictable (especially without local knowledge).
The boats could easily get damaged or lost out at sea and damages occur even during our sessions.
For that reason the risk vs. benefit ratio in surfski rental is not good and we are not willing to risk severe damage or total loss of a surfski(s), which we may need for our activities on the water in the following days.
Our accident and 3rd party insurance doesn't cover rentals and surfski rentals is not even included in the company activities/ permits.
Zen Master Blog
Listen to me! I am a medalist from the Olympics
This article is about how disconnected form the reality of surfski paddling someone's advice could be when that advice is based on an Olympic discipline that looks deceivingly similar and yet it is vastly different from open water and more specifically downwind surfski paddling.
WHY OSCAR WAS WRONG ABOUT ZERO PADDLE ANGLE
This is an article about zero feather paddle angle. You will learn that sometime your bias opinions may stand in the way to learning and adapting new techniques and equipment setup in your surfski paddling.
WHICH PHONE IS BETTER?
This is an article about the trade offs between practical functionality and features in mobile phones...well actually...surfskis.
LOST LUGAGE. NO PADDLING?
This is an article about choosing to use "make it work" attitude when things don't go according to plan. In this way you get the most out of any situation not only in surfski paddling but life in general.
DON'T CHANGE A WINNING FORMULA!
You can edit all of this text and replace it with anything you have to say on your blog.
TO PADDLE OR NOT TO PADDLE?
In this article you will learn why very often bracing is a much better downwind technique to use if you want to surf faster and stay on the waves longer.
Your Downwind options
All options include full paddling equipment, instructor, insurance and transport to / from downwind
Group Session Half Day
POPULAR
- One theory session in the classroom and one session on water per day
Group Session Full Day
POPULAR
- One theory session in the classroom and two session on water per day
Downwind Experience
POPULAR
- Includes all paddling gear and great downwind fun with a double surfski.
Private Session
POPULAR
- An experience totally based on your personal surfski goals and abilities.
Booking form
- Your booking is considered confirmed when we have received full payment. Unpaid bookings are not considered confirmed. Please do not make travel and accommodation arrangements before the booking process has been completed.
- In order to attend Surfski Center Tarifa activities you need to be a competent swimmer. Swimming skills are important safety requirement when paddling out at sea. Swimming will also help you learn easier and be more relaxed in the open water environment.
- Our number one safety rule states that you have to be able to swim to shore from any point on the intended paddling route.
- Since January 2022 there is a mandatory 25 EUR rescue insurance/ card per person per visit. This amount goes directly to searescue.es who are providing our on-water safety.
- Prices per person for a group booking (full day): 4 days and more the amount is 150 EUR per day, for 2 - 3 days booking it is 200 EUR per day and for 1 day booking it is 250 EUR per day.
- Prices per person for a group booking (half day): 4 days and more the amount is 115 EUR per day, for 2 - 3 days booking it is 140 EUR per day and for 1 day booking it is 190 EUR per day.
- Private bookings are open for February, July, August and December at 295 EUR per day.
- In the summer months between 15th June and 15th September our maximum capacity is 2 paddlers due to logistical challenges involving parking a van with a trailer at a busy parking place.
Brands we trust
Contact
- Calle Cigüeña Negra, 100, Tarifa, Spain
- +34-683512653 - Surfski Center
- yeehaaa@surfskicenter.com
- Open every day only with reservation in advance.
Turismo Activo Registration Number: AT/CA/00241