Surf Ski Academy
This Summer, Don’t Just Watch the Water — Own It.
Join the Flow Kayaks Surf Ski Academy and gain the skills to paddle independently, safely, and confidently - whether it’s your first time or your next challenge.
Too many people spend summer looking at the water instead of living on it. To some, Surf skis seem intimidating, risky, or just out of reach.
We’re going to change that.
Now it’s time to unlock the ocean. The Flow Surf Ski Academy takes your existing water skills and fast-tracks your surf ski journey — from your first remount to confident independence in open water. Whether you’re a beginner paddler, multisport racer, a flatwater kayaker, or a SUP paddler, we’ll help you cross over without wasting a season figuring it out alone.
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Beginners
Never paddled before?
Start from scratch in a supportive group with all gear provided. Build confidence, learn safety skills, and paddle independently in just a few sessions.
We’ll take you from your very first session to paddling independently on a Flow Surf Ski, with safety, fitness, and freedom built in.”
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Already a Paddler?
Already kayak, row, or SUP?
Take your existing strength and adapt it to surf ski. Learn remounts, balance in chop, and downwind skills — without wasting a season trial-and-error.
We’ll adapt your skills to surf ski, fast-tracking your confidence so you can race, train, or explore on the ocean this summer.
The Academy Built for New Zealand Conditions.
Flow Kayaks are proudly NZ-made, crafted for our waters. With experienced local coaches and the right equipment under you, you’ll gain confidence fast - not frustration.
Spots are limited — secure your place for Summer 2025 now.
First Session
Saturday 1st Nov - Cass Bay
9 - 10:30am
Launch Offer $50
Meet Your Instructors
Two Guides, One Mission — Your Confidence on the Water
Ben Keys
Surf Ski Specialist | Ocean Ski Canterbury | StrongPaddler.com | Athlete
Ben is a surf ski athlete, coach, and the founder of Ocean Ski Canterbury. Through StrongPaddler.com he’s helped paddlers of all levels sharpen their skills and confidence on open water. With international racing experience and a deep knowledge of surf ski technique, Ben brings the expertise you need to master this exciting discipline.
Chris Stagg
Performance Coach | Co-Owner of Flow Kayaks | On-Water Safety Specialist Chris has spent over 15 years running on-water operations, safety, and education programmes across New Zealand. With a strong background in technique and performance coaching on rivers, he knows how to help paddlers of all levels build confidence, skills, and independence.
As one of the minds behind Flow Kayaks, Chris has also spent the past eight years developing and refining Flow’s surf ski product line, building boats designed specifically for New Zealand conditions. His unique blend of coaching, safety expertise, and product development experience ensures that paddlers not only learn the right skills, but also understand the craft under them.
Together
“We combine Ben’s surf ski expertise with Chris’s performance and product knowledge to give you the best possible pathway into paddling. Our goal isn’t just to get you on a ski - it’s to make sure you feel confident, safe, and ready to enjoy every moment on the water.”
