Surf ski racing through whitewater rapids
Downwind surf ski race sprint

Kayak & Surf Ski Coach

Become a Stronger Paddler

Strength, technique and training for paddlers chasing a better, more powerful stroke, and effective training wherever you are in the journey.

For Any Paddler, Beginner to Elite

Strength + Technique + Training

Everything you need to become a better paddler.

Ben Keys sprinting on an ocean downwind run

01 / Strength

Paddling-specific strength

Every lift is chosen to transfer to the boat, building rotation, catch and drive without wasted gym time.

02 / Technique

Technique that holds up

Drills and movement work to find the leaks in your stroke and build form that lasts the whole race.

Ben Keys mid-stroke with a clean catch
Surf ski paddler crossing a turquoise alpine lake

03 / Training

Training with Purpose

Progressive, periodised blocks with a clear weekly structure: you always know what to do and why.

★★★★★

“I needed new focus and new ideas shortly before the Coast to Coast this year, so I approached Ben. I really appreciated his personable but professional approach. Many, many thanks — if you need a comprehensive training overview, Ben is your man.”

Dan · Multisport Athlete, NZ

“After a 15-year break from kayaking, I entered the Coast to Coast and realised I needed expert guidance. Ben built a kayak-specific strength programme with clear progressions I could do at home. I was genuinely surprised by how strong I felt in the second half of the race.”

Pippa · Coast to Coast Paddler 2026

“It's made a huge difference — I'm connecting a lot better with the water and moving the boat faster as a result. My stability is getting better, too!”

Sonia · New Surf Ski Paddler

“Ben introduced me to new exercises like landmine rotations that strengthened my shoulder, scapular and core rotation, and brought real discipline to my training. In five weeks my performance and motivation were up.”

Ted · Ocean Ski Athlete, Australia

“I really enjoyed the training programme and it definitely made a huge difference. Tidied up my ski and took me to a different level in swim and board.”

Dan · Surf Club Athlete

“The course has been really helpful. The video showing the hand going up, throwing a cloth — I'm very visual, so that's really helped me on the water.”

Grade 1 Technique Course · Multisport Athlete

Ben Keys paddling his Fenn ocean surf ski

Your Coach

Ben Keys

Athlete as an Ocean Ski paddler, K1 sprint & marathon, multisport and surf lifesaving: international level and national champion. Sports scientist and strength coach. The website shows you all my tips and tricks, and I’m available online or in person for more personal coaching.

From coach Ben Keys

Become a stronger paddler

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