The Doctor is a world class, downwind ocean paddling event in Western Australia, organised by Dean Gardiner and Yanda Morison from team 'Ocean Paddler'. Competitors start from the tranquil waters of Rottnest island and must paddle 26km across the shipping channel and finish at Sorrento Beach.

Paddlers make the trip to Rottnest Island by ferry and then help unload the skis from a barge which was loaded the night before the race. Preparation involves unpacking the ski from all the foam and padding used to make the trip. Then reattaching the rudder to their skis and other last minutes boat adjustments. The mood is pretty chilled. Of course there is plenty of good banter and race tactics being discussed. Then its time to munch on some food and fluids to keep the energy levels up and slip into the water. The paddlers then cruise a few hundred meters to the starting area where they jump back onto the beach for the race briefing.