DOWNWIND RUSH / FIELD NOTES
How to play Downwind Rush
A browser-based surfski time trial: cover one kilometre by balancing paddle effort with surfing recovery.
Start your run
Open the game on the homepage or use its Open game link to launch it separately. Click or tap inside the game before using the controls. On desktop, Space paddles and the arrow keys steer. On a phone, use the touch controls shown by the game. The full-screen option gives you more room to see the water.
Spend your energy deliberately
Paddling gives you a burst of speed, but the energy tank limits how long you can keep working. Ten strokes use most of your energy. Holding the paddle control without watching the tank can leave you short of power when the next opportunity appears. Use your first attempt to notice the relationship between strokes, speed and energy rather than chasing a record immediately.
Let the swell do some work
Steer to remain in the part of the run that carries you forward. Release the paddle while surfing so your energy can recover. If you keep paddling simply because you are moving quickly, you may spend effort that the wave was already providing. Look for a balance between staying on the run and saving enough power to catch the next one.
Link, recover, repeat
Look ahead instead of reacting only when speed has already disappeared. A short, well-timed effort can help you move towards the next run. Notice which steering decisions keep your momentum and which ones leave you rebuilding speed. Finishing with no energy is less useful than understanding where you spent it.
Compare attempts fairly
Judge a change over several runs. One quick finish does not prove a tactic is better. Record your time, pick one decision to change, and try again. The website shows a top-five leaderboard; score submission and any entry requirements are handled inside the game.
Play Downwind Rush ↗