PrimalCon 2013
I’m just back from a fantastic Paleo trip to America (Jet Lag is most definitely not Paleo). A couple of weeks after PaleoFX in Austin, Texas, I made my way to Oxnard, California, for my third year at Mark Sisson’s PrimalCon weekend. Unlike the Ancestral Health Symposium, or PaleoFX, PrimalCon is a hands on practical weekend. As well as hearing about all things Paleo – the focus is on doing.
With relatively small numbers of attendees – and lots of different presenters, there’s a chance to meet and speak to everyone. There are lots of regulars, who attend each year, but it was also great to meet so many new faces – as well as some others from Australia and the UK!
With Kelly Starrett and the Gokhale family, there were several session on posture, mobility – and the correct way to stand and move to avoid injury. Whilst these sessions were completely different, it was interesting that their methods and ideas are completely complimentary – hardly surprising as they’re based on how we’re supposed to move.
Another highlight of PrimalCon for me was finally meeting Sarah Fragoso of Everyday Paleo – who really is every bit as lovely and knowledgeable in real life as she is on her podcast!
Chef Rachel Albert gave another fantastic cooking demonstration. It’s amazing how many simple tips I pick up each year, despite being a regular in the kitchen myself!
I also loved William Vives Kettlebell session and as usual, learnt lots of new techniques that I can’t wait to practice at my Crossfit box. There were a few other fitness sessions too, such as barefoot running and sprinting techniques – and I especially loved the Olympic Lifting session – I can’t wait to master that!
As always, the food was absolutely fantastic. A local Paleo food truck (so jealous we don’t have those in Sydney!) provided a lot of the catering, and there was such a huge variety of grass fed meats, burgers, salads, veggies, nut butter – and an amazing coconut bark! It’s so nice to be able to dive into all of the food on offer, without even having to ask what is in the meatball sauce. You just know it’s 100% Paleo!
What would you most enjoy about an event like PrimalCon? The people, food or particular activities?
Why You Should Put a Hands-On Paleo Retreat Like PrimalCon on Your Bucket List
After attending several Paleo-themed conferences over the years, there’s something uniquely special about immersive events like PrimalCon. Unlike more academic gatherings that focus on lectures and research, PrimalCon invites you to live and breathe the Paleo lifestyle in real-time — from how you move and cook to how you connect with others. It’s less about information overload and more about integration. And that’s where the magic happens.
When you’re surrounded by people who understand and share your values, everything clicks. You’re not the “weird one” asking for no bun or wondering about seed oils. You’re in a space where nutrient density, barefoot biomechanics, and ancestral movement patterns are the norm. And even better — you get to apply all that knowledge through workshops, demos, and shared experiences.
Movement as a Central Theme
One of the things that stood out most at PrimalCon was the diversity of movement sessions. Whether it was kettlebells, sprint drills, Olympic lifts or posture-focused workshops, every physical session focused on form, function, and sustainability. No one was there to burn calories or beat personal bests — the emphasis was on moving well for life.
The sessions led by mobility experts like Kelly Starrett were especially eye-opening. Even if you think your posture and technique are solid, there’s always something new to refine. Having hands-on guidance in a relaxed outdoor setting was a real treat — and much more effective than a 10-minute YouTube video or a rushed gym class back home.
The barefoot running and sprinting clinics were also a highlight, teaching us how to harness the natural power of our feet and use momentum more efficiently. Practicing these skills on grass with immediate feedback from seasoned coaches was both fun and educational — and left many of us rethinking our standard running shoes.
The Power of Community
Let’s be honest — living a Paleo lifestyle can feel isolating at times. Whether it’s dealing with social situations, navigating supermarket labels, or explaining your food choices to colleagues, it’s easy to feel like you’re swimming against the tide. But at events like PrimalCon, you’re suddenly surrounded by people who “get it.”
Conversations flow easily. You’re swapping tips about organ meat recipes, discussing fasting strategies, or bonding over shared podcast favourites. The friendships that form over the course of the weekend often last well beyond the event. For many attendees, PrimalCon becomes an annual reunion of sorts — a time to reconnect with old friends and make new ones, all while continuing to grow in your own health journey.
Eating Paleo Without Thinking Twice
One of the most liberating aspects of PrimalCon was being able to enjoy meals without stress or second guessing. Everything on offer was fully Paleo — grass-fed meats, vibrant salads, hearty vegetables, bone broth, fermented sides, and some impressive grain-free treats. No scanning ingredient lists or negotiating with waitstaff — just pure, delicious, nourishing food made with intention.
It’s hard to describe the relief of knowing every bite you take aligns with your dietary values. For those of us used to bringing emergency snacks to social events or eating before we go out “just in case,” this was a true luxury. It also served as a reminder of how delicious Paleo food can be when prepared with creativity and quality ingredients — no deprivation, no blandness, just full-flavoured meals that fuel performance and recovery.
Workshops That Go Beyond Food and Fitness
In addition to the movement and cooking sessions, PrimalCon included lifestyle and mindset workshops that explored other vital pillars of ancestral health. From improving sleep quality and reducing blue light exposure, to managing stress and improving relationships, these sessions acknowledged that true wellness isn’t just about what you eat or how you train — it’s about how you live.
One particularly memorable session explored the importance of play and leisure in modern life. Guided games, laughter and creative movement reminded us that health isn’t always serious business — and sometimes, the best form of recovery is simply having fun in the sun.
Who Is PrimalCon Perfect For?
You don’t have to be an elite athlete or long-time Paleo follower to enjoy a retreat like PrimalCon. In fact, it’s ideal for anyone who:
- Wants to deepen their understanding of the Paleo lifestyle through practical experience
- Is looking to reconnect with their body through better movement and mobility
- Values community, connection, and real-world support
- Needs a reset from the modern world to recharge and realign their health goals
- Enjoys spending time outdoors, eating amazing food, and learning from experts in a relaxed setting
It’s not about perfection — it’s about progress. Whether you’re there to fine-tune your deadlift, improve your sleep, or finally learn how to ferment vegetables, there’s a place for you.
Planning Your Own Primal Retreat
If a trip to California isn’t on the cards right now, why not take inspiration from the PrimalCon model and plan your own mini-retreat? Gather a few like-minded friends, head to a nature reserve or beachside location, and plan a weekend of real food, outdoor movement, campfire chats, and digital detoxing. You don’t need a big budget or a famous host — just good people, good food, and a shared commitment to health.
And if you do get the chance to attend PrimalCon in the future — jump on it. It’s more than an event. It’s a full-body, full-soul experience that will leave you recharged, refocused, and reconnected with what matters most.
Have you been to PrimalCon or a similar hands-on Paleo event? What was your biggest takeaway? I’d love to hear about your experience — or what you’d hope to gain from attending one in the future.
