In this opinion article the word kayak refers to the ‘multisport’ racing kayak as used in events such as the Coast-to-Coast, not a white water kayak, sea kayak or down river-racing kayak. The term Surf Ski refers to an Ocean Racing Ski, not a surf life saving ski or wave ski.
2-common questions a surf ski paddler gets asked by a kayaker (long boater).
1. What’s the difference between a surf ski and kayak?
2. Why is a surf ski better than a kayak?
They are fair and reasonable questions and I asked them myself about 7-
years ago. The first one is an easy question to answer because there are
some fundamental and obvious differences. The second question is a
personal preference so I’ll share my view.
What’s the difference between a surf ski and kayak?
· The main difference between a surf ski and kayak is that a surf ski
is designed for ocean conditions and a kayak is primarily designed
for descending a river, up to Grade 3.
· The surf ski is a sealed capsule that the paddler sits on top of,
whereas the kayak has an internal seating compartment that the
paddler sits inside.
· A surf ski has an under hull rudder about 1-metre from the tail end
which means the rudder is always in the water. In a river such a
rudder would break off in shallows so a kayak has the rudder at the
very stern where it can flick up in shallow water. In the sea, when a
kayak is running with the wind, as the bow sinks, the rudder can
often lose contact with the sea and subsequently steering is lost,
making surfing extremely difficult. Some kayaks (AMK SHARP)
have the capability to adapt to an under rudder which will help the
kayak surf better but getting in and out of the kayak can be more
difficult as the kayak must be in deep water to enter it and exit it – not
an easy task.
Why is a surf ski better than a kayak?
In my view, a surf ski is far superior in the ocean than a river kayak. Looking back on my paddling life, I can’t believe I spent so much time paddling a river kayak in the sea, it seemed normal for a long time but now it seems absurd. It’s like riding a mountain bike on the road, you can do it but why would you want to? A mountain bike is designed for off road. A river kayak is designed for a river; a surf ski is designed for the sea.
Getting on a surf ski was a ‘born again’ paddling experience.
· In most instances, surf skis are safer in the ocean because they
float when capsized, unlike a kayak that has potential to almost
completely fill with water and become a liability. I have seen people
fall off a surf ski and remount it in their first attempt with no
instruction, I have not seen anyone capsize a kayak and roll it
upright in their first attempt. If paddling alone on the sea, I believe a
surf ski is safer than a river kayak, a leg leash is wise if windy or
surfing waves.
· A surf ski can be mounted and exited off while it is floating, which
means it never has to come in contact with the ground. A kayak
typically is sealed launched and landed resulting in scratching and
minor damage being built up over time.
· Surf skis are very versatile. Given most people paddle most of the
time on the sea or on lakes, they can do nearly all their training on a
surf ski.
· Surf skis in the summer are simple to jump on and go, no fidgeting
with spray decks etc. On hot days they are refreshing where kayaks
can become humid and uncomfortable on the lower body.
· The way the NZ Multisport scene is evolving surf skis are fast
becoming a popular choice of craft. The majority of multisport
events are more suited to surf skis than kayaks. In my local region
nearly all the events (see table) have paddle sections on lakes or
the ocean and that is typical throughout NZ (Coromandel Classic,
Crazyman, Lake to Lighthouse, Moehau Man, Porirua Grand
Traverse, Australasian Multisport Champs and MORE!)
· Because surf skiing is a relatively new sport in NZ, there is a
shortage of skis so resale value of skis is high. They also remain in
good condition because a surf ski never has to come in contact with
land if carefully looked after.
· To put it simply, it’s the new cool in paddle sport so get with the
programme!
‘TOP OF SOUTH’ EVENTS MORE SUITED TO SURF SKIS
EVENT LOCATION
KBAR – NZMS CHAMPS Sea – Abel Tasman
Anakiwa Triathlon Sea – Queen Charlotte Sound
Lake Kanierie Triathlon Lake
Mid Winter Triathlon Sea – Waimea Estuary
Musselman Sea – Queen Charlotte Sound
Phillip Wareing Multisport Race Lake Rotoiti
Queen Charlotte Classic Sea – Queen Charlotte Sound
COSTS OF SURF SKIS
Ballpark figures – because nearly all skis are imported there are shipping and duty rates included. There are 3-4 NZ manufacturers starting up that maybe able to put cheaper skis on the market.
2nd hand $1500-$3000
Low range new $3000-$4000
Mid range new $4000-$5000
Top range new $5000-$8000
WHAT SURF SKI TO BUY?
The first thing you need to do is have a heart to heart talk with yourself and decide why you want a ski. Is it to look cool at the beach and drive around with it on your car roof or is it to experience the pleasure and exhilaration of surfing waves on a summer afternoon?
If you just want an ego device used for flat water ski paddling, buy whatever you wish. If you want a practical piece of sporting equipment, then don’t do what most kayakers do and buy a kayak above their skill level, match the ski to your ability. The reason for this is not only will you go faster but more importantly, you’ll have more fun. If you have a ski and don’t have the confidence to head out behind the break zone, then you’re in the wrong ski.
Most manufacturers produce beginner / intermediate skis.
The easily accessible ones in NZ are Epic, Fenn, Stellar and Think. I suggest to people I’m coaching to look at an EPIC V10 Sport. From my experience, it has the best speed / stability ratio and everyone who paddles one loves it.
The Fenn XT is a good design but they are very heavy (up to 22kg) so really only suited to big strong chaps. The Stellar Racer from what I have read is a good ski. The Think Evo is a great ski also and comes in a number of weight
options. Most companies make 3-4 designs based on abilities.
When it comes to the top end racing skis, there are a number of more options. Epic makes the famous V10 and also the new release the V12. The V12 is most likely the most technologically advanced ski currently in production and is what I’ve chosen to paddle; I can’t fault its performance. Fenn produce the Mako 6 and Mako Elite that have been race proven throughout the world but they tend to be on the heavier side of skis. Stellar make a very competitive ski called the Stellar Elite and Think have the Uno which I have paddled and was impressed with, but suspect it’d probably lose ground to the V12 in rough seas.
Red 7 used to make skis but some production issues with the company has them now rebranded as Green 7 and they seem to be popular. Nelo skis in Europe are very popular but not easily available in NZ. Huki make awesome skis but again not easily available in NZ.
In NZ Andrew Martin is making a Sharp Ski, I race against Andrew regularly and it’d be safe to say he wouldn’t paddle anything if he didn’t think it was fast. The Sharp Ski is not quite in full production but it maybe by the summer of 2010 / 2011. Brainwave makes a few skis and they have also proven themselves in events. Jan from JKK is currently designing a ski that should be on the water by the summer also. Sisson Kayaks make the Skevolution, which I think would be a fast flat water ski but lacks volume in the bow to surf well, it appears also to have a river rudder.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
» If you are a multisporter who wishes to start surf ski paddling, you
should get a ski that is a class below what your river kayak is, meaning
more stable. You want to be able to paddle your ski on conditions you
wouldn’t paddle your kayak.
» Rather than view skis as beginner / intermediate / advanced, look at as
sensible / challenging / risky.
» A common belief is the width of a ski determines its stability. While this
is a good general indicator, the other factor is seat height or depth.
Some skis manufacturers have a high seat, which raises the centre of
gravity, which some believe allows a more powerful stroke, but is less
stable. Some skis have a low seat and some have a mid height seat.
1. Tour de Tasman August 2010
2. Fullers King of the Harbour Ocean Race Jan 2011
3. Tasman Bay Summer Surfski Series Jan / Feb 2011
4. Mount Pacific Downwind February 2011
5. Trans Taupo March 2011
CONCLUSION
I think surf skiing is a superb NZ sport. We live so close to the sea and lakes,
it’s a great environment and good exercise.
The more people enjoying paddling the better, whatever sort of ski you’re on, I
personally paddle an EPIC ski and it serves me well. See you on the sea.