Surfski Knowledge Base

Main Surfski Page - Advice for Beginners and First Time Buyers

(This page is a warning/recommendation for beginners to not start with older non-beginner surfskis that are more affordable, because usually such surfskis will not serve them well for learning)

Bob Putnam
08/04/15 #17790

Also a bit of advice about “under $1000 surfskis”. It is important that you get a surfski that is appropriate for a beginner and avoid buying a surfski because its a “Good Deal” I have seen too many people come into my store, Deep Cove Outdoors with surfskis that they have gotten a “good deal” on but that they don't have skills to paddle.

The beginner surfski is relatively new on the market and are in big demand, so the chances of getting a sub-$1000 deal is slim pickings. (Editor's Note: Bob wrote this is 2015, as time passes the pickings for good used beginner surfskis is getting better) Epic V8 or Think Ace are the best selling skis on the market because they are user friendly and allow more people to get out on the water. A stable ski acts as a solid platform to develop good stroke technique and it also gives the paddler confidences to experiment in downwind.

Usually the under $1000 surfskis are older models that are often un-stable, un-comfortable. Often sold by somebody who made the same mistake of buying into surfski over their ability level. What seems like a “good deal” may hinder your development as a paddler. I call it “butting your heading against the Speedster brick wall”. I speak from experience here. I think I saw a Current Design Speedster for a “good deal” on Craigslist $500 - $700. There is a reason its a so cheap and its not a good deal.

More and more folks are selling their 21' x 17“ elite level skis and buying more stable ones that they can use in conditions like The Gorge, Bellingham Bay or Howe Sound.

Then there is the “I'll grow into the boat” theory. Take an honest assessment. How much time will you have to train, how old are you, what are the conditions you will be paddling in and how much time do you want to spend “growing into it” From my observations, and I have watched a lot of people learn to paddle surfski, “growing into it” takes time, and it takes even longer if you are on a ski that is above your ability. Like I said a ski that is too unstable for you will hinder your growth and development.

My advice is cough up some extra cash, maybe save a bit more, and buy a V8 or Think Ace (Ed: or for more options take a look at other surfskis of similar width in our beginner surfski table). You have JD in the Gorge who is an Epic Dealer, and I sell Think and Epic in Vancouver, BC.

John Rybczyk
08/04/15 #17791

Well thanks a hell of a lot Bob. The only people I can beat are those racing in boats that are too narrow and tippy for them. Now you've gone and ruined it for me. Plus, how in the heck am I going to sell my old 17” boat now?

John Rybczyk

allipp01

08/04/15 #17792

John, it's like a Ponzi scheme; there's always someone to buy that skinny ski……until there isn't!

Larry <lbussinger@…>
08/04/15 #17793

This is good advice, and I fully endorse it. I literally said the same thing to a guy last night. Hopefully either Bob or JD gets a call from him.

Larry B

Jarone

08/04/15 #17794

Thanks all. After spending a week on Craigslist and the other HPK specific forum sites I plan on spending more money now. Probably the $2K range. That is all great advice. I saw heaps of older advanced crafts under $1K but like you've mentioned they are out of my league currently. I'll be getting in touch with Deep Cove and JD this month to see what works best for me as soon as my schedule allows. So far I've only demo'ed one of Patrick H.'s Bluefins at the Gorge Festival which I did really well in with 15+ mph conditions.

I'm open to advice. I'm in my late 30's. I will be performing 2 a day short 30-60min sessions to start. I've built a balance trainer for dry land training. My background is in swimming, surfing and worked through college as a beach lifeguard. Having grown up in San Diego and spending time in San Francisco I've been exposed to surfskis and knew of people Like Jude T. and Keith Keillor but the opportunity never presented itself to join in. Like swimming I've come to realize that paddling is a highly technical sport so my goal is to build on good habits from the start.

Fa'afetai,
Jarone

Reivers Dustin
08/04/15 #17795

Most will recognize a moral obligation to avoid getting a new paddler hurt or killed. I had planned to demolish my old Speedster, but found a club that promised me to only use it in controlled conditions. It would have haunted me to take money from someone who would be exposed to serious risk in that boat.

Your post is one of the real values of this group - not just as a heads up for new folks, but for everyone in this sport. The surfski world is still not so very big and the risks are not all pinned down. We need each other and I have greatest regard for those who really get this.

rd

Bob Putnam
08/05/15 #17798

Wow!! I should get onto your training program. You'll be racing an elite level ski in no time!! I'd be keen to see your drylands balance trainer.

Bob Putnam
08/05/15 #17799

Oops Sorry John!

Jarone
08/05/15 #17802

I got the idea from a Youtube video. the full unit that the person built included an ergometer off a nordic track for resistance but I didn't go that far with the construction. I don't know how to embed a picture but here's the youtube link: Home made Kayak balance trainer / homemade kayak ergometer nordic track

$50 USD at the local hardware and fabric store and I was off and balancing with a broom while watching forward stroke videos.