2025 observations when asked about his NK Exrcize and how it compares to other beginner surfskis

“…I absolutely love the way the boat (NK Exrcize ) paddles. Best bucket of any ski I own. And it is fun and nimble in the bumps. I think all beginner skis are fun to surf. The NK is noticeably lower volume than the V8, which makes it a little more exciting because it sits into the wave a little deeper.

I think all the companies make a good beginner boat. Nelo 520 is the most playful. V8 has the calmest manners and is the most forgiving in really big conditions. Think Eze I am not a fan of the flat bottom and more vertical sides, which gives it lower secondary stability. I have not tried the big Eze. The (Vega) Arc is a great boat, though i can’t get into a long term relationship with any of the Vega buckets. I have paddled the Stellar S18S and that boat is a hoot downwind. More agile and a bit quicker than the V8. I have not tried the Fenn or Carbonology beginner boats, but I imagine they are good as well. I think the main positive attributes of the NK are prepreg construction, better price, the beat bucket, and lower volume hull design. Mine is prepreg fiberglass. Weighs 27 pounds, is super stiff, and was cheap to buy. Only negative I can think of is low volume for very heavy paddlers.”