User Tools

Site Tools


plastic_surfskis

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revision Previous revision
Next revision
Previous revision
plastic_surfskis [2024/06/02 13:04]
preavley
plastic_surfskis [2025/09/15 13:36] (current)
pstureavley
Line 15: Line 15:
 ---- ----
  
-[[:​surfskis|Main Surfski Page]] +  *  ​[[:​surfskis|Main ​Choosing a Surfski Page]] 
- +      * [[:​surfski_tables|Non-Plastic Surfski Spec Tables with Reviews]] (singles and doubles) 
-  ​* [[:​surfski_tables|Non-Plastic Surfski Spec Tables with Reviews]] (singles and doubles) +      * [[:​ski_makers|Surfski Companies]]
-  * [[:​ski_makers|Surfski Companies]]+
  
 <WRAP indent> <WRAP indent>
Line 24: Line 23:
 ---- ----
  
-**Plastic** ​ (typically polyethylene) surfskis are **considerably heavier** ​ than their fiber based (fiberglass,​ carbon, Kevlar) siblings, but they do have a very significant **advantage** ​ over their lighter counterparts in terms of **durability and capacity to absorb collisions and abrasions**. If you are anticipating rough care and/or negligent storage habits for a surfski OR you want to use a surfski for **rivers** ​ or **shore breaks** ​ where bumps and scrapes are likely, then a plastic surfski might very well be a worthwhile investment. They are **less expensive** ​ than their fiber construction equivalents. Plastic surfskis can also be handy for rescue drills where you do not want to worry about banging surfskis together.+**Plastic** ​ (typically polyethylene) surfskis are **considerably heavier** ​ than their fiber based (fiberglass,​ carbon, Kevlar) siblings, but they do have a very significant **advantage** ​ over their lighter counterparts in terms of **durability and capacity to absorb collisions and abrasions**. If you are anticipating rough care and/or negligent storage habits for a surfski OR you want to use a surfski for **rivers** ​ or **shore breaks** ​ where bumps and scrapes are likely, then a plastic surfski might very well be a worthwhile investment. They are **less expensive** ​ than their fiber construction equivalents. Plastic surfskis ​**can also be handy for rescue drills**  ​where you do not want to worry about banging surfskis together. Some plastic surfskis also have **flip up rudder options** ​ (sea kayak style) that can be quite useful if you will be doing a lot of shallow water paddling.
  
 ===== Discussion/​Construction ===== ===== Discussion/​Construction =====
Line 32: Line 31:
   * Zack Handler: "Keep in mind too that the plastic skis use a different construction (//Ed. - all plastic skis?//) than most plastic sea kayaks and recreational kayaks. Rather than solid plastic they are a sort of sandwich construction with aerated plastic "​foam"​ in the middle between solid plastic walls. They are stiffer than solid plastic (//Ed. - which should make for better speed//), but the trade off is they are a bit more brittle and prone to damage from sharp impacts."​   * Zack Handler: "Keep in mind too that the plastic skis use a different construction (//Ed. - all plastic skis?//) than most plastic sea kayaks and recreational kayaks. Rather than solid plastic they are a sort of sandwich construction with aerated plastic "​foam"​ in the middle between solid plastic walls. They are stiffer than solid plastic (//Ed. - which should make for better speed//), but the trade off is they are a bit more brittle and prone to damage from sharp impacts."​
   * Various construction methods: rotomolded PE vs. rotomolded skin/foam PE vs. thermoformed ABS vs. Vajda'​s Styrolight   * Various construction methods: rotomolded PE vs. rotomolded skin/foam PE vs. thermoformed ABS vs. Vajda'​s Styrolight
 +  * **Care**
 +      * [[:​plastic_v7_manual|Epic Kayaks Manual for V5, V7]] includes storage and transportation advice applicable to all plastic surfskis
  
 ===== Options ===== ===== Options =====
Line 37: Line 38:
 <WRAP indent> <WRAP indent>
  
-Many of these models are **no longer being manufactured**,​ but due to their durability they **can still come up for sale (used)** ​ from time to time. Or if you advertise that you are looking for one, you may spark some owner'​s recollection of the one sitting in their back yard that they no longer ever paddle. But **pay attention to UV damage/​sag** ​ if the boat has been basking in the sun for a long time. Sag can sometimes be corrected by flipping the boat for a period in the sun. Ultimately these boats should probably be stored sideways?+Many of these models are **no longer being manufactured**,​ but due to their durability they **can still come up for sale (used)** ​ from time to time on [[:​used_boats_equipment|used equipment webpages]] and auction websites. Or if you advertise that you are looking for one, you may spark some owner'​s recollection of the one sitting in their back yard that they no longer ever paddle. But **pay attention to UV damage/​sag** ​ if the boat has been basking in the sun for a long time. Sag can sometimes be corrected by flipping the boat for a period in the sun. Ultimately these boats should probably be stored sideways?
   * **Carbonology Sport**   * **Carbonology Sport**
       * [[https://​www.carbonologysport.com/​cruze-x-rt/​|Cruze X RT]] sometime in 2022-2023 New label appeared with "​RT"​ standing for Rotomolded       * [[https://​www.carbonologysport.com/​cruze-x-rt/​|Cruze X RT]] sometime in 2022-2023 New label appeared with "​RT"​ standing for Rotomolded
Line 44: Line 45:
       * [[http://​www.cobrakayaks.com/​recreational-kayaks/​radical-kayaks/​|Website]]       * [[http://​www.cobrakayaks.com/​recreational-kayaks/​radical-kayaks/​|Website]]
       * [[https://​paddling.com/​gear/​cobra-kayaks-eliminator-kayak|Paddling.com review - Eliminator]] (no longer made)       * [[https://​paddling.com/​gear/​cobra-kayaks-eliminator-kayak|Paddling.com review - Eliminator]] (no longer made)
 +  * **DragoRossi** ​ (website says "HDTP polyethene"​ - but polyethene is just another name for polyethylene)
 +      * [[https://​dragorossi.com/​en/​product/​sprintwave/​|SprintWave]] pop-up rudder [[https://​youtu.be/​dINDP0b1zh4|sport show video]]
   * **Epic**   * **Epic**
       *  [[https://​www.epickayaks.com/​v5|V5]]       *  [[https://​www.epickayaks.com/​v5|V5]]
Line 51: Line 54:
         * [[https://​youtu.be/​DIx0l5tsu4M|M. Sundin Intro Video]] 1/13/2021 (plastic)         * [[https://​youtu.be/​DIx0l5tsu4M|M. Sundin Intro Video]] 1/13/2021 (plastic)
         * [[https://​www.k2nonlinepaddleschool.com/​post/​surfski-gear-review-epic-v7-plastic|Robert Norman review]] 2/24/2023 (plastic)         * [[https://​www.k2nonlinepaddleschool.com/​post/​surfski-gear-review-epic-v7-plastic|Robert Norman review]] 2/24/2023 (plastic)
 +      * [[:​plastic_v7_manual|Manual for V5, V7]] this is Epic's Manual but it has advice on care and transport which applies to plastic surfskis in general
   * **Finn **  (Australian maker of plastic boats - not to be confused with South Africa'​s Fenn surfskis)   * **Finn **  (Australian maker of plastic boats - not to be confused with South Africa'​s Fenn surfskis)
 +      * [[https://​www.facebook.com/​profile.php?​id=100057245808466|Facebook Page]]
       * **Molokai**,​ **Endorfinn** ​ - both - manufacturing seems discontinued.       * **Molokai**,​ **Endorfinn** ​ - both - manufacturing seems discontinued.
       * [[https://​youtu.be/​9vqmRlp44Bg|Video - surfing with a Molokai]]       * [[https://​youtu.be/​9vqmRlp44Bg|Video - surfing with a Molokai]]
   * **Liker **  (China)   * **Liker **  (China)
-      * [[http://​likerkayak.com/​product-detail-231608.html|Onwind]] (are all 507s?, Björn Thomasson'​s?​)+      * [[http://​likerkayak.com/​product-detail-231608.html|Onwind]] ​plenty of leg room for taller paddlers ​(See Brett M review below). ​are all 507s?, Björn Thomasson'​s? ​we have seen photos of Liker surfskis without a front hatch and with underside surfski type rudders instead of retractable sea kayak style rudders. Simply options with the same basic body designs?
         * [[https://​www.thomassondesign.com/​en/​news/​surfski-from-china|Comments by Swedish Designer]]         * [[https://​www.thomassondesign.com/​en/​news/​surfski-from-china|Comments by Swedish Designer]]
-        * [[https://​youtu.be/​fJg9iYZ2EwQ|video review]], [[https://​youtu.be/​W7vOz4vehyo|video review in Spanish]]+        * [[https://​youtu.be/​fJg9iYZ2EwQ|Brett McDonald ​video review]], [[https://​youtu.be/​W7vOz4vehyo|video review in Spanish]]
         * [[https://​www.kajaksidan.se/​products/​liker-onwind-surfski|Kajaksidan]] Liker Onwind PE for sale in Sweden         * [[https://​www.kajaksidan.se/​products/​liker-onwind-surfski|Kajaksidan]] Liker Onwind PE for sale in Sweden
 +          * [[https://​youtu.be/​bg99pENWqv4|video review]]
   * **Nelo**   * **Nelo**
       * [[https://​www.nelo.eu/​product/​510/​|510]] 50% recycled material       * [[https://​www.nelo.eu/​product/​510/​|510]] 50% recycled material
Line 65: Line 71:
         * [[https://​www.k2nonlinepaddleschool.com/​post/​surfski-gear-review-nelo-510-plastic|Robert Norman review]] 2/8/2023         * [[https://​www.k2nonlinepaddleschool.com/​post/​surfski-gear-review-nelo-510-plastic|Robert Norman review]] 2/8/2023
         * [[https://​www.facebook.com/​510paddlingclass/​about_details|Nelo 510 Paddling Class]] Facebook group for 510 owners         * [[https://​www.facebook.com/​510paddlingclass/​about_details|Nelo 510 Paddling Class]] Facebook group for 510 owners
-        * [[https://​youtu.be/​UqDoFt7UltA|Conversion of 510 into Outrigger Canoe]] 2023 video how-to with available conversion kit. They may be assuming that you will still be paddling with a double bladed paddle, because we haven'​t seen any instructions for changing the seating to better suit a single bladed canoer.+        * [[https://​youtu.be/​UqDoFt7UltA|Conversion of 510 into Outrigger Canoe]] 2023 video how-to with available conversion kit. They may be assuming that you will still be paddling with a double bladed paddle, because we haven'​t seen any instructions for changing the seating to better suit a single bladed canoer. ​(one option we have seen from a paddler who did not modify his seat position has been to use a significantly shorter canoe paddle than would be used in an outrigger or just about any other canoe)
           * [[https://​paddle-lab.com/​510 aluminium yakos.html|510 iakos w/ connectors]]           * [[https://​paddle-lab.com/​510 aluminium yakos.html|510 iakos w/ connectors]]
           * [[https://​paddle-lab.com/​510 oc1 ama.html|510 Ama]]           * [[https://​paddle-lab.com/​510 oc1 ama.html|510 Ama]]
   * **Nordic Kayak**   * **Nordic Kayak**
-      * [[https://www.nordickayaks.se/doc/breeze-en.php|Breeze PE]] (some of the NK websites say recycled plastic and others don't - we believe that the newer version is made from recycled plastic) The Breeze is reportedly made by Liker (the photos ​look identical)+      * [[https://​nordickayaks.com/kayaks/​clubline/breeze/|Breeze PE]] (some of the NK websites say recycled plastic and others don't - we believe that the newer version is made from recycled plastic) The Breeze is reportedly made by Liker (the photos ​are similar, but the Breeze does not have a front hatch and does have an underside rudder)
   * **Ocean Kayak**   * **Ocean Kayak**
       * **Sprinter **- no longer manufactured - reportedly can be a bit of a wet ride for heavier paddlers. Also not for the tallest or longest legged folks.       * **Sprinter **- no longer manufactured - reportedly can be a bit of a wet ride for heavier paddlers. Also not for the tallest or longest legged folks.
 +        * [[https://​paddling.com/​gear/​ocean-kayak-sprinter-kayak|Paddling.com reviews]]
   * **Spirit **in Australia used to make several different plastic surfskis but we cannot find a working website for them so we assume they went out of business. Some of their models are reputedly quite fast for plastic surfskis.   * **Spirit **in Australia used to make several different plastic surfskis but we cannot find a working website for them so we assume they went out of business. Some of their models are reputedly quite fast for plastic surfskis.
-      * **Fury **[[https://​web.archive.org/​web/​20150228140639/​http://​spiritpaddle.com.au/​ProductDetail/​19/​FURY-RACING-SKI|wayback machine description]]+      * **Fury** 
 +        * [[https://​web.archive.org/​web/​20150228140639/​http://​spiritpaddle.com.au/​ProductDetail/​19/​FURY-RACING-SKI|wayback machine description]] 
 +        * [[https://​www.surfski.info/​forum/​19-boats/​17274-fastest-plastic-ski-ever-made-sneak-peak.html|Surfski.info Discussion 2013]]
       * **Spirit PRS** [[https://​web.archive.org/​web/​20150228140549/​http://​spiritpaddle.com.au/​ProductDetail/​17/​PRS-SKI|description from web wayback machine]] (given its length of 5.67 m, maybe it was always the PRS 570?)       * **Spirit PRS** [[https://​web.archive.org/​web/​20150228140549/​http://​spiritpaddle.com.au/​ProductDetail/​17/​PRS-SKI|description from web wayback machine]] (given its length of 5.67 m, maybe it was always the PRS 570?)
         * [[https://​youtu.be/​H7WJHVpufOo|video on Eel River]]         * [[https://​youtu.be/​H7WJHVpufOo|video on Eel River]]
Line 79: Line 88:
         * [[https://​www.k2nonlinepaddleschool.com/​post/​surfski-gear-review-spirit-prs-570-plastic|Robert Norman review]] 1/19/2023         * [[https://​www.k2nonlinepaddleschool.com/​post/​surfski-gear-review-spirit-prs-570-plastic|Robert Norman review]] 1/19/2023
   * **Think**   * **Think**
-      * Briefly offered the "​**Nitro**"​ as a plastic option. The same surfski was also sold as the "​**Pyranha Octane**"​. Neither seems to be currently manufactured. ​ [[https://​youtu.be/​YucrTTra_pM|surfing video]] (red boat is an Octane - we think)+      * Briefly offered the "​**Nitro**"​ as a plastic option. The same surfski was also sold as the "​**Pyranha Octane**"​. Neither seems to be currently manufactured. [[https://​youtu.be/​YucrTTra_pM?t=376|surfing video]] (red boat is an Octane - we think) 
 +      * Review from Chris Hipgrave in [[https://​web.archive.org/​web/​20180419210508/​http://​www.surfskinews.com:​80/​review-blog/​2016/​9/​10/​review-pyranha-octanethink-nitro-chris-hipgrave|Wayback Machine]]
   * **Vajda**   * **Vajda**
-      * [[https://​paddling.com/​gear/​raptor-ski/​|Raptor]] made with Styrolight® - styrene-based plastics material with an acrylic surface layer which gives a more shiny appearance than typical with plastic boats.+      ​* **Raptor** 
 +        ​* [[https://​paddling.com/​gear/​raptor-ski/​|Paddling.com]] 
 +        * [[https://​www.vajdagroup.com/​gen_page.php?​menu=1&​catalog_item_id=116|Vajda Webpage]] made with Styrolight® - styrene-based plastics material with an acrylic surface layer which gives a more shiny appearance than typical with plastic boats.
  
 ---- ----
  
-<​WRAP ​centeralign>+</WRAP>
  
-===== Downwinds in Plastic Surfskis ​=====+===== Videos ​=====
  
----- +  ​* [[:plastic_surfski_videos|Plastic Surfski Videos]] 
- +  * ...
-<WRAP centeralign>​ +
- +
-**Epic V7** +
- +
-{{page>​movies_cached:​dwtenerife&​nofooter&​noeditbtn}} +
- +
-+
- +
-**Epic V7** +
- +
-{{page>​movies_cached:​dwsouthcarolina&​nofooter&​noeditbtn}} +
- +
-+
- +
----- +
- +
-**Nelo 510** +
- +
-{{page>​movies_cached:​dwviladoconde2&​nofooter&​noeditbtn}} +
- +
-+
- +
----- +
- +
-**Epic V5 (at least one of these is rotomolded)** +
- +
-{{page>​movies_cached:​dwree&​nofooter&​noeditbtn}} +
- +
-+
- +
----- +
- +
-</​WRAP></​WRAP>​ +
- +
-<WRAP centeralign>​ +
- +
----- +
- +
-===== Surfing in Plastic Surfskis ===== +
- +
----- +
- +
-<WRAP centeralign>​ +
- +
-**Spirit PRS 570** +
- +
-{{page>​movies_cached/​dwmargaretriver&​nofooter&​noeditbtn}} +
- +
-<font inherit/​inherit;;#​ffffff;;​inherit>​.</​font>​ +
- +
----- +
- +
-**Epic V5** +
- +
-[[:puerto_rico|Isla Verde, San Juan, Puerto Rico]] +
- +
-{{youtube>​gK4WdFJgrs0?​large}} +
- +
-<font inherit/​inherit;;#​ffffff;;​inherit>​.</​font>​ +
- +
----- +
- +
-===== Flatwater in Plastic Surfski ===== +
- +
----- +
- +
-<WRAP centeralign>​ +
- +
-**Nelo 510** +
- +
-{{page>​movies_cached:​dwporto&​nofooter&​noeditbtn}} +
- +
-.+
  
 </​WRAP>​ </​WRAP>​
- 
-</​WRAP></​WRAP>​