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surfski_design_characteristics [2025/11/15 18:26] (current) pstureavley |
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| ====== Surfski Handling and Design Characteristics ====== | ====== Surfski Handling and Design Characteristics ====== | ||
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| + | [[:surfskis|Main Surfski Page]] | ||
| ===== Handling Characteristics ===== | ===== Handling Characteristics ===== | ||
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| - | * [[https://youtu.be/lRtA_7tj_4o|Video tour of surfski design and features]] | + | * <del>[[https://youtu.be/lRtA_7tj_4o|Video tour of surfski design and ]]</del> <del>[[https://youtu.be/lRtA_7tj_4o|features]]</del>Offline? |
| - | * <del>[[http://www.surfskinews.com/tech-travel-archive/2016/12/21/wes8tmay2zn41nedrck1aami2ac808|Greg Barton on Design and Setup Variables]]</del> | + | * [[https://web.archive.org/web/20180910125524/http://www.surfskinews.com:80/tech-travel-archive/2016/12/21/wes8tmay2zn41nedrck1aami2ac808|Greg Barton on Design and Setup Variables ]](Surfskinews.com no longer, but found on the Internet Wayback Machine) |
| * [[https://www.stellarkayaks.com/kayak-design-construction|The Design & Fabrication of Stellar Surfskis and Kayaks]] | * [[https://www.stellarkayaks.com/kayak-design-construction|The Design & Fabrication of Stellar Surfskis and Kayaks]] | ||
| * [[https://www.thomassondesign.com/en/news/surfski-for-strip-building|Thomasson Design DIY Surfski Design]] | * [[https://www.thomassondesign.com/en/news/surfski-for-strip-building|Thomasson Design DIY Surfski Design]] | ||
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| ==== Volume ==== | ==== Volume ==== | ||
| - | The inner space of a surfski that is more or less hollow and provides the overall degree of flotation for the ski. Larger paddlers generally need and prefer larger volume boats although expert paddlers can usually more efficiently paddle smaller surfskis. Larger volume can be preferred in bigger seas and surf. And volume interplays with shape and distribution of the volume in effects on handling. For example - more volume of air in the bow helps keep the bow above water better and also brings the boat back to the surface sooner if the boat does run into a wave. Some surfskis with less relative volume in the stern, such as the Kai Wa'a Vega and Flex, are complimented for what seems to be their ease for dropping onto waves and surfing. | + | The inner space of a surfski that is more or less hollow and provides the overall degree of flotation for the ski. Larger paddlers generally need and prefer larger volume boats although expert paddlers can usually more efficiently paddle surfskis that are small relative to their own size and weight than average paddlers can. Larger volume can be preferred in bigger seas and surf. And volume interplays with shape and distribution of the volume in effects on handling. For example - more volume of air in the bow helps keep the bow above water better and also brings the boat back to the surface sooner if the boat does run into a wave. Some surfskis with less relative volume in the stern, such as the Kai Wa'a Vega and Flex, are complimented for what seems to be their ease for dropping onto waves and surfing. |
| ==== Weight ==== | ==== Weight ==== | ||
| - | Differences in weight in surfskis is primarily due to the use of different construction materials. Heavier fiberglass is less expensive. The more carbon that is used, generally the lighter and more expensive the boat. A heavier version of the same model will be more stable but slower to accelerate and slower overall on flatwater (though the added stability may result in greater speed in rougher conditions). Differences in weight may also be important in loading, unloading and carrying your surfski particularly if you have to do this on your own. | + | Differences in weight in surfskis is primarily due to the use of different construction materials. Heavier fiberglass is less expensive. The more carbon that is used, generally the lighter and more expensive the boat. A heavier version of the same model will be more stable but slower to accelerate and slower overall on flatwater (though the added stability may result in greater speed in rougher conditions). Differences in weight may also be important in loading, unloading and carrying your surfski particularly if you have to do this on your own. See [[:modifications#speedperformance_tweaks|performance modifications - weight]] |
| ==== Cockpit Design Details ==== | ==== Cockpit Design Details ==== | ||
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| * (Footstrap covers can help stiffen foot straps and help them keep shape, sometimes making foot entry easier) | * (Footstrap covers can help stiffen foot straps and help them keep shape, sometimes making foot entry easier) | ||
| * **Drains **- primary difference in drain styles is ones that open and close manually and ones that are always open. | * **Drains **- primary difference in drain styles is ones that open and close manually and ones that are always open. | ||
| - | * Always open drains allow water into the foot well when your surfski is moving slowly or is stopped. They typically are smaller than manual drain openings and some folks complain about some of their drainage speeds. Since you typically have more than one smaller drain of this style, the holes may be somewhat more subject to clogging. There is usually a hood on the bottom of the ski covering always open drains to make them more efficient. But they do not typically include "[[:modifications#drainage|bullets]]" which can be added to improve drainage and keep the foot well drained at a lower speed. | + | * Always open drains allow water into the foot well when your surfski is moving slowly or is stopped. They typically are smaller than manual drain openings and some folks complain about some of their drainage speeds. Since you typically have more than one smaller drain of this style, the holes may be somewhat more subject to clogging. There is usually a hood on the bottom of the ski covering always open drains to make them more efficient. But they may not include "[[:modifications#drainage|bullets]]" when new, but bullets can easily be added to improve drainage and keep the foot well drained at a lower speed. |
| * Manual drains - you have to be able to easily reach and operate with your hand or foot which may be more of a nuisance. You can just leave this style open all of the time and let it operate like always open drains, but the drain flap that sticks down below your surfski when open may be more susceptible to damage if left open when loading, moving, or setting down your surfski. Also many of these style drains seem to lose their complete seal over time and start to leak even when closed which may be correctible by installing a new gasket if the drain construction allows this. | * Manual drains - you have to be able to easily reach and operate with your hand or foot which may be more of a nuisance. You can just leave this style open all of the time and let it operate like always open drains, but the drain flap that sticks down below your surfski when open may be more susceptible to damage if left open when loading, moving, or setting down your surfski. Also many of these style drains seem to lose their complete seal over time and start to leak even when closed which may be correctible by installing a new gasket if the drain construction allows this. | ||
| * **Leash Mounts **- sturdy, recessed leash mounts are a plus. Some surfskis have them in the footwell area for easy attachment for a leg leash and some do not. Lacking a foot well mount, one can add one with sufficient fiberglass working skill or you can attach your leg leash to your foot straps (make sure that this is completely secure and does not interfere with your feet entry/exit and pedal use.) If you prefer using a waist leash with a mount behind your seat, some surfskis come with bungee holes behind the seat that can also serve as leash anchor mounts, or you can add mounts of you own - recessed ones glassed into the behind seat area will be stronger than a surface mount like a well nut. Some folks put a metal plate inside to spread stress on a mount over a larger area and increase their strength. | * **Leash Mounts **- sturdy, recessed leash mounts are a plus. Some surfskis have them in the footwell area for easy attachment for a leg leash and some do not. Lacking a foot well mount, one can add one with sufficient fiberglass working skill or you can attach your leg leash to your foot straps (make sure that this is completely secure and does not interfere with your feet entry/exit and pedal use.) If you prefer using a waist leash with a mount behind your seat, some surfskis come with bungee holes behind the seat that can also serve as leash anchor mounts, or you can add mounts of you own - recessed ones glassed into the behind seat area will be stronger than a surface mount like a well nut. Some folks put a metal plate inside to spread stress on a mount over a larger area and increase their strength. | ||
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