Wednesday 22 April 2015

Which Surfski for Me?


Surfski paddling on the new breed of ocean racing skis, has moved very quickly in recent years from the exclusive domain of elite surf lifesaving athletes, to one where even the most modest of recreational paddlers can now enjoy the rush of chasing a wave in these sleek boats.


The turning point, without question, was the breakthrough Epic V8, released in 2010 & offering a super stable ski, and genuine performance for paddlers entirely unskilled in the sport of ski paddling. The attraction was easy to identify. These craft are light in comparison to most kayaks in the same price range, simpler to paddle with a very responsive rudder, with the advantage of hull speed for fitness, and stability for the fun part of the sport on open water. If you're not looking to journey or develop kayak-specific skills, they're a very uncomplicated & accessible craft.

Other manufacturers have followed on with their own more user-friendly designs, so the picture for a prospective buyer is now much more clouded, for anyone attempting to weigh up the relative merits of different skis, in different stability & performance categories.

To simplify, but by no means comprehensively define these different skis, we've put together a guide to the boats we have both paddled enough to gain a good appreciation of the attributes of each, and also sell as part of our stable of skis from the leading brands Epic, Fenn, Think & Carbonology. We have demo boats on hand for most of the designs summarised below if you'd like to give one a try in live conditions.

photo by Alan Coker (www.allancoker.com)
Note, our impressions of these boats are based on our own paddling. Both Rob & I consider ourselves competent enough on each of the skis listed to paddle them well in moderate conditions, so we're not speaking from the perspective of elite ski paddlers, more for the viewpoint of enjoying the skis in the conditions for which they were designed.
We have coached & instructed scores of paddlers over the past couple of years specifically aimed at making them competent enough to enjoy open water in their ski, as opposed to shaving a few minutes off their race time. In many cases our views vary slightly from the manufacturer's own spiel; we're attempting to simplify this at-times confusing market place with a simple statement about how each ski differs, from our brand-neutral viewpoint.

The sorts of typical conditions I enjoy paddling are summarised in the short video below, to give you an idea of where we paddle these skis & the kinds of adventures you can have! It's not a race, it's not scary, it's just great fun, accessible to all with the right boat & a bit of dedication.



Broadly, the sport has evolved into four categories; Entry Level, Transition, Intermediate, and Elite:

Entry Level Skis

With the starting point that surf skis are designed for moving water, each of these ski designs combine varying degrees of glide and 'run' in the following seas in which they excel, with stability to allow the less experienced paddler the opportunity to get to know the dynamic environment of the ocean.



Epic V7
The new Epic V7 sets a new standard for rotomold performance. It is lightweight, extremely efficient, and easy to handle. The V7 is outfitted with the same high quality fittings as every surfski in the Epic lineup, including the carbon fiber footboard and pedals and the hugely popular Epic designed bailer. In addition, it features an aft storage compartment with a lightweight hatch. 
Length 520cm
Width 54cm
Weight 20kg
Paddler Weight 65-110kg
$1990



Think Eze
Unquestionably the best entry level ski on the market for smaller framed paddlers. Short, nimble, light & quick for it's length, with Think's renowned disciplined seating position. 
Length 520cm
Width 51cm
Weight See Below
Paddler Weight 50-85kg
$3750 (Performance - 14.5kg) $4800 (Elite 12.5kg)

Think Ace
Along with the V8 the base line ski in the market, designed to be easy to paddle for even the greenest paddler. Features carry handles, and also the lightest ski for the price. 
Length 522cm
Width 53cm
Weight See Below
Paddler Weight 75-110kg
$3750 (Performance - 14.5kg) $4800 (Elite 12.5kg)

Epic V8
The ski which single-handedly broadened the sport of surfski when it was introduced a few years ago. Stable, solid on the water, and built to Epic's exacting standards. The easiest surfski to paddle on the market. You can see a video of the V8 in action HERE. 
Length 549cm
Width 56cm
Weight See Below
Paddler Weight 70-110kg
$3195 (Club - 17kg) $3995 (Performance 15.5kg) $4995 (Ultra 12.5kg)


The Transition Skis
A recent development to the genre, skis that have a bit more to burn, yet retain a level of stability the an ambitious beginner can live with.

Think Zen
The latest arrival into the transition genre, more nimble than it's rivals at 5.6m long so an excellent one for garage storage, and designed with stability in mind. This is a ski we're excited about, we think 560cm is a great length for most paddlers ability. 
Length 560cm
Width 52cm
Weight See Below
Paddler Weight 60-90kg
$3750 (Performance - 14.5kg) $4800 (Elite 12.5kg)


Epic V9
Bridging the gap between entry-level and the sub elite V10, this is Epic's latest ski & it sits on it's own in a sub category.If you've been wondering about a step up from your V8but haven't quite been able to make the leap, then this boat is such a logical step. It feels like a V10 with a lot more stability, and as such generates way less anxiety in the rough stuff, and as far as ocean paddling goes it also turns more instinctively. You can read a detailed description here & see a cool video of the ski in action HERE. 
Length 580cm
Width 49cm
Weight See Below
Paddler Weight 70-110kg
$3195 (Club - 17kg) $3995 (Performance 15.5kg) $4995 (Ultra 12.5kg)


Intermediate Skis
Intermediate level skis by definition should look after a paddler with good technique, allowing them to get the boat out into more challenging water and enjoy it, rather than dread it. Fast enough to ride ocean runners but without the sheer glide of the elite skis, these are designs that are sympathetic enough to allow a good percentage of improving paddlers to graduate into.



Think Evo (Gen 3)
Probably the fastest intermediate ski, for the accomplished intermediate paddler looking to progress to the ocean in a craft that runs like an elite ski, with a substantially higher level of secondary stability. Blessed with above-average glide, and all of the extras that come as standard on Think surfskis. HERE'S a short video of the Evo running along in Botany Bay 
Length 625cm
Width 48cm
Weight See Below
Paddler Weight 65-100kg
$3700 (Performance - 14.5kg) $4800 (Elite 12.5kg)

Think 6 


The longest and fastest of the sub intermediate skis, Think's latest design offers rough water stability, but enough waterline length to chase and catch the big ones out on the ocean. Designed around the same stability profile as the Think Zen, with a flatter hill than traditional Think skis, this promises to be a must-try ski for ambitious paddlers moving up from their entry level craft, and also for more experienced paddlers who've been having a hard time in more demanding designs. You can read the specs and layup options HERE.
Length 600cm
Width 49cm
Weight See Below
Paddler Weight 65-100kg

$3750 (Performance - 14.5kg) $4800 (Elite 12.5kg)

Elite Skis
As the classification suggests, elite skis for paddlers with an elite attitude to developing & maintaining their rough water skills. Nowadays almost universally stable enough for an average paddler to handle on dead flat water, but require dedication to master on moving water, let alone in the dynamic environment of the sea.

Think Uno

The Uno is the elite ski for the taller or smaller paddler that does not need the volume of the Uno Max. The new Uno is designed with lighter paddlers in mind.
Length 645cm
Width 43cm
Weight See Below
Paddler Weight 50-85kg
$3700 (Performance - 14.5kg) $4800 (Elite 12.5kg)


Think Uno Max
You only have to sit in the Uno Max to appreciate the pinpoint ergonomics, this boat just feels fast. As stable as any of the elite designs, with an incredibly disciplined feel on the water. Sea Rice's craft of choice as he powered his way to the World Championship.
Length 645cm
Width 43cm
Weight See Below
Paddler Weight 70-110kg
$3700 (Performance - 14.5kg) $4800 (Elite 12.5kg)

Think Ion
A buoyant and dynamic ski which feels light on the water & accelerates beautifully. Sits with the Epic V10 just below the stability & ability of the true elite skis, now remodelled with extra stability. 
Length 642cm
Width 44cm
Weight See Below
Paddler Weight 70-110kg
$3700 (Performance - 14.5kg) $4800 (Elite 12.5kg)

Epic V10
The ski which popularised the ocean racing genre, with plenty of glide, predictable, stable for it's minimal beam & designed for the rough stuff. An icon with a new configuration, bailer, and shape. Probably the most user-friendly elite-level ski doing the rounds. You can see a video of the V10 in action HERE. 
Length 650cm
Width 43cm
Weight See Below
Paddler Weight 70-110kg
$3195 (Club - 17kg) $3995 (Performance 15.5kg) $4995 (Ultra 12.5kg)

Epic V11
Along with the V12 a true elite ski for elite paddlers. Fast enough for very competitive flat water racing, but in the purest form an ocean racing performance beast for paddlers with advanced skills. See the specs HERE
Length 579cm
Width 43cm
Weight See Below
Paddler Weight 65-95kg
$3995 (Performance 15.5kg) $4995 (Ultra 12.5kg)


Epic V12

Revamped in 2016 to overcome the previous model's shortcomings in cross chop handling, the new V12 is a downwind ski if ever there was one. In big water, buoyancy is your friend & this ski has it in spades, with plenty of stability for papers with above-average skills in the rough stuff.
Length 640cm
Width 43cm
Weight See Below
Paddler Weight 65-110kg
$4995 (Ultra 12.5kg)


13 comments:

  1. Mark, thanks for this comprehensive overview.

    As you seem to be one of the few dealers that cover so many different brands, I wonder if you could share your experience regarding a comparison between the Vajda Hawx 52 and the EPIC V8 Pro concerning stability, speed and glide and remountability? I am also interested in the seating positions, as I would expect the Vajda to have a higher K1 like seating position.

    As I understand, both are a cut above pure entry Level, have similar width while the V8 PRO is a bit longer.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I haven't paddled the Hawx 52 as much as the V8 Pro, but I'd agree with you that they are similar in their performance & stability. Vajda boats have excellent ergonomics from the perspective of flat water racing, Epic are probably a little more versatile & non-proscriptive, less likely to mess with paddlers that don't have perfect posture etc. They're both hugely stable for remounting, but I couldn't give accurate speed info as I haven't paddled both over a set course. Hope this helps.

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  3. Thanks a lot for the fast answer! Highly appricated.

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  4. fantastic comparisons. thanks so much. you just did for me in a few minutes It took me a month to figure out on my own. priceless

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  5. Hi Mark, Really appreciate the time that you have taken in putting your knowledge down here for all to see. I have been paddling a Fann Bluefin S for little over a year and am looking to challenge myself further. I have also recently been paddling an Epic V8 Pro though have got comfortable in this very quickly. I am around the 87KG mark and was thinking of a Hawx 46. Would that be your call or would you suggest I try something else. Paddle a lot in the Swan and if the winds are right, in the ocean as well. Many thanks in advance, Andy

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  6. G'day Andy,
    Any of the intermediate skis are within reach if you've been paddling the V8 Pro. It's a good bridge. I wouldn't recommend any of the intermediates over the other, they're all good, do your best to get out & trey as many as you can.
    Mark.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many thanks Mark. Really appreciate that you took the time to respond.

      Delete
  7. Been trying some skis out recently and just read your summary. Really helpful and spot on with the ones I have paddled. With so many choices and paddling conditions it is not easy locking one down.

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  8. Hi Mark! Just wondering how is it that Think Zen and Carbonology Boost can be in the same group being the latest 35 cms longer. Would you say they are equivalent stability and speed wise? Thank you very much for your work

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  9. Great job, I live in Brazil and here we do not have representatives from all factories, so I can only understand the comparison, referring to EPIC surfski whose representative is very active in Brazil.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great job, I live in Brazil and here we do not have representatives from all factories, so I can only understand the comparison, referring to EPIC surfski whose representative is very active in Brazil.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Mark,
    I've whitewater kayaked for a number of years but now that I live alongside a beautiful flat tidal river I would really like to get into paddling a ski daily for fitness. A guy at the river let me have a crack at his V10 Sport and boy was it a different beast! I learnt the hard way about stability and tipped it 3 times before limping back to shore! For me the stability was a big problem (I am a novice after all). I loved the Epic surfski but would appreciate your advice on what ski I should be starting out on? I don't intend to venture into ocean paddling (at this stage) and just want a ski that is stable, relatively quick, very light, easy to paddle, and of course, looks cool because we all know that's important :) My research has been steering me towards the Epic V8 with its extra width but I am not sure if there is an equal or better option for a keen novice? I'm a slim 81kg and 175cm
    Thank you
    Steve

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. G'day Steve,
      If you liked the way the V10 Sport felt you should definitel;y try a V8. It's the ski that opened up the sport and has been a proven success for new paddlers.
      Mark.

      Delete

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