My mates from the Sutherland Shire Canoe Club invited me along last Saturday for their weekly sea paddle from Bundeena south to Little Marley Beach & back. All up it's a 20km return trip & one of the most scenic, although committing paddles, you could hope to fit into a winter morning. On this particular day the weather was uncommonly kind, with no wind to speak of, and a minimal groundswell allowing us unfettered access to the fortress-like sandstone cliffs that line the route. The video below shows just how benign it was, and I was pleasantly surprised when I watched the raw footage to see the clarity of the water through the GoPro lens, just magic. Rob was busy fitting out the Evoke & Pace 17 for an upcoming trip, and as usual he had all the fun boats, Nordkapp LV, Xtra & Xcite at his place, so I turned a little mournfully to the Pace 18, knowing it'd preclude me from manoeuvring in & out of the myriad rock pools & gauntlets that for once, would be open for exploration. After the first 2km of the paddle shot past with the GPS hovering around 10kmh, I was grateful for the speed of the Pace, and a quick look around the group should have reminded me of what I was in for. The double kayak had the better half of current mixed double National marathon champions, the back seat was occupied by the current cup holder in the mixed double ski class for the Hawkesbury. The better half of that champion ski combo was paddling a pretty slippery single, and the other two singles were occupied by Hawkesbury record holders. I was relieved when they told me they were saving themselves for a marathon the following day, otherwise I would probably have busted a boiler keeping up....
The paddle down to Little Marley was bathed in early morning light, and the hues of gold & brown in the cliffs were something to behold. Better still, we were able to paddle within touching distance of the cliffs for most of the journey, a rare treat along a stretch which generally varies between industrial & nuclear powered rebound.
As we turned into Little Marley Bob, Kate & Kristie were treated to a couple of whales playing in the morning sun, complementing the seals, dolphins & sea birds we'd already clocked up. We also had the pleasure of being chased by a school of pilchards; forget the cetaceans, you haven't lived until you've heard the mighty roar of breaching pilchards up close.
A stretch & some pics on the beach, & back in the boats for the paddle back, again treating ourselves to the spectacular cliffs, right in tight. You know it's calm when you can see the sea urchins... Truly one of the nicest days on the sea you could imagine, a good workout, some amazing scenery, wildlife & a few laughs with a great bunch of people.
Our next shipment of Valley, North Shore & Rockpool Kayaks is due to leave the UK in late August, and we have a box full of custom boats, made for customers who've picked their colours, layups & features. The cut off date for the next shipment is looming, a week from today on July 27. The next shipment also features the brand new Nordkapp Forti, Valley's latest take on their most famous classic design. Reviews from the UK have pointed to it's impeccable lines, superb behaviour downwind, and many are hailing it as the best Nordkapp yet. Valley's press release with all details about the boat is HERE.
The Nordkapp Forti
Also available for the first time is the new Rockpool Tarantella, another fast tourer for the lighter paddler.
If you'd like to have a Valley, North Shore or Rockpool boat made the way you want it, with a clear carbon kevlar hull, or in colours to match your dream design, then please let us know.
Those of you who have been eagerly awaiting the return of the Valley Gemini SP RM, rest assured you'll have your boat prior to the coming warmer weather. We have all three colours coming & plenty of stock. Here's a reminder of just what this awesome little playboat is capable of.
The water has gotten cold, daylight hours have shortened, and general safety margins on the sea are lower at this time of the year than they are at any other.
Now more than ever it's important to be diligent with your float plan, and carry the right kit to minimise your exposure in potentially cold water if something does go wrong.
Even a simple afternoon paddle of 16km around the Cape Bailey & Solander peninsula with a mate last week was something to be taken very seriously, and that was without any marginal weather. As a minimum, I considered it pertinent to let Rob know our launch spot, expected finish time & place, potential get-out points, and also committed to a call at the time I expected to be safely off the water.
I was also testing out a new addition to our range of safety gear, the Delorme inReach Explorer. This has a similar tracking functionality to the well regarded SPoT tracker, with the very big additional feature of two-way communication via satellite SMS. So unlike SPoT which allows a pre-set message to be sent with the press of a button, the Delorme inReach Explorer allows a 160 character text message to be sent with GPS co-ordinates to a mobile phone or email account, Facebook or Twitter, to which your receiver can reply. It also has the SOS feature that your PLB or SPoT carry, although it's not meant to replace an EPIRB or PLB for sea kayakers, as the emergency message is beamed to in international hub before being relayed to AMSA.
Our Delorme inReach Explorer secured to Mark's Swordfish footwell.
The tracker drops a map pin every 10 minutes, which Rob could have referenced if he was concerned about us not making our call-in time (see below):
It's Waterproof and dustproof (IPX7 - withstands incidental water exposure of up to metre for 30 minutes), with a battery life (sending one track point every 10 minutes) of 100 hours via an internallithium polymer battery. The unit costs $529 through ourONLINE STORE, and you can then log into the Delorme international site & subscribe to any one of a multitude of subscriptionsdepending on your requirements. We have ours hooked up to a $16.00/month plan which gives us more text & pin drop messages than we could hope to use other than on an extendedexpedition.
The other new addition to our safety electronics range, and one we've only been able to test to dazzling effect in our store with all the lights out, is the rescueME EDF1 Electronic Distress Flare.
Again, whilst not legally an alternative to a red night flare, this device has myriad advantages over the traditional beacon. Unlike single use pyrotechnic flares the rescueME EDF1 can be usedrepeatedly in any of its four modes, ensuring continued visibility is maintained over a longer period.
The unit is both safe to store and operate while also eliminating any worries associated with disposal. It has a number of modes, including a setting that points the quite extraordinarily bright red lightaway from you, and another than pulses SOS. To a rescuer, it very accurately simulates the visual signature of a red night flare, so there can't be any confusion over what the bright light on the visualhorizon means. All up a very impressive piece of kit, and at $189 it pays for itself over the course of a couple of years as flares inevitably pass their use-by-date. The rescueME EDF1 is availablethrough ourONLINE STOREfor $189 delivered.
My mate recently bought himself an elite Think Uno Max, a ski which feels like it has an outboard attached on flat water, but requires dedication to paddle in the rough stuff. Without a background or any particular interest other than as a participant in surfski racing, I've come to regard skis as a great tool for a workout, a fast & uncomplicated craft for a couple of hours of hard paddling, with the added bonus that in any sort of following conditions they are absolutely, entirely brilliant. This kind of scenic and, due to nearly 6km of unbroken & unlandable cliffs, committing paddle is one I'd normally reserve for a sea kayak, but with Steve keen to get out & mix it up in his new ski we decided to have a crack.
A superb Sydney winter afternoon beckoned us out to sea, virtually windless. We set up a car shuffle, and left the sandy beach at Gunamatta Bay in mirror calm. Progressing around the point named after George Bass & Matthew Flinders, we then struck out across the 7km expanse of Bate Bay to Cape Bailey, an imposing sandstone wall that marks the southern edge of the Capes cliff line. A punchy but small groundswell was almost unrecognisable until we hit the line of Capes, where it threw back the sort of typical rebound that Sydney paddlers know so well.
About halfway down Steve had a lapse in concentration & did one of those slow-mo capsizes that I'm sure we've all experienced. In the cold water he had two 'nearly' remounts, and considering the looming sunset & our exposed position I suggested an assisted rescue, it was mid winter after all! He climbed back on board & took off towards Cape Solander, me struggling to foot it in the Fenn Swordfish, but doubtless feeling a little more stable. As we rounded Cape Solander, the setting sun cleared the cliffs & put on a show to remember. Forgetting for a moment the surf ski mantra of speed & heart rates, I had to stop & get a pic or two, and I'm glad I did.
We eased past Cooks Landing & into Silver Beach to finish up a cruisy 16km, 90 minute paddle. Steve learnt a few lessons, first & foremost to get out & practice his remounts, but otherwise did incredibly well considering his limited sea paddling & the demanding craft he has chosen. You always wonder when someone dives into an elite ski whether they'll be committed enough to master it, & I've no doubt this was the right boat choice.
A brilliant winter afternoon ski paddle for fun & fitness, along one of Sydney's most picturesque cliff lines.
We're a few days away from landing our first Tiderace Pace 17S, the first fast touring design to reach our shores aimed at smaller paddlers. It promises much, filling a gap in the market that has been wide and barren since the Taran revolutionised fast expedition paddling. Wisely, Tiderace haven't messed with the length, but instead have chosen to make the boat slightly narrower, and with cockpit fit-out & ergonomics suited to paddlers substantially lighter than the entire current range of fast expedition boats can offer. Like all Tiderace boats it's been designed by Aled Williams, a guy with peerless kayak design pedigree, and even though it's only been out a few months the feedback from overseas has been very positive from the people it was aimed at, lighter folks! If you've always felt like you were swimming around in your expedition boat this may well be the kayak that consigns the foam fitout blocks to the bin forever. Get in touch either Rob or Mark to arrange a test paddle. You can read the full specs on the 'S' HERE.
Hot on the ‘heels’ of the BigFoot system
we have developed the SkegFoot; a footplate based on the same design features
but without the pedals on top of the plate. It is also a little wider to deal
with the broader foredeck that is found in a lot of the more maneuverable
boats.
Ideally suited to boats like Tiderace
Xcite, Xcite S, Xtra, Xplore and most of the Valley kayaks, it is a simple
matter to fit as the fixing screw holes are spaced the same as for the existing
factory fitted tracks.
It works in much the same way as a
bulkhead footrest allowing a wider range of positions for anchoring your feet
so you can transfer the power from your legs and trunk more effectively. In
particular the SkegFoot will allow you to move your feet closer together
for better alignment of hips and knees. Better alignment can, in turn deliver
more power from your core and better posture without compromising the
connection between your body and the boat. The advantage it has over a bulkhead footrest is the obvious one, adjustability; but it also means your boat is a more appealing resale one day in the future, without having to find a buyer with the same leg length as you!
There is a finite range of adjustment on
the footplate so it is best to email us with your boat model when you order, if
it is part of our current product range then we will be able to advise straight
away of compatibility, but in most cases it will just be a matter of bedding the
skegfoot side rails in sealant and fixing them through the existing holes
drilled for the original factory fitted tracks.
Most similar model kayaks from other
manufacturers should also be compatible with the SkegFoot and so far we
have been surprised with just how many different boats these plates will fit. The bolt holes are set to match the Yakima, KajakSport & SmartTrack spacing, which tend to be the industry standard.
All BigFoot and SkegFoot plates
come with long width-adjusting screws to accommodate those who want to custom
build a bigger full foot plate to fit over the existing one. These long screws
will easily hold plastic, marine ply or alloy sheet material up to 12mm.
We feel that the SkegFoot is a
tangible improvement over the current small surface-area pegs that are fitted
as standard to most skeg boats. It is a simple, sturdy retrofit component
locally built and designed to improve comfort and performance when used with
sound paddling technique. Most importantly, the design is based on hard-earned
experience and the feedback of hundreds of local paddlers and it has been field
tested in real sea kayaking conditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
