Michael, I have heard that a lot of paddlers have troubles getting used to a full-on race surfski in rough water. I'm 47 years old and consider myself average athletically with a knack for kayaking. So I was concerned about whether I'd be able to handle one. I still have a long way to go before being proficient in the surfski, but I have been happy with my progress and I'm feeling confident about it. So I think it's really an individual thing. I think sea kayakers who are comfortable in really confused water have good chance at becoming used to a surfski. My focus this first month has been on skills rather than fitness, so I've been staying out in the ocean and avoiding the bay as much as possible. Attitude may play a roll too. I've been enjoying the challenge of not getting bucked off these things and laugh everytime I come close to taking a swim. I did demo one the more stable beginner/intermediate surfskis and immediately knew it lacked the performance that I wanted. Duane From: Michael Dziobak <mdziobak_at_mtu.edu> >Is it possible for an ordinary average paddler to learn how to stay upright on a surf ski? It seems so improbable that a craft so narrow has any chance of spending much time right side up with out constant bracing in rough conditions. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Sep 19 2011 - 12:45:25 PDT
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