Re: [Paddlewise] new boat shake down.

On Monday, September 19, 2011 2:37 PM, "Michael Dziobak"
<mdziobak_at_mtu.edu> wrote:
> Kirk and Duane,
> 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.

There is definitely a learning curve.   But it's worth it :-)  I rarely
paddle anything but my surf ski these days.

This past weekend I think I only need 3 braces over 10 miles and 2 hours
of fairly entertaining conditions.  Of the 6 of us, only one person
swam, and that was when he got sloppy after some fun rides.

For a kayaker the first challenge is learning to control the boat with
your butt.   If you are coming from a canoe you are used to controlling
the hull with your butt instead of your knees so it's 'easier'.   If you
rely heavily on pulling up on your knee hooks it's going to be more of a
challenge, to unlearn those habits.

There are now 3 levels of surf ski - the 21" beam, the 19" beam and the
17.5" beam models.  The wider boats are easier.  If you can propel them
without bracing the narrow boats are faster.   If you need to brace more
than once every 10 minutes a wider boat is probably faster.  

As for getting used to them, my preference is to let the boat float
under you and by maintaining a quick cadence get the extra stability
from the firmly planted paddle.   Paddling slowly and timidly feels
really jittery.  It's interesting to follow someone who's good, their
torso rarely moves, the hull also just sort of maintains level with the
planet - irrespective of the waves.  When riding waves I will lay a
casual low brace on the wave to keep the speed in check and try to avoid
outrunning the wave.

Of the people I paddle with now, one guy went from paddling a seda
glider in flatwater to winning some local open water races in a calendar
year.  In his first summer he went from a daunting number of swims (in
busy harbor clapotis), to punching through an 8 foot face and landing a
4 foot drop on the backside.  This year he has started winning the local
races.  I think he finished in the top 10 surf skis, at the Blackburn
challenge, on the first anniversary of his trying a surf ski.

If anyone decides to go for a surf ski feel free to contact me.  I would
be happy to make comments and suggestions.  I've talked multiple people
through converting.

If you happen to live in New England I can almost definitely arrange for
some test runs...  In Northeastern Massachusetts you can use one of my
boats. 

Kirk
-- 
  Kirk Olsen
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