Event video & surf ski options

Here's another great video that the legendary Dave McKnight has pieced together from Saturday's event. For many of us who didn't notice, Dave was actually pretty crook, but still got out and paddled to make sure we were all able to view some of the event footage.

Choosing the surf ski that best suits you and the local conditions you're more likely encounter is a difficult decision. Most will tend to make a choice of ski that they'll be able to handle after much time and effort is put in to master such a purchase. Does it have to work this way?........ well in my books no.

For your first surf ski purchase I'm an advocate of choosing an option that's a click or two down from our sometimes high expectations of what our actual skill levels are. Paddling a kayak on the flatwater or on a river is considerably different to paddling in the Ocean or similar open waterways.
Sometimes it all comes down to availability of time to squeeze a regular paddle session in, and it can be weeks or a month or so before you get out so it is possible to loose some continuity. So if you're in this category choose a ski that you can hit the ground running and not struggle to get your balance in sometimes tougher conditions every time you get out.


Personally the example I like to give is..... I can paddle the likes of a Think Uno Max.....but I'm far more comfortable and quicker on a Think Evo II whether on the flat or in the rougher water. What a pussy you may say :-), everyone's different, I let the ski prove the point on the courses or events I take on.

Most of the surf ski main manufacturers all have three to five models in their arsenal.
To me this is fantastic because this allows people at recreational or entry level to choose something they will see thrive on and truly enjoy paddling a surf ski, the stability options covered are significantly better than they were around  2 to 3 years ago.
We also acknowledge that the options are great for stepping up, when you have an ever improving or higher skill level.


For us it's all about creating opportunities for a range of people to get out on the water.

Photos: Barton Fletcher on his Think Evo II (has been paddling for around 2 months), Sharlene Winiata on the Think Big Eze and then Think Eze, and both Sharlene and myself playing swap a ski.
Both skis are in the hire fleet at Fergs Kayaks and if you're buying, please use the try before you buy method where possible. 

Click on on any photo to enlarge