:: GETTING STARTED ::

BASICS | SAFETY | EQUIPMENT | TECHNIQUE | WHERE TO BUY

 

BASICS

If you are reading this section, you are about to get into - or already are experiencing the awesome sport of surfski paddling.

  • To learn a bit more about the history of the surfski - go to What is a Surfski?
  • If you are keen to join a coaching clinic, or one-on-one instruction - go to Series Coaching Clinic
  • If you want to get involved or see surfskiing in action ...


Come on down and join the Nutralife Takapuna Surfski Series - even if only to spectate!

  •  
    The series is a great chance to see the top dogs, and all levels and ages of paddlers in action.

If you already have a bit of paddling experience, browse through the section headings above to see what tips you can pick up.

As always this is a site created by paddlers for paddlers - so we would appreciate any and all contributions to build this content, and are happy to publish your name!

We are always on the lookout for Subject Matter Experts - 'SMEs'!

Drop us a line at: info@surfski.co.nz

Surfski paddlers come from a broad and diverse cross section of society ...

- Life Savers, and retired 'when-we' Life Savers
- Converted Canoeists
- Kayak enthusiasts looking for some speed
- Fitness junkies who love being on the water
- Fisherman who cast with a difference
- Surfers, paddle skiers and boogie boarders
- most commonly though: WATER LOVERS

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SAFETY

Points to consider before you go:

1. Are you wearing appropriate clothing for the prevailing conditions?
Be sure to consider being prepared for changes in the conditions while you are out there.

2. Consider the prevailing conditions - if you do not feel comfortable do not go out!
The wind should be one of your main considerations!

3. Ensure that you tell someone where you are going, and then stick to that route! Tell them how long you expect to be and then make sure that they have the Harbour Master number to call if you are not back on time.

4. If at all possible, carry a communication aid such as a two way radio or a cellphone (in a waterproof pouch) so that you can call for help yourself.

5. Carry location aids such as flares with you to assist the rescuers in finding you. Cyalume's are excellent if there's a chance you could be caught out in the dark.

6. Make sure you and your craft are highly visible - again to assist the rescuers.

7. Attend a Coaching Clinic so that you know how to use your equipment and are aware of the dangers and how to deal with them.

If you are out there and things go wrong...

1. DO NOT leave your craft!!! - golden rule

2. Get as much of your body out of the water as possible to delay the onset of hypothermia (now is when you will know if you dressed appropriately, don't find out too late).

3. If you brought a communication aid - again you will be grateful for forward planning - use it to call for help.

4. Make yourself as visible as possible.

5. Stay on original course or track as far as possible - yet again you will be styling if you planned ahead and someone knows you are out there and where you should be.

6. Keep flares handy to fire on first sight of any help.

The above tips serve as a guide only. Consider attending a sea rescue and safety course, you will then have a comprehensive plan and idea of how to deal with and prepare for any emergency at sea!

Consider this: at the recent Evacuation, Escape and Rescue Seminar held in the UK it was concluded that you have a 77% chance of surviving a helicopter crash into the sea - the catch? This statistic was only valid if you had attended a formal training course, the percentage would at least be halved if you had not undergone any training!

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EQUIPMENT

1. Surfski - single or a double surfski (2 Man Ski).

2. Paddle - any kind.

3. Paddle Pants - neoprene shorts or similar.

4. Paddle Shirt - 0.5mm neoprene or polypropylene or similar.

5. Paddling Jacket or wetsuit - for colder conditions.

6. For feet - neoprene booties/socks for colder water.

7. Roof Racks - depends on the car you drive.

8. Tie Downs - to secure your surfski to your roof racks.

9. Safety and Comms - preview the safety section.

10. Life Jacket - essential.

11. Leash - to tie your paddle to your surfski.
You do not want to lose your paddle out at sea. Paddles do float, but when one falls out it is easier if you only have to worry about 1 piece of equipment. Therefore secure your paddle to your surfski.

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TECHNIQUE

  • Sit straight up in the boat and lean slightly forward.
  • Imagine a rod running down your spine and into the ski, that will not allow you to lean forward or back.
  • Extend both arms at eye level (with the paddle in your hands).
  • Now attempt to place one of the blades of your paddle in the water, next to the ski, as far toward the nose of the ski as possible.
  • Now the only way you can get the blade further toward the nose of the ski, is to twist from the waist. Herein lies the secret of great paddlers.
  • You still have the rod down your spine, you have twisted from the waist to enable you to place the blade in the water as far toward the nose of the ski as possible.
  • Now bury that blade in the cool blue ocean, and initiate your stroke by twisting from the waist.
  • Keep the arm that is extended locked. All the power of your stroke comes from the first 40cm of your stroke i.e. from where you bury the blade, to in line with your upper thigh.

If you continue further with your stroke i.e. past your waist, 2 things will happen:

1. You will pull yourself off balance
2. You will be slowing the surfski down

Keep your shoulders relaxed, and don't lean back in the surfski. Lean slightly forward!

Top Surfski Paddling Tips:

  • The arm that is punching forward, must be kept at eye level.
  • When paddling correctly, you should be exercising your stomach and mid/lower back and lats.
  • If your arms are getting tired quickly, you are doing something wrong. You arms are used to place the paddle in the correct position. Once the paddle blade is in the correct position you should use your stomach, back and lateral muscles to twist from the waist.
  • When you bury the blade in order to initiate your twist, concentrate on pushing your foot onto your peddle to give yourself the leverage to unleash the power of the twist.
  • Sit slightly hunched in the boat. This increases your stability.
  • Ask other paddlers about your stroke, we have all been through it! You will find that anyone with a surfski will help you with your stroke.

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WHERE TO BUY

Here’s a list of some local suppliers of racing and SLS surfskis.

Racing skis

Brainwave: Mike Mead, (03) 388 9033.

Fenn: Oskar Stielau, 021 215 8327.

SLS skis

Scorpion: Tony, 027 4961764.

For new or second hand ski's - check Sportzhub.com.

 

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