Surfskis for Sale
Surfskis are a type of kayak built for optimal efficiency on the water. Excelling in anything from flat water to big ocean bumps and downwind paddling. Surfskis have an open cockpit for easy remounts and a bailer to quickly drain the cockpit when things get wet! The understern rudder ensures your steering isn't impacted while you're riding waves. Here at Coast Outdoors we have a range of surfskis available to suit the needs of any paddler, regardless of experience. From stable recreational boats, to high-end racing and downwinding machines.
Which Surfski is Right for Me?
Surfskis come in several different styles, sizes, and constructions and these factors all affect how the boat handles and what environment it is best suited for. So, with all these options, how do you chose the right surfski? Our knowledgeable staff can help you narrow down your search, so feel free to Contact Us with any questions. To get you started on your journey and point you in the right direction, take a look at the following information:
Surfski Stability Rating
The chart below lists the surfskis we stock from Think and Epic from the easiest to paddle to the most performance-focused. If you're new to the sport you should look at something in the Novice category. Paddlers with some experience would appreciate the added performance of found in the Intermediate category. Elite-level paddlers looking for the highest performance for racing and downwinding should take a look at the Advanced surfkis. The letters after the model name represent available construction types. R - Rotomoulded, P - Performance, E/U - Elite/Ultra.
Think |
Epic |
|
Novice
Intermediate
Advanced |
Jet - E Zip - E Ace - P/E Zen - P/E Six - P/E Evo - E Ion - E |
V5 - R/P/U V7 - R V8 - P/U V8 Pro - P/U V9 - U V10 - U V12 - U |
Surfski Constructions
Surfskis come in a variety of constructions types which affect the weight, rigidity, strength, and cost of the surfski. Not all surfki models are available in all construction types.
| Rotomoulded (Epic Only) | Performance (Think & Epic) | Elite (Think) / Ultra (Epic) | ||
| Rotomoulded polyethylene is a common construction for regular kayaks as it is incredibly durable and relatively low cost. However, compared to other constructions types, it is quite heavy. | Mostly fiberglass construction with carbon/kevlar reinforcements and a foam core. This composite construction is relatively light and offers good durability. | These constructions offer the lightest and stiffest build for optimal performance. Carbon/kevlar with a honeycomb core. Lighter boats accelerate better and are easier to transport. |
How to Surfski
Surfkis paddle very much like standard kayaks, but to get the most out of your surfski you'll want to refine your paddling technique. Lessons are a great way to improve your surfski skills - we offer surfski lessons at Deep Cove Kayak Centre, Cates Park Paddling Centre, and Jericho Beach Kayak Centre. The skills you learn for surfski paddling transfer back to kayaking and will improve your performance overall.
As for the basics, firstly you'll notice that the cockpit of a surfski looks quite different to that of a standard kayak. It's open, and other than the moulded "bucket", there is no seat or backrest. With surfskis, less is more! Bulky seats and backrests inhibit your ability to rotate efficiently (a key component of proper paddling technique) and promote poor posture. The footboard has pedals for steering the surfski, but the board itself is static so you can engage your feet and legs to apply force while paddling to drive the boat forward. Good leg drive requires hip rotation, hence the glossy minimalistic seat. For the paddle stroke (a Wing Blade paddle is best), you'll notice surfskis have prominent cutaways on the top deck, either side of the footwell which allow you to plant your paddle blade closer to the surfski. Aim for the water next to your toes, engage your foot on the same side the paddle is planted, lock your arms with a slight bend and perform your stroke by rotating with your core. The paddle blade will move out to the side of the boat and when it is in line with your hip pull the blade out of the water and repeat on the other side. Keep it up and you'll be cruising in no time!
Don't forget a leash to attach yourself to your surfski! Surfskis are lightweight and have a large surface area and will get quickly swept away by wind or flow if you're not attached! Leashes save lives!
A good low profile PFD will make remounting your surfski after a capsize much easier. The Vaikobi VXP and V3 PFDs are perfect for surfski paddling, and the Mustang Khimera too.