Over the years we have met some wonderful people who arrive on our yard, wondering why we sell surfskis in Devon's furthest point from the sea. We congratulate on them finding us - it's the first initiative test! If you can get yourself to our yard you're likely be able to navigate at sea.
We've been called "the hardest people to buy a boat from" and "the world's worst sales department" - we take pride in not being pushy sales people. We'd much prefer you have a good trial, do your research and understand what you are getting into before you buy a ski. Compared to triathlon bikes, racing dingys and horses surfskis are by far the cheaper alternative, but it's still a significant investment and, more importantly, a change in mindset and possibly even lifestyle.
So we are here to help you choose the right boat, that you will be safe on, that fulfils your ambitions, and that you be able to enjoy in most conditions.
Why surfski?
People come into surfski through a number of routes
- New to paddling, wanting to get out on the sea (and go further than a SUP!)
- Curious sea kayakers
- Flat water marathon paddlers wanting respite
- Surf Life Savers wanting to go the distance
- Adventurers looking for their next challenge
- Paddler junkies needing more!
With a racing DNA all Epic surfskis are designed with hydro-dynamics for maximum efficiency and therefore speed on the water, paired with a range of stability to suit all of the above. Surfskis are glorified sit on tops, a type of kayak that won't sink. Your first experience of kayaking may have been on a school outward bound week, where you had to go through the ordeal of turning upside down, forgetting to tap the bottom, and falling out in a mild panic amid a jumble of spray-decks and weeds, spending the rest of the session cold, soggy and unable to go in a straight line and only enjoying the splash at the end when you rafted up and ran across decks. Surfskis offer the fun, without the fear and hassle of having to haul your boat to the side to empty it if you tip in. You can explore creeks and bays on your own, knowing you can remount if you fall in. You can go out in waves bigger than you would normally dare to, knowing you simply get yourself back on if you've lost concentration or mis-timed the break. You can go further than you might have done, and ultimately have the freedom to seriously enjoy yourself.
How to choose the right ski
With the rotomolded (robust, plastic) V5 and V7 ideal as introductory surfskis you can learn the skills and test the waves without fear of damaging the boat, but still being able to experience the joys of surfski - surfing down wind, catching the waves, and cutting across the water at distances and speeds and lack of effort that astounds sea kayakers.
As the number increases on an Epic boat the length of the boat increases and the width decreases, so the stability reduces. The V8 is often the go to ski, with enough stability for paddlers to relax and concentrate on their stroke or their environment, enjoying the ride, with versatility on the wave to cope with most conditions, from flat clam, regular surfing and lumpy randomness of many British wave patterns. The V9 provides the cross-over ski. The hard core racing community will be paddling V10 and above, but they too can be found on a V8 or V9, in large waves or rough seas with heavy weather conditions.
People often ask for a fast boat - and it's not being glib or disrespectful when we say the boat will go as fast as you can paddle it. Efficient forward paddling is a skill to learn that takes years to master. The more stable your platform the better your technique will be and the faster therefore your boat will move through the water. It is a balance, no pun intended but enjoyed, between stability and stroke technique, so that you achieve the maximum forward movement from each and every paddle stroke. On a ski that is too unstable (for either your competency level and/or the conditions), part of each stroke, and quite possibly 100% of every third or fourth stroke, will be a stabilising stroke, thus slowing down forward propulsion, using up energy unnecessarily, and testing your nerves. As shown in practically every clip from the Zen Master, Boyan, in Surfski School Tarifa, speed may not be the primary aim but is a by product of efficient, effective downwind paddling, allowing you to go further, faster, having more fun, using less energy, and definitely falling in less!
We recommend you go for an entry level or intermediate ski, build up your skills, confidence and knowledge on the sea, then bring it back and trade it in for the next level up. The demand for used Epics is tremendous, there's rarely a pause in moving them on and they don't lost their value if well looked after.
Other things to think about
You'll want to ski to suit not only your ability, but also your situation. And a well built, well looked after ski will last 20 years plus. The more suitable and easy it is to use the more use you can make of it. Can you keep it out of the wind and direct UV? Will it fit in your garage? Do you need V Bars fitted to your car to transport it? What are you going to wear to paddle it? Is your buoyancy aid a bit too old? Is your paddle lightweight? Where will you paddle - rocky shoreline or sandy landings? All of the above will influence your choice of boat, regarding length, composition, transportation and kit required. Get it right and your boat will last and you'll be safe.
Next steps
We recommend you come for a visit, have a walk and talk through the range of boats on the yard, head to the local canal with Jim for a demo, and try different models (and the wing paddle if this is new to you), before making your decision. And if you like, Jim can go through the basics of paddle stroke technique, launching your ski, and remounting. While you are with us you can go through the shop to see the paddles and kit, and V Bars for transporting your new craft.
Buying a ski can be a transformative process, and it should be enjoyable. Get in touch and we'll do what we can to help.