Top 5 reasons to get a surfski

Canada is known for its amazing landscaping and different water conditions, from the rough coastlines of the Pacific Northwest to the calm lakes of Ontario. With so much natural beauty, there is no doubt that paddling is one of the most popular hobbies for many Canadians. And it's no secret that traditional kayaks have been the go-to choice for many paddlers, but there's a new kid on the block that's quickly gaining some popularity: the Surfski. 

Surfskis are a relatively new concept, but they've quickly gained paddlers approval due to the range of benefits they offer. They were originally designed in South Africa as a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional kayaks for ocean paddling. However, surfskis have evolved and grown in popularity around the world. In this blog post, we will be exploring the top 5 reasons why you should consider making the switch to a surfski. We will take a closer look at why surfskis are becoming a big thing, and hopefully, at the end, you will be intrigued and want to try one. 

Lightweight Design

Surfskis are designed to be as lightweight as possible, this allows them to be faster and more maneuverable in the water. 

When talking about the constructions of surfskis there are different materials that you will hear such as, fiberglass, woven carbon, kevlar, and in some beginners surfskis you will also find a thermoplastic construction. The construction will also determine the weight of the surfski, and of course, its price. The more expensive constructions will give you an incredibly strong and lightweight surfski. All constructions give different advantages, and choosing the right material will depend on your individual needs, preferences and budget.  Sufskis weigh in around 30 lbs or lighter which is roughly half the weight of some seakayaks.  That's amazing!  Once you paddle a superlight surfski it's hard to go back to regular heavy kayaks. 

When do you notice the light weight? 

Well everytime you pick it up.  A lighter surfski accelerates easily and the quick response to a paddle stroke is breathtaking.  Loading kayaks onto the roof of a car is a common complaint we hear about heavy kayaks.   With a lightweight surfski, you can easily lift it onto your roof rack and transport it to your preferred paddling location, giving you the flexibility to paddle whenever the mood strikes. 

Surfskis are designed to be lightweight, making them easy to carry, especially in lighter constructions. Being able to carry a surfski by yourself is a great advantage as it allows you to head out for a solo paddle whenever you feel like it. While paddling with friends and family is enjoyable, solo paddling has its own perks, such as exploring at your own pace, having a good workout, or simply connecting with nature. 

Accommodating Paddlers Of All Levels

Surfskis come in a range of lengths and widths, which means that you don't need to be an experienced paddler to start enjoying this exciting sport. In fact, beginner surfskis are designed to be more stable and forgiving, making it easier for new paddlers to start catching waves, or going out for a fun paddle. 

Surfskiing is often thought of as a sport for younger, more athletic individuals. However, the reality is that surfskiing is all about technique, and anyone can learn to paddle one with the right approach. While some athletes may progress more quickly due to their background or training, choosing a surfski that matches your skill level and abilities is crucial for enjoying the sport to its fullest. Selecting a surfski that you can control and feel comfortable with will lead to a more enjoyable paddling experience. 

Speed 

Surfskis are specifically designed to be fast and efficient in the water. The hull shape of a surfski allows it to glide through the water with minimal resistance, maximizing speed and reducing drag. You may not be concerned with speed, but an efficient hull will allow you to travel further with less effort.  Additionally, the shape of the hull and the positioning of the seat and foot pedals are optimized to allow paddlers to maintain a consistent and efficient paddling rhythm. The lightweight construction of surfskis also contributes to their speed, as less weight in the water means less resistance and more speed.

Full Body Exercise

Paddling a surfski can provide a full-body workout, as it engage different muscle groups and not just the upper body as most people think. Many people assume that good paddling technique is all about arm strength, the truth is that forward stroke technique is largely focused on using the core muscles and rotating the body correctly, that's why technique plays an important role here. Surfskis are designed to be fast and efficient in the water, but you are the engine and good forward stroke makes a huge difference.  

Regular surfski paddling can also improve posture, balance, and strengthen core muscles. People looking for cross-training opportunities for other sports or simply looking for a new workout challenge, surfskis provide an excellent way to have fun while getting a full-body workout.  Surfski paddling is great low-impact cross-training for activities like running, swimming, cycling, cross-counry skiing.

Surfing Fun  

Surfskis are not only designed for speed and performance, but also for providing an enjoyable and adventurous experience. With their unique design, surfskis allow paddlers to catch waves and surf on them and this is what they do best. Even if you are a beginner, there are surfskis specifically designed to provide stability, while still allowing you to catch waves and have fun. While it may be a challenge at first, the rush of catching waves on a surfski is addictive and will keep you coming back for more.

Surfsking is an experience that's truly indescribable, we highly recommend trying surfskiing for yourself. We understand that purchasing a surfski may seem like a big decision, but there are many ways to dip your toes into the sport. For example, you can rent a surfski at one of our locations, such as Deep Cove Kayak, Jericho Beach Kayak Center, or Cates Park. We offer stable surfskis, so if you feel comfortable paddling alone, this could be a good option for you. Alternatively, you can book a lesson at Jericho Beach Kayak Center or Deep Cove Kayak to learn from experienced instructors and have some fun. We also host demo days where you can test out some of our surfskis. Lastly, feel free to visit our store where our knowledgeable staff can assist you in finding the perfect surfski for you.