Surf Skis can be described as a cut down sit-on top kayak generally be steered by means of a foot pedal operated rudder they are comparatively fast for a paddled craft only being outstripped in speed by K1 & K2 Olympic competing Kayaks. Primarily designed as a fast surf-skimming kayak they are widely used by lifeguards on surf beaches and used for recreation for surf kayaking and ocean racing on flat water. Surf Skis are designed to have good tracking qualities making it easier for the surf kayaked to keep the craft on a straight heading in ocean swells. Surf Skis are built from glass fibre, carbon & Kevlar composites ranging between 16ft and 22ft in length. For racing Surf skis the length is generally increased and a sharp bow is added to aid quick and straight travel across open water. Surf ski races (surf races) take place across the world the general format being a 700m circuit involving racing around marker buoys. And were first introduced by the lifesavers of North America. Modern Surf Skis have become amongst the most popular of ocean sit-on-top kayaks offering the kayaked great speed and relatively good stability. The origins of the Surf Ski can be traced back to the beaches Australia and South Africa of the 1920s when they were first evolved from kayaks and surf boards. Surf Skis are now a popular form of inshore kayaking and have diversified into a wide choice of makes and models using many
Hi tech and composite materials in their manufacture for obvious reasons among the most expensive are carbon and Kevlar surf skis but you can still pick up real bargains in the mid range of surf ski made from roto-molded plastics. If your looking for a fun way to ride the surf not requiring months of practice as with a surf board then surf skis or wave skis may be the kind of sea kayak you are looking for
. It is also possible to find used surf skis at very reasonable prices , jus t make sure you have done your research regarding price and model type before purchasing, As with any kind of water based activity, expert tuition should be sort before using your surf ski solo. Your local canoe and kayak club should be able to help you with this; skirting board other good sources of information will be canoe and kayak stores and even some surfing shops.