A surf ski (or surfski, or surf-ski) is a type of kayak in the kayaking family of paddling craft. It is generally the longest of all kayaks and is a performance oriented kayak designed for speed on open water, most commonly the ocean, although it is well suited to all bodies of water and recreational paddling. The most common use of surfskis is in surf lifesaving competitions and downwind paddling. Surfski paddling has become a pastime for water sports enthusiasts due to its open water capabilities, speed, and versatility. A surfski uses an open "sit-on-top" (SOT) cockpit and not an enclosed cockpit that requires a splash cover, or spray deck, such as olympic flatwater sprint kayaks, white-water or slalom kayaks, or touring kayaks. Many surfski models use a self-bailer to eliminate water in the cockpit area. The sit-on-top cockpit means a surfski is easy to remount in the event of a capsize and also that the hull will not fill with water. Surfskis are steered by foot-controlled pedals connected to a stern rudder. Their performance design and steering system makes it possible to paddle onto and ride open water wind swells on the ocean and other large bodies of water The modern day version of the surfski originated in the surf lifesaving movement as a means to assist swimmers in distress. As the sport of lifesaving began to develop out of the lifesaving movement, surfski paddling became one of the hallmark events of being a fit, competent lifeguard. Surfski paddling is still incorporated into a number of lifesaving events and is a well established discipline in surf lifesaving. In the 1950s lifeguards began holding stand alone, long distance surfski races. These races were only raced by qualified lifesavers. In the 1970s the first "open" surfski races began appearing, most notably the "Molokai Challenge" in Hawaii. In the mid-1990s the sport started becoming more widely adopted outside of surf lifesaving with the first non-affiliated series of races being organised in Cape Town, South Africa by BiIlly Harker. At the same time a series of non-affiliated races was organised in Sydney, Australia by Dean Gardiner. In 2004 the first I.C.F (International Canoe Federation) World Cup was held in Cape Town, South Africa In 2006 the first World Surfski Series was held. In 2013, nearly 10 years after the first I.C.F world Cup in Cape Town, the International Canoe Federation hosted their inaugural World Championship in Vila do Conde, Porto, Portugal.
Characteristics There are two types of surfskis, the spec ski and the ocean ski. The spec ski is the traditional craft used by surf life saving clubs and must adhere to strict size and weight. The ocean ski on the other hand is typically a longer craft with a deeper cockpit. The spec ski is built more solidly and with more rocker to manoeuvre in and out of the wave zone. The ocean ski is made for long-distance ocean paddling and is usually raced downwind with the swells. Typically 5.0-6.0 metres (16½-21 ft) long and only 40–50 cm (16-20") wide, surfskis are extremely fast when paddled on flat water and they are the fastest paddled craft available over a long distance on ocean swells. They track well but are less manoeuverable and have less transverse primary (and sometimes less secondary) stability than shorter, wider craft. Despite its typical instability, a surfski (with an experienced paddler) is a very effective craft for paddling in big surf. Its narrowness and length helps it cut or punch through large broken waves. Double-bladed paddles are used, often with highly contoured wing blades for extra efficiency. A waveski is different from a surfski, more similar to a surf board, and used primarily in surf play. It is usually less than 3 m (10 ft) long, typically with a wide planing type bottom and with one to three fixed skegs, or fins.
Current use Surfskis are used worldwide for surf lifesaving, wave surfing and for training and competition on flat-water or ocean (downwind) racing. They are most popular in warmer coastal regions where the sport originated such as Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Hawaii; however the versatility of surfski as a kayaking discipline has made it a very popular choice for paddlers worldwide especially in the Nordic regions, Western Europe, the Pacific Northwest and the East Coast of the US. Many enjoy paddling surfskis as an outdoor water sport for what it offers in terms of fitness, competition and adventure. Surfskiers will paddle regularly, at high intensity, often in races, and as often as possible to ride waves.
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