Imagine this: you’re out on the water, the sun just beginning to rise, muscles pumping as you cut through the waves. You’re not on a rowing machine, a SUP, or a kayak—it’s something different. Something faster, sleeker, a bit more daring: the surfski.
For fitness junkies looking for a new challenge, surfski paddling is like discovering the wild cousin of your trusty old workout routine. It’s fast, exhilarating, and yes—just tricky enough to keep you on your toes (or should we say, your core).
If you’ve already got a background in paddling sports like SUP or kayaking, you’re in a good place to start. But here’s the thing—choosing the right surfski isn’t as simple as picking the flashiest model. It’s about balance—literally and figuratively. Stability vs. speed, comfort vs. performance. And with so many options out there, it can feel like trying to choose between a Ferrari and a mountain bike for your next race.
That’s where we come in. With decades of combined paddling experience, we’ve made our fair share of wobbly mistakes so that you don’t have to. Whether you’re a beginner stepping into the world of surfskis or a seasoned paddler ready to upgrade, this guide will help you find the perfect boat to match your skills and ambitions.
Key Point 1: Know Your Level
The first rule of surfski shopping? Be honest about where you’re at. No shame in wanting to skip the kiddie pool and dive into the deep end, but surfskis can be unforgiving. They don’t care how many miles you can sea kayak or how ripped your core is—if you pick the wrong one, you’ll spend more time swimming than paddling.
Beginner Surfskis: If you’re just getting started in surfski paddling, stability is your new best friend. Think of it like learning to ride a bike; you wouldn’t start on a race bike, right? Beginner surfskis are wider and more stable, so you can focus on building technique without constantly worrying about tipping over. It’s kind of like driving a well-balanced sedan before jumping into a sports car.
Take Andrew, one of our paddling clients. He had years of experience in SUP but jumped straight into an elite-level surfski. After spending more time flipping than paddling, he decided to switch to a more stable beginner model. It wasn’t long before he was outpacing his friends—and staying dry while doing it.
Intermediate Surfskis: Once you’ve got the hang of things, it’s time to step it up a notch. Intermediate surfskis offer a balance between speed and stability, perfect for those who’ve gotten past the basics and want a bit more thrill without sacrificing too much control. Think of it like upgrading from your reliable sedan to a sporty, agile coupe—fun, but still manageable. There is a caveat, if you paddle alone in rough water, or in conditions that could change suddenly, you might want to hang onto that beginner surfski and skip moving to an intermediate one.
Advanced Surfskis: Now, if you’re the kind of person who likes living on the edge (literally), an advanced surfski might be calling your name. These boats are built for speed and performance, with a narrower, tippier design that rewards skill but punishes hesitation. It’s the F1 car of the paddling world: fast, sleek, and unforgiving. If you’re ready to go pro or you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is where you’ll find your match.
Before making your choice, ask yourself: How comfortable am I in dynamic water conditions? Do I prefer stability, or am I looking for raw speed and performance? The answer will help you determine which level of surfski suits you best.
Key Point 2: Understand Hull Design
Now that you’ve got an idea of what level of surfski you need, let’s dive into the design. Hull design is where things can get a bit technical, but don’t worry—we’ll keep it simple. Think of the hull like the personality of the surfski. It’s what determines how the boat behaves on the water, whether it’s smooth and stable or fast and twitchy.
Length and Width:
Let’s start with the basics. Longer surfskis tend to be faster—like a greyhound sprinting across the waves—but they’re also more challenging to control, especially in rough conditions. Wider surfskis, on the other hand, offer more stability but sacrifice a bit of speed. Picture it this way: the longer and narrower the ski, the more it resembles a high-performance sports car. The shorter and wider, the more it feels like an SUV—solid, reliable, and forgiving.
So, what should you go for? If you’re paddling mostly in calm, flat water and you’re looking to cover distance quickly, a longer surfski may be the ticket. But if you’re planning on tackling waves or chop, or if you’re still working on your balance, a wider, more stable hull will be a better match.
Rocker (Hull Curvature):
This one might sound like it belongs in a surfboard discussion, but it’s also important for surfskis. The “rocker” refers to the curvature of the hull from front to back. A ski with more rocker (more curve) will handle better in rough water—it’s like giving the boat a better sense of agility and turning power. Less rocker means the ski is more suited for flat water, where you want to maximize speed in a straight line. Less rocker doesn’t mean the ski won’t surf well, it just usually means it’s more suited to speed.
Think of rocker like the difference between a sports car and a race boat. The sports car (with more rocker) can weave in and out of traffic with ease, while the race boat (less rocker) flies in a straight line but struggles to turn quickly.
Too much rocker for lighter paddlers can end in a bit of frustration in strong side winds. If half of your ski is out of the water (think nose and tail), and you are paddling in a side wind, you will have a harder time controlling the boat, and will be slower. Always check for a good waterline length on your surfski.
Materials and Weight:
The material your surfski is made from will impact both its performance and its price. Most surfskis are made from fiberglass, carbon fiber, or a hybrid of both. Carbon fiber is the lightest and fastest option, and comes with a higher price tag. Fiberglass is more affordable and durable, but it’s heavier.
If you’re competing, a lightweight carbon ski might give you that edge you’re looking for. But if you’re just starting out or aren’t chasing medals, fiberglass might be more practical—and easier on the wallet.
Another important concept is that boat speed comes from hull design and hull rigidity more than the weight of the boat. The stiffer it is, the faster it will go. Prepreg, autoclaved boats are the most ridgid around!
It’s not always about performance though, and sometime just being able to effortlessly lift the surfski onto your roof after a long session makes that extra light carbon laup worth the extra $$!
Key Point 3: Comfort is Key
Here’s a golden rule of surfski paddling: if you’re not comfortable, you’re not going far. No matter how fast or fancy your ski is, if you’re wincing every time you sit in it, you’re going to dread every paddle. Let’s break down why comfort should be high on your list of priorities.
Seat Design:
Surfski seats come in all shapes and sizes, and what works for one paddler might not work for another. You’ll want a seat that allows you to move freely, with no large hump under your knees, restricting your hard-earned paddling technique.
Footwells and Adjustability:
Your feet are your anchor points in a surfski. Adjustable footwells let you customize your fit, ensuring your legs are properly engaged, and that you’re getting the most power with each stroke. Having a footplate that flexes is just an energy leak, so make sure it is made of carbon and can take your foot pressure.
Drainage:
Surfski cockpits can take on water, especially in rough conditions, but a good drain system can help keep things dry. The drain works like magic, using the boat’s forward motion to suck out any water that enters the cockpit. Make sure the ski you choose has an effective self-bailing system, especially if you plan on paddling in choppy water.
Nordic kayaks come with the deBrito bailer, which has three convenient settings. Starting with completely closed, this setting keeps water out of the boat, especially nice in winter, when you don’t want cold and wet feet! The second setting is halfway open, allowing for less hull resistance but still enough to drain your ski and the third is fully open, for rough water conditions,allowing the most drainage.
A few things to note here: the normal paddling action will drip water into your cockpit, so even in flat conditions you will get water in the ski’s cockpit. No system is perfect, and some may leak a little. This is still better than having permanent open scupper/venturi systems, as the cockpit will fill up whenever you stop paddling.
Key Point 4: Test Before You Buy
Here’s the deal—surfskis are like shoes. You wouldn’t buy a pair of running shoes without trying them on first, would you? It’s the same with surfskis. You have to test before you commit, and this is where the real magic happens.
Demo Days and Local Rentals:
Most reputable surfski shops or manufacturers offer demo days or rentals. This is your chance to get hands-on experience with different models. Try out various sizes, designs, and brands until you find the one that feels right. Even if it takes a couple of tries, don’t rush the decision. You’re investing in an experience, not just a product.
Factors to Test:
When you’re testing a surfski, focus on three key areas: stability, comfort, and handling. How does the ski feel when you’re sitting still? Is it easy to balance? How does it handle when you pick up speed or encounter waves? Does the cockpit feel comfortable after 30 minutes, or are you already fidgeting? These little details are crucial for your long-term enjoyment.
Seek Advice:
If you’re lucky enough to know an experienced paddler or coach, ask for their input. They’ll be able to spot things you might miss and can offer valuable tips on technique and fit. If you can, pick someone who looks like you. For example, if you are a 130 lbs and 5’5 and ask a 6’4 200 lbs paddler how they experience a surfski, it will more than likely feel completely different to them then it would to you!
And if you don’t know anyone personally, online forums or local paddling groups are great places to ask for advice.
Conclusion
Choosing a surfski is an exciting process, but it’s also one that requires thought, patience, and a little bit of trial and error. Start by assessing your paddling level—beginner, intermediate, or advanced—and then look at the ski’s design, from the hull to the seat. Remember, comfort and stability should be top priorities. And above all, don’t skip the test drive!
The world of surfski paddling is fast-paced, thrilling, and endlessly rewarding. Once you find your perfect ski, you’ll be hooked. So go on, start your journey, test some models, and get ready to take your fitness game to the next level on the open water.
What’s next?
Ready to get started? Contact us at Nordic Kayaks USA or swing by one of our demo days to try out a few models. We’ll help you find the surfski that fits you like a glove, and before you know it, you’ll be slicing through the waves with confidence. Let’s get paddling!
