I've been paddling ski's for 30 years, however, I just bought a Nelo 600 thinking with that stability it shouldn't be a problem for my wife and I to ride some swells. Well, it seems I'm not the best instructor, we're taking baby steps and she's coming along. This advice was excellent. Thank You. I will say, I paddle 3 days a week, never stop, and I ride my bike to work 3 days a week. People think I'm crazy but those two sports are very similar in focus, cadence and meditation. Not to mention the adventure. Keeps me healthy and grounded, glad you two are taking the surfski adventure.
@ThePaddleChannel2 жыл бұрын
We couldn't agree more about the similarities between the surfski and cycling -- totally get what you're say there. Thanks for sharing with us!
@FrankLadd5 жыл бұрын
Great advice about the virtual beach ball! I've actually tied a string from the vest to the paddle, keep the string tight and I'm paddling fine. I'm certainly no expert, but this drill really helped. I'm now dropping my top hand to eye or nose level, still high but elbows not locked. I also believe that starting with a beginner ski is best. That V8 or even a V7 would be a good start and there are a lot of them out there to borrow or buy used. Even if you upgrade to a V12, keep the V10 sport and you'll be faster on choppy days. I've seen top paddlers using their stable boat on choppy days to win races. Great video! Hope you keep sharing the tips!
@ThePaddleChannel5 жыл бұрын
Great tips, Frank. We'll have to try the string. A V8 in the stable sounds like a good idea for downwind days...maybe one day...
@lov2playtn4 жыл бұрын
It is very interesting to see...how you interpret and use the lessons you learned from other paddling experts...it is very helpful and fun. Thank you and please keep sharing!
@ThePaddleChannel4 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Peter. Sometimes we go back and think, "Well, we were doing THAT wrong," but the journey, figuring out what works and when it works, when we're ready to apply a new drill, trying to get our skill and/or technique up to the point where a specific drill actually does us some good, that's part of the fun. Always learning!
@barryblackburn59103 жыл бұрын
Thanks for being so positive. We are learning something EVERY time we paddle.
@paddlefaster2 жыл бұрын
One of the best tips I've heard is to not concentrate on the leg you're putting weight on but rather the leg that you're lifting back. For some reason this works like a charm.
@ThePaddleChannel2 жыл бұрын
John, that's a great tip. We discovered that after posting this video, and you're right, it works like a charm. Thanks for sharing that!
@DaveTheKayaker4 жыл бұрын
Great advice, guys. Getting better in a "next step" boat on flat water will help you in all other boats.
@ThePaddleChannel4 жыл бұрын
It's been helpful so far. Surfski paddling is so technical, and it takes a lot of time to grasp, but it's fun to learn (as long as you don't mind getting wet every once in a while). :) Thanks for sharing your comment!
@barryblackburn59103 жыл бұрын
I agree. Thanks for the comment. We are learning something new every time we paddle.
@kevinwaters-marsh217 Жыл бұрын
Thanks guys. Great advice. Stay safe and enjoy
@OscardeChapala3 жыл бұрын
Great video. Thanks, one the best tips I've ever heard. I have been kayaking for 10 years ( sea kayak) , almost three of them with a wing paddle. I think I paddle well, my 16 foot 60 cm kayak (not very fast) I get a speed of 8.3 km / h in 8 km and flat waters. I bought a surfski last month (19ft 50cm wide) and still can't achieve the same average speed (lack of balance makes me paddle badly).
@ThePaddleChannel3 жыл бұрын
Glad the tips were helpful, Oscar! The balance and speed will come as you get more time in the surfski and focus on technique. Looking forward to hearing more as you spend more time in the 'ski!
@raju-bitter Жыл бұрын
Great advice, thanks!
@ThePaddleChannel Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@hope4surf4 жыл бұрын
Great vid! One day I'll try one of those things...LOL! :)
@ThePaddleChannel4 жыл бұрын
Definitely! Surfski is a LOT of fun!
@barryblackburn59104 жыл бұрын
I love OC1 and Surfski. Catching downwind bumps is what we want to do!
@d14273 жыл бұрын
if this is advice for novice paddlers, I'd say that before polishing the paddling technique: 1. practice remount on both sides to build confidence that you are safe going out in the open [even on flat water], and 2. practice bracing on both sides to keep you in the boat... After that, sure- those four tips are helpful
@ThePaddleChannel3 жыл бұрын
Agreed...those are great starting points (after all the equipment selection and set up). Thanks for sharing!
@barryblackburn59103 жыл бұрын
Great point! In those first few months I would fall out 6-8 times every time we paddled! Flat water time and practice remounting have been very important.
@lov2playtn4 жыл бұрын
You guys are amazing for beginners!
@ThePaddleChannel4 жыл бұрын
That's very kind, Peter. It may have more to do with careful editing than actual, um, amazingness. But thank you!
@ThePaddleChannel4 жыл бұрын
Careful editing plus years of SUP and OC1 paddling have helped us when moving into Surfski.
@barryblackburn59104 жыл бұрын
Thanks Peter. Lots of SUP and OC1 has helped the transition to Surfski. Do you paddle other craft besides Surfski?
@lov2playtn4 жыл бұрын
@@barryblackburn5910 Only surf skis and in flat waters...not as brave as you athletes...but always working on technique ...maybe because of my age 86...but love the sport and everything about it...
@barryblackburn59104 жыл бұрын
Peter Ratz you paddling at 86 years is so awesome. I hope to be paddling like you in the future!!
@tommycheshire55084 жыл бұрын
You guys make me want to paddle one of these.
@ThePaddleChannel4 жыл бұрын
They really are a lot of fun, Tommy. Definitely a technical craft to learn, but the reward is well worth the effort.
@barryblackburn59103 жыл бұрын
You should! The mechanics are quite friendly to my back and hips. I paddle OC1 a bunch and my body feels better with a Surfski session 1-2 times per week. Sometimes I paddle mostly Surfski and mix in OC1.
@Alastair5103 жыл бұрын
I could do with some guidance covering: Turning (from upwind to downwind). Coping with cross-chop and confused waters.
@ThePaddleChannel3 жыл бұрын
We'll see if we can put our heads together and see what has helped us, and maybe get some input from others, too.
@barryblackburn59103 жыл бұрын
I am sure there are more experienced paddlers who could answer this and I would enjoy reading their comments. Here is what I have learned over the last several years down-winding on SUP, OC1 and now surfski. When we are ready to turn in really messy water and head downwind it’s always a little nerve wracking. Yes, falling happens at times so you need to be able to remount the ski and you should wear a PFD or have one on your craft, and you MUST have a leash attached correctly or your craft could be gone in just a few seconds. Here are some thoughts: 1. Time your turn. If you can see a spot in between bumps go for it. 2. Keep the paddle in the water, in other words do shorter strokes or higher strokes per minute so you have another point of balance. 3. It’s ok to paddle parallel to the bumps a few strokes to keep your speed up. Speed = balance in the ski. (Similar to riding a bike). When I go slow it’s harder to balance. 4. As you turn to follow a bump, even at an angle, then ultimately directly behind the predominant swell, it gets easier very fast and then you really start to smile!! 5. It’s totally worth it to go for it even if you know there is a high likelihood of falling. If you aren’t falling then you probably aren’t pushing yourself. Just have a leash and PFD. And don’t drop your paddle if you can help it 😂
@Lehmann1082 жыл бұрын
Kayak, dragon boat, OC1 and soon, surfski!
@ThePaddleChannel2 жыл бұрын
Paddle ALLL the things!
@gatoraddison4 жыл бұрын
Great video! What are some pointers on purchasing a first timers ski. Brands? Any helpful hints. Thanks
@ThePaddleChannel4 жыл бұрын
I'm not sure we're the best to ask, since we're novices ourselves. :) Around here (Wilmington, NC) we see more Epics than anything else. They definitely have a surfski for every level and type of conditions -- maybe start by looking at a V8. The main piece of advice I hear over and over from people who know is to NOT get a ski that's too advanced, as you'll just fall over, get frustrated, and develop bad habits. I know Fenn (Mako XT) and Nelo (maybe the 510) have some good options, but we've only paddled Epic surfskis.
@barryblackburn59104 жыл бұрын
Mike Addison I would advise you to try a friends ski. Also, if you are coming from a kayak/outrigger canoe background you may be surprised that you can look at then V10 Sport or V10. It also helps if you are not worried about falling in and getting wet.
@josealqueres4 жыл бұрын
@@ThePaddleChannel Excelent tip. I made a mistake to start with a V10 Sport and I got very frustrated spending more time trying to stay on the ski than paddling. V8 is definitly the one to go with. Im thinking about the new V9 now but Im scared it would too tippy for my level.
@ThePaddleChannel4 жыл бұрын
@@josealqueres it's taken a lot of flat water time to get comfortable with the V10 Sport in the ocean. Rod is paddling a V8 Pro right now while the V10 Sport is getting repaired. We're looking forward to getting it into the ocean soon! Also, we're going to have access to a V9 soon, so we'll try to do a comparison between the V8 Pro, the V9, and the V10 Sport!
@alanshunter4 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike , if I can give you advice it'll be to buy an entry level ski and grow your confidence in it , there's a lot of brands to consider and more added all of the time Fenn, Carbonology ,Think, Nelo, Epic etc . you'll find entry skis less available on the used market and thats because they become keepers the opposite is true of less stable skis. People want to jump a step to save a little money thats the first mistake really and that leads to stability and confidence issues that can become tough to shake, you'll end up being a prisoner to flat water and light days or simply loose interest because they don't paddle them enough due to difficulty. Stable skis like Cruze, V8, Zen, Mako xt , 510 etc will let you head out in much bigger conditions and settle into downwind and the pleasures of that intoxicating discipline . Id far rather have a ski that I can pick up and paddle on any given day than a ski that makes me consider my sea state options more carefully. Also worth knowing that the guy in the elite ski is sitting on the same wave as the guy in the intro ski , the wave is going at the same speed for both of them ... :) when it comes to choice of brand , compare weight and price consider a light ski that doesn't break the bank. surfskicomparison.com is a great dynamic site to compare brands. best of luck its a great sport
@ling208054 жыл бұрын
Careful with the high top hand above your shoulder. Paddling legend, Oscar Chalupsky likes lower hands in his videos to try & prevent shoulder injuries.
@ThePaddleChannel4 жыл бұрын
We've talked (with ourselves) about hand height quite a bit. Hand height seems to be one of those details where coaches/legends tend to disagree. Oscar, definitely a legend who understands longevity, advocates lower hands, some coaches say the hands should be eye-high, some say forehead-high. Working through details like that is one of the fun things about paddling. Thanks for your comment. It would be fun it other knowledgeable paddlers weighed in with their feelings about hand height!
@PA967044 жыл бұрын
Everyone is not an Oscar. It's like saying everyone needs to swing like Tiger Woods.
@michaeltowler26323 жыл бұрын
I'm 78 and have bad shoulders with constant pain from a lifetime of being a labourer .and was trying doing what Chalupsky advocates. I have been going higher with the backhand lately and noticed less strain, funnily enough. I think it"s because the blade goes in more vertically and gravity does most of the work in burying the blade and by the time the strain comes on, the hand is then lower than my chin and at shoulder level.
@barryblackburn59103 жыл бұрын
It is interesting how technical the Surfski paddle stroke is. It certainly is a challenge to learn. I love Dawid and Jasper Mocke’s videos. Oscar has very good videos as does Ivan Lawler.
@barryblackburn59103 жыл бұрын
Check this video out... kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aKiJhc-FntK9n3U.html I like how his first technique video starts with the feet / legs.
@mattm00ey4 жыл бұрын
cool video!
@ThePaddleChannel4 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Matt. Learning the surfski is a journey, for sure!
@barryblackburn59104 жыл бұрын
Thanks Matt. We are learning lots. Where do you paddle?
@michaeltowler26323 жыл бұрын
That's interesting, looking at the video where your friend pulls himself out of the ski while you"re in the outrigger if you pause the video, he is going over to the right before he even gets the right blade in. It looks more like the extra backwards left blade stroke and body pushes his ski hull over to the right and he was already going in long before the right side stroke.
@ThePaddleChannel3 жыл бұрын
Michael, that particular swim was caused by a slight swell quartering from the rear + lack of stability + lack of bracing + too long a stroke + lack of surfski ocean experience +...well, you get the idea. It's fun looking back at these videos now, as we wouldn't have any problems at all with these conditions now. But then, when just starting out, it was challenging!
@barryblackburn59103 жыл бұрын
Lots of falling going on 😂😂. We were really true beginners here and still are in a way with just under two years of Surfski experience now. Fun to learn a new skill.
@WarbirdPylonRacer4 жыл бұрын
Which do you like better, the OC1 or the surfski?
@ThePaddleChannel4 жыл бұрын
It's hard to say. The OC1 seems like a lot of drag after paddling the surfski for a while -- it's hard not to get addicted to the speed. Both are a lot of fun, but the surfski is really, really fun in the bumps!
@barryblackburn59104 жыл бұрын
WarbirdPylonRacer that is a tough one. I REALLY like both. I was having left hip pain so it has been nice to learn the ski. When I get more proficient in the ski I think I am gonna like it even more. The ski is faster and can catch more bumps. The problem is I fall out lots right now because I’m so new to the ski. Downwinding is where it’s at for sure!!! Regardless of which craft you are in. I’ll close with that.
@ThePaddleChannel4 жыл бұрын
I had a GREAT one man paddle just the other day. I have more experience in the OC1 so if there is lots of crosswind or mixed up swell I prefer the OC1. With that said we had a great down wind run last week where I was STOKED in the ski. I think that session was perfect for the ski because the wind and swell were directly behind us.
@barryblackburn59104 жыл бұрын
Right now I like the OC1 better in the down wind bumps. However, if the wind and swell is directly behind me... the surfski is faster. As my skill in the ski improves I think I’m going to like the ski more and kore.
@barryblackburn59103 жыл бұрын
LOVING the Vega Surfski right now. However I paddled OC1 last week. My answer right now would be... “whatever I paddled last.” Great problem to have.
@eveanddell2 жыл бұрын
Great advice. Is it worth looking into an Epic V5? I am a SUP race enthusiast so I am looking into cross training with surfskis.
@ThePaddleChannel2 жыл бұрын
In OUR opinion, if you want to race, you probably won't be happy with the V5. A V8 or V9 might be better. Be warned, though, once you get the hang of the surfski, you may find yourself paddling it a lot more than your SUP... :)
@b1lyb4 жыл бұрын
Don't try to learn a surf ski by trial and error. You will just learn bad habits. Buy Dawid Mocke's book "Surf ski with the Pros". It is the best surf ski book available. It will save you tons of frustration and you will know the right way to paddle in all conditions. Attach your self to the boat and make sure your remounts are bomb proof.
@johnnyaferg4 жыл бұрын
The book is written by Kevin Brunnette not Mocke but good advice!
@ThePaddleChannel4 жыл бұрын
Great advice. We're digging both Oscar's online course, and the Mocke brother's online course, too. But the most improvement has some from lessons with people who know what they're doing -- instant feedback is great! Will definitely check out that book -- thanks!
@barryblackburn59104 жыл бұрын
Billy B great advice. We have been studying his videos as well. Thanks!
@carinaportillo87513 жыл бұрын
I would recommend you to look at Oscar Chalupsky videos again.
@ThePaddleChannel3 жыл бұрын
Great advice, Carina. There's a wealth of information in the videos Oscar shares, and we revisit them regularly. Thanks for chiming in!
@barryblackburn59103 жыл бұрын
Yeah they are good. Dawid and Jasper Mocke have excellent videos as well. I still think this video is helpful for beginners. It’s cool to see the sport growing and videos like this might not be perfect but definitely help the sport.
@mattm00ey4 жыл бұрын
youre beginners but can jump in a v10, in the sea?
@ThePaddleChannel4 жыл бұрын
Well, it's a V10 Sport, which is a bit more stable than the V10. Barry is now paddling a Gen 1 V10, which is a bit more tippy than the current V10 model (he says its stability is somewhere between a V11 and V14). Both of us had a fair bit of water time in the OC1 before trying the surfski, so maybe that helped. And there was much swimming in rough conditions. The 2nd time I tried the V10 Sport downwinding, I already had finished my craiglist ad in my head to sell the thing by the time I hit shore. :) But I'm glad I didn't sell it -- it's a blast!
@barryblackburn59104 жыл бұрын
Matt Moom yes but I have a PFD and a leash!! Plus, I don’t mind swimming and climbing back in the ski. It helps that we have been surfing, paddling for close to 25 years. We are new to the ski though and I can think of two ocean sessions in particular where I was glad I had a PFD on. I was exhausted on both occasions and and used the PFD to rest a few min before remounting the ski for the 7th time in a row!!! A leash and a PFD are so important.
@josealqueres4 жыл бұрын
No way. Only if you want to swim more than you want to paddle. Go with the V8. Its pure fun, fast, stable and you wont regreat it.
@barryblackburn59104 жыл бұрын
José Marcelo Alquéres thanks for the feedback. I have heard good things about the V8. 👍
@barryblackburn59104 жыл бұрын
José Marcelo Alquéres my buddy Rod has a V8 Pro and he said it is much more stable than the V10 Sport.
@JtJt-bg8rn2 жыл бұрын
What’s that hideous noise? A cricket that swallowed a megaphone?? 😩
@ThePaddleChannel2 жыл бұрын
That is a cicada, so common here in the summer we don't even notice them. It IS pretty hideous though, isn't it? :)
@mikecoglione1308 Жыл бұрын
I tried Surfski but it was too unstable for me. I got one that was supposed to be stable but all I could do was flip it. Man all you have to do is move or try to paddle or even turn your head and look at something and the boat heels over, flipping with the slightest (or no) provocation. It's not an easy sport and very "1 percenter" for sure. On paper the skis aren't that much faster but man you have to try a lot harder and do so much more to make them work without guarantee you will actually be successful. Try before you buy is highly recommended. Please do not use the term flatwater; there is no such thing. I paddle lakes and rivers exclusively all you need is more than nominal wind and things get pretty scary there too, not as bad as the ocean and of course if you flip you tend to be closer to shore so you don't have to swim far (or are already in) shallow water where get back into the boat but still it doesn't take much wind to make any open body of water get pretty hairy. Call it less scary water, at least compared to the ocean but the only flat water that exists is in a bottle or if you put the stopper in your tub and stay still while you take a bath.
@ThePaddleChannel Жыл бұрын
One of the things we love about paddling is all the different options available to get out and enjoy the water. Surfski manufacturers have done a great job bringing more stable skis to market over the past decade, which is great for the sport and for developing paddlers. We swam a lot when we first started surfski, and definitely couldn't carry on a conversation or look over our shoulder, but we're really glad we stuck with it. For us, it's been worth the effort. Thanks for sharing your experience with us -- try before you buy is great advice!
@mikecoglione1308 Жыл бұрын
@@ThePaddleChannel I love paddling as people say it about different things "it can take you where nobody or nothing else can go" but paddling does that more than any other sport. I liked the idea of an ultralight boat that was really easy to carry and on paper was fast but it was too much. It's not like cycling (another sport I really like) where obviously training and physical conditioning is key but all else being equal a more expensive, upmarket model will help make more out of the same athlete. In paddling the further upmarket you go the harder the boats become and that threshold is not very forgiving if you're 6'5".