NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Surf skis

A surf ski is an elongated open cockpit kayak used for surf lifesaving or flat-water racing. Jump to: navigation, search A kayak is a type of small human-powered boat; a covered variant of a canoe, typically used with a double-bladed paddle instead of a canoes single bladed paddle. ... Surf lifesaving is a multifaceted movement that comprises key aspects of voluntary beach patrols and competitive surf sport. ...

Surf skis are very long and thin for kayaks, typically about 20 feet (6 meters) long and 20" (50cm) wide. As such, they excel at going fast and tracking well, but at the expense of maneuverability and stability. Most surf skis are made of composite materials, such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or kevlar, in order to minimize weight. Fiberglass or fibreglass is material made from extremely fine fibers of glass. ... Carbon fiber composite is a strong, light and very expensive material. ... Jump to: navigation, search Kevlar (poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide) is the DuPont Companyâ€™s brand name for a synthetic material constructed of para-aramid fibers that the company claims is five times stronger than the same weight of steel, while being lightweight, flexible and comfortable. ...

Surf skis are popular in warmer coastal regions, notably Australia, California, Hawaii, and South Africa, as paddling a surf ski inevitably involves contact with the water. In cooler waters, paddlers often choose to wear a wetsuit to paddle their surf skis. Two divers, one wearing a 1 atmosphere diving suit and the other standard diving dress, preparing to explore the wreck of the RMS Lusitania, 1935. ...

The Surf Ski is used in a number of surf lifesaving competition events in countries such as New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Surf lifesaving is a multifaceted movement that comprises key aspects of voluntary beach patrols and competitive surf sport. ...

Events include:

Ski
Run-Ski-Run
Double Ski
Ski relay
Taplin Relay
Ironman

There are many different makes of Surf Ski used in competitions, some common names are:

Hayden
Spectrum
Renegade
Dolphin
CHD (Cory Hutchings Design)

External Links

Futura Surf Skis
Burton Surf, Manufacturer of Surf Skis
Surf Ski Race in California
Surf Ski racing in New Zealand

Results from FactBites:

Review: Futura II, Sport Touring by Futura Surf Skis (1545 words)
	We wanted to create a surf ski similar to our world-class racing kayaks with more stability and the added utility of a touring kayak, thus allowing more people to enjoy true performance in a wider variety of conditions.
	Inspired by the ancient Polynesian oceangoing canoes, the long, narrow sit-on-top surf ski was originally designed for lifeguards to penetrate the surf zone in order to rescue victims of water sport accidents.
	The surf ski was mostly used in tropical climates; paddlers would wear only sunscreen and swimsuits, which made it slow to sell in North America.

Futura Surf Skis - Sit On Top Kayaks - F A Q's (2923 words)
	You may also discuss what your goals are and what you expect from your surf ski or outrigger canoe.
	In most cases we are able to build your custom surf ski in about 30 days.
	Set your surf ski into the water off the dock and dangle your legs over the edge with it.

More results at FactBites »

COMMENTARY

Share your thoughts, questions and commentary here

Want to know more?
Search encyclopedia, statistics and forums:

Feeds | Contact
The Wikipedia article included on this page is licensed under the GFDL.
Images may be subject to relevant owners' copyright.
All other elements are (c) copyright NationMaster.com 2003-5. All Rights Reserved.
Usage implies agreement with terms.