Anybody on here use a waveski that can speak to their performance? I was checking out Island Waveskis and they look pretty sick. I'm looking for something with the performance of a surfboard and the maneuverability/power paddling ability of a kayak. Water up here is cold and tides move really fast...
really? nobody? looks like they can rip. but maybe not. its just mundaka... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W81ZJHzqP0
I used to have access to a couple through the shop I worked for when I was in school (much more than 10 years ago) and had a fun time on them. There are a couple things you need to watch out for though. First, they don't roll like a kayak, you have to do this funky layback roll with one of your feet out of the strap and kind of gripping the side with your leg (this might make sense if you are experienced with rolling other kayaks). Regardless, it's funky, which leads me to my next point: The waist strap can be extremely hard to get off if you put it on too tight. Imagine you're upside down after getting worked on a wave, you lost your paddle and you're out of air... then you find yourself having an extremely difficult time getting the waist strap to disengage because you are essentially hanging from it under the boat. Bottom line, practice your bails if you get one
That's good to know. I was thinking about going with no waist strap, just thigh and foot straps and attaching the paddle to the ski with a big wave leash so if you get worked you just hang on to your paddle. But maybe that wouldn't work...
oh good point, cresto. Forgot you were in Alaska.. by we...i was referring to Mid-Atlantic a little intoxicated, just got back from a wedding
I actually think you will have way more fun if you get a little freestyle whitewater kayak--at least I always thought it was more fun than the wave ski.
I'll add my .02. Waveskis are a blast. I come from years of surfing sea kayaks, plastic sit on tops, waveskis, and a Mega surf kayak, not to mention regular surfboards. If I were to surf Alaskan waters and did not have to worry about a shore break that would drill me into the beach, I would chose a surf kayak, like the Mega. You'd probably stay a little warmer and the surf kayak is easier to roll. Having said that, with our beach breaks if I'm going to sit down surf I prefer the waveski. My buddies and I have surfed everything from knee high days to overhead (standup, lol) hurricane swells. Waveskis are super responsive and the paddle helps even more. Roy at Island makes some great skis. I've owned 4 of his skis and have been very happy with them. I highly recommend the G-Force, it runs like a scalded cat, turns with just a hip flick, and the rails hold in the steepest of waves. Some photos of my buddies on some better VB days... https://picasaweb.google.com/103999048779733484130/Ts_danny_surf https://picasaweb.google.com/103999048779733484130/Hurricane_bill_surf Good luck in your seach.
