Surf skis have a reputation for being all about racing and downwinding but there are stable touring surf skis with storage hatches which are ideal for day trips, overnights and performance paddling.
I turned to surf skis as an alternative to sea kayaking.
After a near drowning stuck upside down in a closed deck skirted surf kayak 18yrs ago, I began to look for smarter sit-down and open cockpit kayak options.
There are a few stable surf skis like the Stellar s18s EXP (Also called the Osprey), the new Stellar Egret, the Carbonology Cruze, and Epic V6 and Epic V8 Tourer both with 2 full storage hatches for day trips and overnights. Each are still 2x faster than sea kayaks and are great for downwinding and surfing.
Carbonology’s Cruze with 2 hatches
Advantage of a Surf Ski over a Sea Kayak for Trips?
- Skis have super light weight options making it easier to carry by yourself thus also go faster with less weight to glide. The Cruze here is 28lbs with 2 hatches.
- Open deck means you don’t have to have specialized skills for wet exits and re-entries. And it’s easier to stretch your legs.
- Like a SUP, you can throw your legs over the side, sit in the cockpit sideways and pop out anytime.
- 2x as fast as sea kayaks! Better for up-winding and surfing with more control.
- Foot rudders allow for more control. Add sea kayak edging for tighter turns.
Tip: Super light skis are not tough like a heavy sea kayak.
Carbonology Cruze’s stern hatch
What to Look for in Touring Surf Skis?
- Not all skis are tippy. Look for 21-22″ wide, same width as many sea kayaks. Stable means you’ll also have more fun surfing and downwinding. Narrow skis are not faster if you’re struggling for stability.
- 1-3 storage hatches that can carry overnight gear.
- There are plastic cheaper skis but they’re heavier often as much as 50-60 pounds. Can you carry this solo and car-top it?
- Fit – Try the cockpit, is it comfortable? If you’re tall like me, do you fit? Can u use leg drive or just squeeze in? Cockpits can be customized to your butt fit, so the stock feel isn’t the only way.
- Try before you buy.
- Ventuli styles. The ventruli sucks water out of your cockpit when paddling. The pull-up lever style keeps water out if closed. Open ventrulis only keep water out if moving.
Touring a Washington coast river with the Carbonology Cruze
Check out the features in the Carbonology Cruze in this video (note: forgot to mention the scuppers)..
Big Folks in Surf Skis
Tall folks like me have less skis to choose from if you want to do the leg drive common in surf ski paddling. Stellar’s ‘Sit on Tops’ which are stable surf ski’s with hatches do fit tall folks. Check them out..
I’m 6′-5″ and have a 32″ inseam and fit well in the Carbonology Cruze, It can go to 33″. Also the Stellar s18s EXP and the Epic V8. The cockpit seat or ‘bucket’ fits fine without being too tights in the hips.
Stellar s18s EXP
I didn’t fit in the Epic V6 both with length and width.
Gear for Surf Skis
Paddles – You can use a kayak paddle with a ski. You’re not required to use a wing paddle. Even a canoe paddle works!
Leash – I attach a coiled 8-11′ SUP leash to my waist straps on my PFD then to the stern bungees or tie-downs. I like to stay attached when in the water and launching. Also to my waist means it’s easier to detach if in a pickle.
Life Jacket – Low-profile thin PFDs are best so you climb back on easier. Mocke, Vaikobi and NRS each have options.
Hi-Vis Colors – For any paddling. It’s nice be seen.
Check out my surf ski and SUP classes in the Pacific Northwest – www.salmonbaypaddle.com
About writer Rob Casey – Named a pioneer in the SUP industry by Stand Up Journal, Rob is the author of “Stand Up Paddling Flat Water to Surf and Rivers” and “Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juans, 60 Trips.” Rob owns SUP, Surf Ski and Kayak school Salmon Bay Paddle in Seattle.