Racing Kayaks Review in Kayak and Canoe Magazine

Mon - November 21, 2005

Marty Grabijas provides a review of four racing boats, Futura S1-X and Epic V10 surfskis, SRS Laser and Cobra Eliminator, in October 2005 on-line issue of Kayak and Canoe Magazine. It's not really a technical review (only two surfskis are comparable) but rather discussion of different options for a paddler who would like to paddle faster.

All boats are rated on a 5 point scale in the following categories: most likely to win a race in flat water, most likely to wind the race in open water (sea), most likely to cause a swim, most sex appeal (image factor). It is nice that Kayak and Canoe publishes something on racing boats.

All of these boats are well within reach of anyone who wants to step up to something faster, whether it is for competing, fitness training, or just the sheer joy of going fast.

Equipment is a tool to be used to get the job done; what matters most is just being on the water. Skill and finesse will always trump a fancy piece of eye candy gear. If, however, you’re after increased speed, these boats are the right tool for the job.one of them. Take a warm day, a piece of flatwater, a focused effort, and watch the shoreline go by like you jacked someone’s outboard.

At 5-10, 190 pounds, with a 34-inch waist, the author found the S1-X standard seat well to be a bit constrictive. Fortunately S1-X surfski by Futura (or Huki) has an option for somewhat wider seat. My own experience with a surfski is limited to testing an old Futura Blade. The seating well in the Blade was really too tight for me, especially, in a dry suit.

V10 and S1-X are two hot surfskis today. You can find a more detailed comparison of these two boats on North East Surfski Racing site together with a list of surfski manufactures, race results and pictures. There are some comments on S1-X surfski in paddling.net reviews.

If I decide to follow the surfski option for my new boat I will probably looking at Fenn Mako XT and Huki S1-R , which are more forgiving than the elite surfski like Epic V10, Futura S1-X or Fenn Mako Millenium. I would also consider an overstern rudder offered by Huki since my only racing in Colorado is on potentially shallow rivers. However, the decision for a new kayak will not be easy since I am also thinking about one of West Side Boat Shop kayaks (Thunderbolt or EFT) or a new Vampire from KayakPro.

Posted at 05:03 PM

fitness paddling: exercise, train, race by kayak & canoe

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Mon - November 21, 2005