Which rescue ski should I buy?
Hello family, in this article we are going to talk about the different models and brands that we find in the Spanish market, both new and second-hand . Which one is ideal for my balance, where I train, shape...?
The first thing we are going to assess is my balance and level . Something clear in this type of boat is that the wider and flatter the hull is: the more stability and balance. And, in an environment like the sea with waves, the fastest ski will always be the one that I am able to go fast and stable , that is, it will not be the fastest model, but the one that I can move and go through the waves with more control. If I get that with the biggest and heaviest ski in the club, for me it will be my formula one, since otherwise I will be in the water longer than on the ski. If the ski is narrower, with a more convex hull and a higher seat, it will be more hydrodynamic and faster for those who have better balance , exchanging speed for stability.
In the sales market, whether new or second-hand, we will find them in all shapes, colors and eras.
Details to keep in mind about skiing:
- Regulation system:
To regulate the paddler's size and be able to properly transmit power to the ski, remember that it is essential to have control and balance. The sole of the foot must be completely supported on the tread, the knees semi-flexed (generally speaking and in a generalized way, we measure a fist between the bubble and the knees, that convex part of the ski between the seat and the tread), the buttocks well back and the back straight (avoid lying down as if it were a sofa).
Many times if we do not reach the height of the tread, remember that you can remove the rail stop to move the tread further towards us, or simply ask the factory to move it forward.
*In the case of non-adjustable skis :
Advantages: there is no space for water to stay in the cockpit due to the way they are shaped. They are not adjustable, so the system never breaks down because it does not have one. You can order it customized for you and to your measurements.
Disadvantages: it is only suitable for people of the same size, so it is more difficult for a club to share, and when it comes time to sell it, your market may be reduced.
- Boat shape:
The distance from the rudder to the stern:
Depending on the brand and model, we can find the rudder slightly further away from the stern (as in some Fenns). The further back it is, with larger waves, the greater the chance of the rudder being left out of the water, making it difficult to turn and control the direction of the ski.
The seat:
High: the ski tends to be more unstable since we are not as wedged into the boat, but our posture and transmission when paddling is more effective , since we can transmit the force better. It penalizes a little in choppy or larger wave conditions, and it can be more difficult for us to sit correctly when we start.
Low: This will provide us with more stability by being more fitted into the boat, but the hip position is more uncomfortable (compared to the high seat) since the paddler's posture changes.
Position: It depends on where the seat is placed on the ski, it is more favorable in some conditions than others. For example: the Fenn is slightly further back in the boat and the Carbonology is further forward, which is why the latter enters the waves sooner, but in big waves it tends to sink faster. In the case of the Fenn, it has more difficulty entering small waves “runners”, but it performs much better in big waves, since it does not sink as easily (because the seat is further back) and when it comes to passing the waves, it jumps over them and does not go through them.
The treading girth:
It is important to have a grip when going through waves, as it gives you a certain stability when the wave pushes you back, and also when paddling and transmitting the force. It is essential in big wave conditions, since when we are going to do a “turtle” with the ski, that is where we are going to grab on . It must also be taken into account when doing land exits (dragging the ski) since that is usually where we grab it.
Venturi:
Skis that are not adjustable do not have one, so it is an advantage for their care. Skis that have a venturi must be careful not to rub and not to let water in during repairs, as it is a possible point of entry for water.
Rudder:
It is important to always check that the rudder is completely straight, in line with the boat's pedals , and that it is in perfect condition, that it does not rub against the hull (due to some kind of impact) and that the rod has no play, since this is where it can collect water.
All brands have tried many different types of shapes and depending on the waves, some shapes work better than others. There is no secret formula, each one has its pros and cons, all depending on the conditions and the paddler.
We will talk about some brands (those we find in Spain) commenting on the characteristics of the shape of the skis.
South African brand with a impeccable track record in the world of surfski as well as in the world of surfing life saving.
It works very well in all kinds of conditions. Its strong point is, above all, in big wave conditions. When going over waves, the ski tends to jump over them, so the cockpit does not fill up (as much) with water and the paddler does not receive as much water. The large rock at the bow allows the ski to surf big waves and does not tend to sink easily (in very big wave conditions, all boats can sink) . As for the quality of the material, it is very good, these are skis that last a long time. Wetiz Fenn has several models:
Julz: high or low seat option. The low seat model is stable and fast, but the body position is not as comfortable when paddling and applying force as the high seat model, which gives you a better position when transmitting force when paddling, but on the other hand it is a little more unstable and this is noticeable when going through waves (it is important to put paraffin on the seat). Currently in European conditions it is the most used boat by top athletes.
Anecdotally, but worth noting, at the 2014 World Cup held in France and the 2016 World Cup held in Holland, it was the boat chosen by the world champion.
Tarps: stability against weight. This is the most stable and comfortable ski for beginners or intermediate riders in tough conditions. It is more difficult to move and slide due to its weight and the shape of the hull. It is not bad in big waves, and it is difficult to lose control of the direction or to sink it. The surfing is slow and clumsy but it is a start that gives the rider confidence .
It is no longer manufactured, but The brand has created a worthy successor which improves speed but still maintaining a high degree of stability.
Gupy Fenn: “ a small but powerful toy ”. A ski for children, designed for learning on waves in the sea, it is lightweight, easy to manoeuvre and stable.
Like Fenn, this brand is of South African origin with its greatest successes in the world of surfski, without neglecting surf life saving.
There is only one model, the Surf, with a medium-high seat, which offers us a comfortable and efficient position when paddling. It is one of the fastest skis without waves and in small wave conditions "runners". It has the small disadvantage, as we said before, that it penalizes a little in big waves when passing them, since it goes through them, so the cockpit and seat fill with water and it is more difficult to start the boat again. When surfing them, not having so much rock on the bow and having the seat further forward, this makes the ski sink more easily. Good quality material, with the possibility of "customizing" the boat.
As a novelty, Carbonology has released a new model of the Surf called Surf X , trying to improve the weak points of the previous model.
With good maintenance, we have a “boat for a while.”
OCEANPERF:
This French brand took the ACKUA LS model from Sipre and started selling it in France and Spain. It is a ski similar to the Tarps in terms of stability, ideal for learning. Very bright and pretty colours, reminding us of the Australian ones. It is a very versatile boat, ideal for a club, fast on the upwind and good for surfing.
It has some disadvantages such as the lack of a stopper in the rudder, so you have to be careful especially when leaving to have Always keep the pedals tense because, as there is no stop, the rudder can be blocked. Same as when a wave pushes us back when entering, if that happens we would have to get off the boat and turn the rudder by hand. As for equipment, It is a ski with a very rigid hull but the upper part of it is “softer”, so the quality could be greatly improved.
They have a beginner model of mini-kayak ideal for learning for personal use. For a club it would be advisable to order it with reinforcements for greater durability and resistance.
ROMAN:
Shape copied from the Julz, so it has similar characteristics to it, changing the material, small finishes and weight distribution in the boat.
TRIDENT:
Although they are no longer manufactured, there is no club that doesn't have one of these... It is a stable ski, easy to handle and surfable , as they have quite a lot of volume in the bow. Almost all of them have a water-repellent hood over the cockpit (breakwater function) which can be quite uncomfortable when girding, but for big waves, it is a very good ski and this breakwater/hood helps not to fill the cockpit and seat with water. As for the material, it can be improved a lot, but even so they have lasted over time. You have to be careful with the pedals, as they tend to break after a lot of use, so they should always be checked.
EPIC:
This brand stands out in the world of surfskiing for its great quality. They are skis with enough volume and weight in the bow, which makes it easier to get into and out of the wave . Stable boat and comfortable to stand on. A small difference is the position of the feet, as they are slightly separated and each one has its channel with its venturi and individual strap, but it is adjustable unlike the Dolphin. Very good quality and resistant material.
MAZU:
These are well-known skis in the surfski world, but they have a lot to be desired in the rescue world. They have a high seat, are unstable and nervous, difficult to adjust and are made of lower quality material. But they may be the cheapest and for learning, they are still skis. We don't know if they are still making them, so you can surely find them on the second-hand market.
NELO:
If Epic stands out in the world of surfski for its quality, Nelo is a leader in canoeing on the slopes. Incredible quality down to the smallest details and resistant. One of the disadvantages that this boat can have is its large and high seat, which provides more instability as it is not fitted into the boat, and its difficult adjustment system.
DOLPHIN:
The Australian brand has launched some very competent new models in Europe, with the advantage of being able to buy them customized to your needs. They are non-adjustable skis. There are also very good second-hand models like the famous Dominator. Designs with nice, personalized colors, and very good quality of material.
FORCEFIELD:
Australian brand with a lot of popularity in the 80s and 90s, distributed through Zacki Surf in Europe. Currently Wetiz, which distributes Fenn skis. Second-hand Forcefield skis can be found in a wide variety of shapes and made of very good quality material.
Surely and from time to time, you will find more brands of rescue skis in Spain, we have tried to talk about the most popular and best-selling ones.
Other details to keep in mind:
Adjust the tread symmetrically and with the rudder straight (a detail that we often forget, depending on the model it is not necessary to adjust it, but the vast majority do). You also have to take into account the angle of the pedals , that they are in a comfortable position for each one, neither too far forward nor too far back. If they are too far back it will be more difficult for us when turning the ski, and if they are too far forward it will be more uncomfortable when paddling.
Is it necessary to put paraffin on the seat? Yes, paraffin is put on the seat and sometimes on the sides. Especially when there are a lot of waves and when going out, it is very useful to stay in place. Remember that the cockpit is higher than a surfski, so having your bottom inside the seat is essential for balance. The amount of paraffin that can be put on the seat or other parts of the boat is always up to each person's taste and is a more personal matter.
Blowing the ski: It is recommended to blow the ski through the plug before inserting it. If there is a self-pressure valve, this is not necessary. And if we leave the boat in the sun, it is advisable to remove the plug.
Be careful with the air inlet hole ; if there is a self-pressure valve, it is not necessary. This hole to empty the ski inside and release the pressure from the heat is often always open and uncovered. Be careful! Since the fiber of the boat is damaged and rots from the inside, we have to keep it covered. There are plugs from almost all brands that are better than tape or duct tape, even small cork plugs.
Basic care : always empty the ski when leaving the water. Leaving water inside the boat can be harmful to the fibre and can make it soft. It is advisable to always soften the skis, especially the tread area and rails, and take some care with these parts by greasing them from time to time. It is also important to check the rudder cables to prevent possible breakage and take care of the rudder wheel and its screws so that they do not remain fixed for life.
And what about the ski cover? Well, it depends on where you have it stored and how often you are going to transport it from one place to another. It is advisable to always carry it in a cover when transporting it , because for its care, to cinch it and for any knocks it may have during the trip, the cover can help to cushion it a little. There are many types of covers such as canvas, polypro, sock, fitted, padded... you will find several on the market. You also have to take special care of the zippers on these, taking care of them, smoothing them and greasing them from time to time.
And that's all for today's post. We hope it helps or guides you. If you have any further input or questions, please contact us.
Greetings family.
