Thanks for the vid.The thing I love the most about this is the genuine enthusiasm and desire to share.I started about 6 weeks ago and bought an epic V8pro and loving it.Just doing flat water runs presently 3 times per week and getting coached.So much to learn which is the best bit and the sport opens up another world and allows you to make some great new friends.Keep up the great work and look forward to future vids as you progress
Hi I'm from Australia and stubbled upon your video, I'm heavily involved in the surf ski side of things not really ocean ski's. Anyways getting more to my point, I'm trained 3 times a week by ex Australian olympic kayakers who have meddled in K1 & K2, so I could say that my technique is pretty good after a couple of years with them. Just want to say your pulling to much with the blade with your arms, 1st problem with that is that your going to tire easily, 2nd is that unless you want to prolong your paddling life I would have more twist in your upper body making sure when you twist that the opposite blade thats not in the water, when you twist that you twist using your core to bring it over to the other side of your ski. Not a big deal but another tip is that you need to correct your exit of your blade out of the water. This might be a silly idea but in the long run isn't, see what your doing is when your paddle exits the water your pulling water out as well, this is called wasted energy. What you want to aim for is to bring your blade out flat so that your not flicking water into the air. These are some helpful tips hoping that these do help, I would recommend to find someone that is a professional or runs morning class's or something like that near you as if you keep developing your bad technique, its going to do your shoulders some real harm. Kind regard from Australia
my wife wont listen to me..."rotate honey, don't use your arms so much"....she sighs, goes on about her way, then complaigns about arm/shoulder discomfort later :) - best technique as I have come to understand has all to do with form and rotation, you use your back muscles primarily, which is FAR easier...nice looking surf ski, ive only done sea kayaks so far, and want to try these one day
I think you have to allow beginners to be sloppy at first. The muscles simply aren't there for proper technique in the beginning. During the period of time that I made this video I found that I would try to rotate but I could only keep it up for a short while before I'd fatigue, so I'd rely on my arms more. Also, I had to see video of myself to realize that even when I thought I was rotating s lot, it wasn't really that much. Watching video of myself (not this video, but others I've taken) I could see that I really had to exaggerate the notation much more than I thought, and even then - my spine simply couldn't twist that well. I really had to work up to what I'm doing today (years later), and I know I still rely on my arms a lot. Anyway, all I'm trying to say is that there are physical limitations too. I think if your wife shows improvement - that's good enough. Perfect form takes time. :-D
My first surfski lesson was in a very 'angry' sea in Fish Hoek, South Africa. Sadly my lower back couldn't handle the stress as a beginner with incorrect technique. I think I might go back to Dawid Mocke (multiple world champion) and his surfski school. Great video!
Hi from NZ I hope you are still enjoying your surfski. Heres my tips from another old beginner. Get a wing paddle you will find it locks on to the water alot more and will support your stroke. Your bum needs to slide on the seat so that you are using your legs to drive the boat. Some guys sit on plastic bags to make it slip more. Should feel similiar to doing a one leg deadlift. Your arms need to be straight just like a deadlift too so that it is the big muscles doing the work not your biceps.Your NOT pulling the paddle through the water. Your planting it and leveraging past it. Good to see you with a leg leash. Wear a PFD too, you only have to get cramp or have some mishap. Practice re entries every time you paddle if you cant do it in the conditions your paddling in your a liability. I always do a couple each side after a paddle and it can be cold here. Watch Oscar Chalupski for the slickest moves. Youve probably worked alot of tthis out by now and probably have a tan now too. OK good luck and keep paddling.
Sorry but this title is misleading. You are giving a lesson with almost zero experience or technical ability. As someone with such limited experience, you would be better pointing to a pro coach who actually knows what he is doing. Looking at the positive comments sadly shows it is the blind leading the blind. I was once told if you want to do it right, don't do it wrong as it is much harder to undo a bad habit than learn a new skill. If you want good video tutorials, search out Ivan Lawler (England coach and most UK's most successful paddler) and Oscar Chalupsky 12 times world Surfski champion. Don't be daunted by their expertise. They are both clear pro coaches that get right to the heart of the matter.
My dad was an avid outdoor guy. The sun on his ears caused cancer. Covering your ears could save your life. Yet all the time I see white guys ignoring the obvious weakness of their skill to warm sun. Cheers loved the video.
Watched your videos and journey to Hawaii! Congrats btw! Curious on how job hunting is going, and financial.. how are you doing? Plan on moving to Hawaii sometime later on! Thanks for the videos, very helpful and entertaining.
Things are going well. I have a job, and have been working for a month and a half. I have a whole slew of ideas for updates. I need to make some videos. I've been slicking! :-)
Here's the deal: 1) Many people are purists. They think you must have a wing paddle on a surfski. They're wrong. Ignore them. 2) When used properly, a wing paddle will help you travel up to 3% faster. Repeat, "when used properly". So, if you're just beginning - you're just learning... You're not going to use a wing paddle properly. It takes time. You must build up your muscles, specifically your "core", and get the stroke down. Even then, we're only talking about 3%, tops. 3) If you already have a paddle - use the one you have. You can move to wing paddle later if you get into it. Wing paddles are $400. No reason to spend that money if you don't need to. Or, if you're on a budget - yeah, just buy a cheap paddle. There really is no reason to use a wing paddle until you start getting serious about racing. Even then, to repeat myself, it will (at best) only be a 3% improvement - At best! I have argued (to the death) with people here about wing paddles. The thing we all need to keep in our minds when discussing wing paddles is that it's only a small benefit. To a beginner... there's really really no benefit at all, which was the point of making this video. I wanted to show that surfskiing on an easy boat isn't really all that difficult. Too many videos are for the pros and the people that want to be pro. I think this turns off allot of beginners. So, my 2 cents: don't worry about what people think. Use whatever equipment you want. As you get more into it - upgrade.
I like watching your vids :j can't wait till my own breakout of Seattle. How is your one friend who moved to Oregon doing there? I've been looking out that way.
I enjoyed your video. Why on earth don't you wear a PDF though? I have had various sea Fishing Kayak and also have a Mirage 583 with an epic v8 on its way. I have always worn a PDF and even on the river I wear it even if going for a short paddle, the river is only about 50m at its widest.
I have a leash around my leg. Though, I do wear a PFD in extremely rough conditions. Really though, the real safety concern is being able to call 911. I carry my phone with me all the time. Unlike being in a river, I'm not likely to hit my head if I fall out. The risk is simply getting in conditions where you can't get out. eg. I've been hit my rogue waves, and houlied. The waves made it very tough to get back in the boat. In those scenarios - you need a phone (an ELT is even better). I really try to avoid conditions like that, and am always thinking, "can I swim to shore from here?" Oh... and, I only go far out during on-shore winds. I stay pretty close to shore when the wind is going out to sea.
@@HaoleDreamer I wear my pdf because what could happen if you had some sort of medical episode and you're by yourself, Our river here is none running except in the wet as they're 3 weirs on it before the salt. As well sharks we also have salt water crocs around in our waters.
Before I bought the V8, all my paddling experience was in canoes in summer camp as a kid. So, I was a total newbie when I started paddling the V8. I recently bought a V12 (more advanced surfski), and it's like starting all over again. :-)
Thanks for sharing your move to Hawaii. I lived in Seattle for many years and now reside in Thailand. I used to vacation in Hawaii to escape the gloom of Seattle and now I am thinking of moving to Hawaii since Thailand is getting a bit old hat and too hot! I am especially interested in the housing prices in Hawaii. btw I really like the Kailua area. I use to body surf at Waimanalo and Bellows AFB.
Great Video that would reassure any potential paddler wanting to get a surf ski. James Hill made some valid point below. Check out TH-cam Michelle Ramazza Paddling technique and you will be able to address the point that James hilighted... Over all great video and much appreciated from Lismore NSW Australia.
Iaapwm I've been improving, and I was in a few races this last year. I've actually had a coach help me with my technique a bit. I would have replied to james Hill's comment, as he was right. I think we all start off with the same issues and slowly learn how to paddle properly and more efficiently. As you surmised, the point of my video was for beginners to get a point of view from another beginner. Sometimes people who have been doing something for a long while forget how it was when they were starting. There are quite a few videos out there and I watched them when I first started. I then watched the same videos more recently. They make way more sense to me now then they did a year ago. I suspect I'll get even more from them another year from now. :-)
Thanks for your reply, I found that Michele Ramazza's (9minute video) video fixed all of my problems, (lots of clear visual description,, important for bonehead male like me),,, it bothered me that the points Michele highlighted were not address elsewhere.. Am 54, casual new paddler, safer than cycling n sharing the road, a single dad and very time poor,,, so the technique I found on Michele's video allowed me to comfortably do a 10km paddle without any wrist pains or getting tired and enjoying myself...... I think that you present your video with good intention and sincerity. Good on ya,,, mate. JP
This video is NOT to teach anyone proper form. There are plenty of videos to show people what proper form is. The problem with those videos is that they do not inspire beginners to paddle. All they do is put the emphasis on the wrong thing. As a beginner you need to get out there, and do it. As a beginner, having someone tell you that you're doing it wrong is no help whatsoever.
When I made that video years ago I was a beginner - I said this at the start. The point of the video was never to show anyone proper form. It was to show people who didn't surfski that it was easy to do. Oh, and wing paddles are overrated. They are help give 3% more efficiency if you have good form, and put a lot of power into the water. A wing paddle in hands of anyone who is "middle of the pack" or slower... is really doing nothing. Wing paddles are designed for the best of the best. For anyone other than someone at the top of their game - it's really just a mental thing.
@@HaoleDreamer Brah, it's good that you paddle... the wing paddle is much more efficient if you use it properly and not sure where you get your 3% more efficiency from but it is significantly more powerful for SPRINTING on flat or getting on bumps.. an open blade like what we do in Outrigger requires more finesse actually to be as efficient as a wing blade for a FULL CATCH.. EPIC has a great instructional video on it's website
@@HYPRFIT 3%. That's all a wing paddle gets you. If you're at the top of your game you absolutely need one. If you're a beginner or intermediate it has a negligible effect. You're simply not putting enough power in the water for the wing effect to make much of a difference. That said, training with one is better than not training with one because when you do get better - you don't have to re-learn how to use the paddle.
A beginner holding a what not to do class. Nice, thanks for the demonstration.
Thanks for the vid.The thing I love the most about this is the genuine enthusiasm and desire to share.I started about 6 weeks ago and bought an epic V8pro and loving it.Just doing flat water runs presently 3 times per week and getting coached.So much to learn which is the best bit and the sport opens up another world and allows you to make some great new friends.Keep up the great work and look forward to future vids as you progress
Would you recommend starting new on a v8 or v8 pro?
Really enjoyed your video and learned a few things about how to balance the ski using the paddle. Thanks for taking the time to create this video!
Hi I'm from Australia and stubbled upon your video, I'm heavily involved in the surf ski side of things not really ocean ski's. Anyways getting more to my point, I'm trained 3 times a week by ex Australian olympic kayakers who have meddled in K1 & K2, so I could say that my technique is pretty good after a couple of years with them. Just want to say your pulling to much with the blade with your arms, 1st problem with that is that your going to tire easily, 2nd is that unless you want to prolong your paddling life I would have more twist in your upper body making sure when you twist that the opposite blade thats not in the water, when you twist that you twist using your core to bring it over to the other side of your ski. Not a big deal but another tip is that you need to correct your exit of your blade out of the water. This might be a silly idea but in the long run isn't, see what your doing is when your paddle exits the water your pulling water out as well, this is called wasted energy. What you want to aim for is to bring your blade out flat so that your not flicking water into the air. These are some helpful tips hoping that these do help, I would recommend to find someone that is a professional or runs morning class's or something like that near you as if you keep developing your bad technique, its going to do your shoulders some real harm.
Kind regard from Australia
my wife wont listen to me..."rotate honey, don't use your arms so much"....she sighs, goes on about her way, then complaigns about arm/shoulder discomfort later :) - best technique as I have come to understand has all to do with form and rotation, you use your back muscles primarily, which is FAR easier...nice looking surf ski, ive only done sea kayaks so far, and want to try these one day
I think you have to allow beginners to be sloppy at first. The muscles simply aren't there for proper technique in the beginning. During the period of time that I made this video I found that I would try to rotate but I could only keep it up for a short while before I'd fatigue, so I'd rely on my arms more.
Also, I had to see video of myself to realize that even when I thought I was rotating s lot, it wasn't really that much. Watching video of myself (not this video, but others I've taken) I could see that I really had to exaggerate the notation much more than I thought, and even then - my spine simply couldn't twist that well. I really had to work up to what I'm doing today (years later), and I know I still rely on my arms a lot.
Anyway, all I'm trying to say is that there are physical limitations too. I think if your wife shows improvement - that's good enough. Perfect form takes time. :-D
Thanks for sharing. I went out in a surfski (Epic V8pro) for the first time this afternoon. Only capsized twice!
Thanks a lot for the tips from Switzerland. Simple, talking beginner to other beginners.
My first surfski lesson was in a very 'angry' sea in Fish Hoek, South Africa. Sadly my lower back couldn't handle the stress as a beginner with incorrect technique. I think I might go back to Dawid Mocke (multiple world champion) and his surfski school. Great video!
Hi from NZ I hope you are still enjoying your surfski. Heres my tips from another old beginner. Get a wing paddle you will find it locks on to the water alot more and will support your stroke. Your bum needs to slide on the seat so that you are using your legs to drive the boat. Some guys sit on plastic bags to make it slip more. Should feel similiar to doing a one leg deadlift. Your arms need to be straight just like a deadlift too so that it is the big muscles doing the work not your biceps.Your NOT pulling the paddle through the water. Your planting it and leveraging past it. Good to see you with a leg leash. Wear a PFD too, you only have to get cramp or have some mishap. Practice re entries every time you paddle if you cant do it in the conditions your paddling in your a liability. I always do a couple each side after a paddle and it can be cold here. Watch Oscar Chalupski for the slickest moves. Youve probably worked alot of tthis out by now and probably have a tan now too. OK good luck and keep paddling.
Sorry but this title is misleading. You are giving a lesson with almost zero experience or technical ability. As someone with such limited experience, you would be better pointing to a pro coach who actually knows what he is doing. Looking at the positive comments sadly shows it is the blind leading the blind. I was once told if you want to do it right, don't do it wrong as it is much harder to undo a bad habit than learn a new skill. If you want good video tutorials, search out Ivan Lawler (England coach and most UK's most successful paddler) and Oscar Chalupsky 12 times world Surfski champion. Don't be daunted by their expertise. They are both clear pro coaches that get right to the heart of the matter.
Thanks for the video! I definitely can use it.
Nice beginners beginners lesson. Get a rashguard, long sleeve variety. Aloha from Maui.
Getting a V8 tomorrow. Thank you for this very helpful video.
My dad was an avid outdoor guy. The sun on his ears caused cancer. Covering your ears could save your life. Yet all the time I see white guys ignoring the obvious weakness of their skill to warm sun. Cheers loved the video.
Watched your videos and journey to Hawaii! Congrats btw! Curious on how job hunting is going, and financial.. how are you doing? Plan on moving to Hawaii sometime later on! Thanks for the videos, very helpful and entertaining.
Things are going well. I have a job, and have been working for a month and a half. I have a whole slew of ideas for updates. I need to make some videos. I've been slicking! :-)
Would I need a specialized paddle to start with, or would my good, regular kayak paddle be okay at first? Thanks
Here's the deal:
1) Many people are purists. They think you must have a wing paddle on a surfski. They're wrong. Ignore them.
2) When used properly, a wing paddle will help you travel up to 3% faster. Repeat, "when used properly". So, if you're just beginning - you're just learning... You're not going to use a wing paddle properly. It takes time. You must build up your muscles, specifically your "core", and get the stroke down. Even then, we're only talking about 3%, tops.
3) If you already have a paddle - use the one you have. You can move to wing paddle later if you get into it. Wing paddles are $400. No reason to spend that money if you don't need to. Or, if you're on a budget - yeah, just buy a cheap paddle. There really is no reason to use a wing paddle until you start getting serious about racing. Even then, to repeat myself, it will (at best) only be a 3% improvement - At best!
I have argued (to the death) with people here about wing paddles. The thing we all need to keep in our minds when discussing wing paddles is that it's only a small benefit. To a beginner... there's really really no benefit at all, which was the point of making this video. I wanted to show that surfskiing on an easy boat isn't really all that difficult. Too many videos are for the pros and the people that want to be pro. I think this turns off allot of beginners. So, my 2 cents: don't worry about what people think. Use whatever equipment you want. As you get more into it - upgrade.
good job! thx... but no PFD?
I like watching your vids :j can't wait till my own breakout of Seattle. How is your one friend who moved to Oregon doing there? I've been looking out that way.
+Slasherations MY friend who moved to Oregon is doing well. As long as he has a band, I think he'll be happy.
+haoledreamer that's awesome! what kind of music does he play? I hear there is a punk scene there similar to Chicago.
I enjoyed your video. Why on earth don't you wear a PDF though? I have had various sea Fishing Kayak and also have a Mirage 583 with an epic v8 on its way. I have always worn a PDF and even on the river I wear it even if going for a short paddle, the river is only about 50m at its widest.
I have a leash around my leg. Though, I do wear a PFD in extremely rough conditions. Really though, the real safety concern is being able to call 911. I carry my phone with me all the time.
Unlike being in a river, I'm not likely to hit my head if I fall out. The risk is simply getting in conditions where you can't get out. eg. I've been hit my rogue waves, and houlied. The waves made it very tough to get back in the boat. In those scenarios - you need a phone (an ELT is even better). I really try to avoid conditions like that, and am always thinking, "can I swim to shore from here?"
Oh... and, I only go far out during on-shore winds. I stay pretty close to shore when the wind is going out to sea.
@@HaoleDreamer I wear my pdf because what could happen if you had some sort of medical episode and you're by yourself, Our river here is none running except in the wet as they're 3 weirs on it before the salt. As well sharks we also have salt water crocs around in our waters.
Great video. You're living the Hawaiian life.
Good Video, Inspiring. Did you have any prior experience from paddlig kayaks before, or were you an absolute beginner?
Before I bought the V8, all my paddling experience was in canoes in summer camp as a kid. So, I was a total newbie when I started paddling the V8.
I recently bought a V12 (more advanced surfski), and it's like starting all over again. :-)
Thanks for sharing your move to Hawaii. I lived in Seattle for many years and now reside in Thailand. I used to vacation in Hawaii to escape the gloom of Seattle and now I am thinking of moving to Hawaii since Thailand is getting a bit old hat and too hot!
I am especially interested in the housing prices in Hawaii. btw I really like the Kailua area. I use to body surf at Waimanalo and Bellows AFB.
Request for updates please. Been too long!
thank you bro you helped me alot
what paddles? Thanks
sweet tan bruh
+Joshua Bond Oh, you know it. ;-)
Great Video that would reassure any potential paddler wanting to get a surf ski. James Hill made some valid point below. Check out TH-cam Michelle Ramazza Paddling technique and you will be able to address the point that James hilighted... Over all great video and much appreciated from Lismore NSW Australia.
Iaapwm I've been improving, and I was in a few races this last year. I've actually had a coach help me with my technique a bit. I would have replied to james Hill's comment, as he was right. I think we all start off with the same issues and slowly learn how to paddle properly and more efficiently.
As you surmised, the point of my video was for beginners to get a point of view from another beginner. Sometimes people who have been doing something for a long while forget how it was when they were starting. There are quite a few videos out there and I watched them when I first started. I then watched the same videos more recently. They make way more sense to me now then they did a year ago. I suspect I'll get even more from them another year from now. :-)
Thanks for your reply, I found that Michele Ramazza's (9minute video) video fixed all of my problems, (lots of clear visual description,, important for bonehead male like me),,, it bothered me that the points Michele highlighted were not address elsewhere.. Am 54, casual new paddler, safer than cycling n sharing the road, a single dad and very time poor,,, so the technique I found on Michele's video allowed me to comfortably do a 10km paddle without any wrist pains or getting tired and enjoying myself......
I think that you present your video with good intention and sincerity. Good on ya,,, mate. JP
Poore technique! Hope you are better now.....
Looking at your elbows ..is very painful!
This video is NOT to teach anyone proper form. There are plenty of videos to show people what proper form is. The problem with those videos is that they do not inspire beginners to paddle. All they do is put the emphasis on the wrong thing. As a beginner you need to get out there, and do it. As a beginner, having someone tell you that you're doing it wrong is no help whatsoever.
Get a proper wing blade and yes TOO MUCH ARMS... ELBOW DROP TOO MUCH
When I made that video years ago I was a beginner - I said this at the start. The point of the video was never to show anyone proper form. It was to show people who didn't surfski that it was easy to do.
Oh, and wing paddles are overrated. They are help give 3% more efficiency if you have good form, and put a lot of power into the water. A wing paddle in hands of anyone who is "middle of the pack" or slower... is really doing nothing. Wing paddles are designed for the best of the best. For anyone other than someone at the top of their game - it's really just a mental thing.
@@HaoleDreamer Brah, it's good that you paddle... the wing paddle is much more efficient if you use it properly and not sure where you get your 3% more efficiency from but it is significantly more powerful for SPRINTING on flat or getting on bumps.. an open blade like what we do in Outrigger requires more finesse actually to be as efficient as a wing blade for a FULL CATCH.. EPIC has a great instructional video on it's website
@@HYPRFIT 3%. That's all a wing paddle gets you. If you're at the top of your game you absolutely need one. If you're a beginner or intermediate it has a negligible effect. You're simply not putting enough power in the water for the wing effect to make much of a difference.
That said, training with one is better than not training with one because when you do get better - you don't have to re-learn how to use the paddle.
Thanks for the vid