Comments on: A Fat Paddler must decide – Racing Ski vs Sea Kayak

By: Roy West

Roy West — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:41:17 +0000

A mate encoraged me to look at this page, great post, interesting read… keep up the good work!

By: Craig

Craig — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:07:17 +0000

I have just tried out a Finn Endorfinn and was impressed both in the river and in the waves and offshore aswell. Yeah it’s plastic, but cheaper and stronger and quite fast too. They have also a lightweight plastic model which takes the weight down to 17kg from 22kg. Even the lightweight one is under $1700 (5.2m x .53m) with rear or surf rudder choice available. I had a Dolphin Dominator before but was spending too much time balancing and not enough paddling. I will also try out the Epic V10 though before I make a final decision as the local shop is keen to get me on it too..

By: Thure

Thure — Sat, 16 May 2009 11:19:32 +0000

No doubt from my POV: Get a V10. I’m buying one as soon as I can round up the cash for it. I got the same considerations you have, and my rationale is that I’d rather spend some time learning to master a faster boat and then getting all the advantages.

/thure, Denmark

By: Pat Wellner

Pat Wellner — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:24:21 +0000

Not sure of the availability of QCC kayaks down your way, but the QCC Q700X seems to fit your needs as well. I have a friend with one and it is very quick.

http://www.qcckayaks.com/kayaks/model.asp?model=q700x

By: Sharon

Sharon — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:58:57 +0000

What do you enjoy the most? I’d ask myself that first.

Knowing you paddle the Harbour and excursion there the most, I’d go sea kayak until you develop more into racing. Considering the length of the Hawkesbury and elements of such it might sway the decision.

By: fatpaddler

fatpaddler — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:28:01 +0000

Cheers Marsh. Ihave a friend with a Mako XT who has been trying to get me to give it a try, so before I decide I will probably have a go and see how I find it. If I went the way of the ski, it would most likely be either a Fenn (Mako) XT or V10 Sport.

My problem is I need one boat to do all things. Eventually I’ll have to convince the wife to let me have a few different boats – then I’ll definitely get BOTH varieties!

By: Marsh Jones

Marsh Jones — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:17:27 +0000

Really enjoy your tweets and posts.
W/regard to sea kayak v. surf ski, I think there’s a 3rd option (and maybe a 4th/5th as well). If you’ve been comfortable on the Cobra, try out some of the ‘sport’ skis like the Mako XT, Think Evo, Epic V10Sport. These 19′ boats are considerably more stable than their 6 meter counterparts, and yet not a lot slower – and for less experienced paddlers, maybe even faster! The other option is a boat like the Think Fit – 5.2m, a ‘sit-it’ kayak, but with a pan like a ski. Very quick and quite stable for harbour paddling.
On the traditional sea kayak side, I’d look at some of the boats like the Ruahine OceanX or some of Grahame Sisson’s designs -I’m guessing they are fairly available for you. If racing and “fitness paddling” is your goal, you’ll quickly tire of humping a 25+kg boat about – especially after you try something more nimble.
Best regards,
Marsh
New Brighton, Minnesota, US

By: fatpaddler

fatpaddler — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:03:17 +0000

Thanks Allen. Hopefully the RSS feed works, I’ve been having trouble with it lately. Anyways, glad you’re enjoying the site.

By: Allen Taylor

Allen Taylor — Tue, 12 May 2009 11:46:11 +0000

Nice writing. You are on my RSS reader now so I can read more from you down the road.

Allen Taylor