Stellar SEL and Stellar SR surfskis ready to go exploring

Surfski training continued this weekend with a 22km paddle on the mostly-calm waters of Middle Harbour here in Sydney. With a 6am start, I was joined by Dez Blanchfield (BlastPaddlers.com) on a Stellar SEL surfski, Nat (SydneySurfski.com) on his Think Evo II and the Riddler (Team Fat Paddler) in his sea kayak.

Dez getting his glide on, upper reaches of Middle Harbour Creek

For me this paddle was still very much an orientation to using a wing paddle and a surfski, and I’ve struggled a bit widening my paddle grip from the Greenland-style to the wing style. I’m also still coming to terms with the stability required for lumpy water, and ended up swimming later that morning after taking on some boat chop from a passing pleasure cruiser. But regardless, time in the boat is critical with Mauritius now only 5.5 months away, so its all good. Thanks to Dez for the paddling tips and Slipstream Surf for the loan of the Stellar SR. Cheers, FP