Should I Go with a Faster Ski?

New designs are always exciting. They usually offer new features or fit a specific purpose that was previously lacking. Often they are the culmination of ideas and lessons learned; the process of building on strengths and weaknesses already in the marketplace.

While exciting, new models sometimes also can be a headache for the consumer, particularly if they have just recently purchased an existing model. Is my current model good enough? What will I gain with the latest and greatest?

When we released the V10L, we were flooded with enquiries from paddlers asking if they should sell their V10 and get into the new V10L . Boats are not a one size fits all item, so we would explain the designs and benefits of each model, and let the paddler decide which seemed to best fit them, usually leading to an on-water demo if the switch seemed promising.

With the release of the V12, we again encountered paddlers wanting advice on whether they should “upgrade” to the newest surfski we offer. The V12 decision is a little more cut and dry, as it is a completely new design with a unique hull, fit and outfitting (as opposed to the V10 vs V10L, which share the same hull.)

Many paddlers simply knew instinctively that they wanted the V12 based on the design philosophy. Others were experienced with surfskis, and made quick decisions one way or the other off of feedback/word of mouth, or after a demo paddle.

Interestingly, we originally thought this would end up being a tougher decision for some based on one factor: rough water performance. The initial goal of the V12 was to make the fastest surf ski possible. The performance target was optimization for flatter water and/or moderate conditions. This would have had rough water paddlers scratching their heads a little, and created a potential “trade-off” scenario where a surfski quiver was required: one boat for going fast on flatter water, another for bigger water.

However, we were thrilled to find that the final version of the V12 also excels in rough water conditions. In fact, the V12 has won the Molokai World Championships the last three years, featuring different paddlers in opposite ocean conditions (flat in 2009, good surf in 2010, relatively calm in 2011.)

The fact that the V12 performs so well in the rough makes the decision very easy for those paddlers looking for the fastest design, period. As long as the boat fits them well and they are comfortable, they want the more aggressive V12. There are still paddlers, however, who choose to stay with the V10/V10L. Sometimes this is due to body type and fit, other times it is just personal preference. After all, the most important component in training and racing well is comfort and confidence in your boat.

{For those experienced paddlers who have time in the V10 and are considering the V12 switch, or if you are just contemplating the two models, you can read a good review and comparison by Australia’s champion paddler Clint Robinson here .}

Recognizing that the choice is slightly easier for experienced surfski paddlers, we can now look at where the real confusion lies (for some.) We have found that new surfski customers, or those moderately experienced, often get a little tied up on their boat choice.

The majority of brand new ski paddlers know that the V12 will likely be more than they can competently handle for their first boat. Most entry level customers go with the V10 Sport, which provides superior stability with excellent speed. Paddlers coming from sea kayaks often are quickly comfortable in the V10 Sport.

The confusion sets in for those looking to move up from the V10 Sport to an elite level ski. Should they go to the V10/V10L or skip straight to the V12? The main point of contention for those struggling with this decision is future upgrades, or hopefully, lack thereof. If moving out of the entry level ski, why not go straight to the last one you want to own?

This is a very understandable position. Given the substantial investment put into these skis, it makes sense that you want it to be sure it will offer the performance and challenge that you are looking for, for years to come. Anything less could literally be a waste of money.

The reality is that this will ultimately boil down to a personal choice. Only you can know what your goals and aspirations are as a paddler. And only you can know what kind of time commitment you are able to put into the boat. And of course, your body type may be a factor. What we can do is provide the insight behind the designs (see Greg and Clint’s thoughts) and offer a little guidance based on experience.

Here are a few points we like to highlight about our surfskis:

The fastest ski is not always the ski you’ll be fastest in: stability before speed! All of these boats are fast; it’s the engine that really moves them. If you want to apply power and paddle at maximum efficiency, you can’t waste focus and energy trying to stay upright!

Even for experienced paddlers, the V10 Sport can be the smart choice when going into bigger seas than accustomed to. Case in point: Team Epic paddler Joe Glickman, who regularly paddles a V10 and has raced all over the world, including multiple Molokai channel crossings, improved his Molokai course time by almost an hour when he switched to the V10 Sport! (Oscar has also won in Cape Town on the V10 Sport, Danny Topfer finished 12th in the 2010 Mauritius Ocean Classic on the Sport.)

Don’t move on to a new boat simply because you’ve conquered flat water. Keep pushing yourself until you are totally confident in all conditions you will realistically encounter.

Thoroughly test paddle any boat before committing to purchase.

Paddlers 6’5” or taller are likely only going to fit the V10 or V10 Sport.

The V10L is still the best option for shorter paddlers (accommodates the shortest overall length at roughly 4’11”)

All things being equal, and paddling the boats to their potential, the V12 should be approximately 2.4% faster than the V10 on flat water.

Be sure to practice remounting your skis from the water, and make this a bomb proof skill for any boat you intend to head out on the water in. Don’t rely solely on your ability to stay upright as a sign you’re ready for a more advanced ski.

Check your ego at the door! Don’t think showing up at a race with a “slower” boat is negative in any form (you’ll take some grim satisfaction passing those paddlers who moved on to a tippier ski to quickly!)