I have a lot of fun riding waves in my sea kayaks. I’ve looked around a number of times for used surf specific kayaks or waveskis. I’ve never come up with anything. I noticed a craigslist ad for some used WaveMaster waveskis, pretty much let’s get rid of 'em priced. So I pull up WaveMaster site, go through there “pick your perfect waveski” deal, with height, weight, experience, intended use, etc. They give me the Evolution 2.4. This surf shop happens to have an Evolution 2.4. So $300, and I have myself at least one company’s suggestion for my perfect waveski, and in beautiful condition, and a short little waveski paddle.
I’ve never used a waveski, but upon reading a bit of what I could find, and looking at it, I could see it has nothing of what gives a whitewater or sea kayak stability - volume along the sides - but rather the opposite. The flat thin bottom is submerged just sitting on it. From what I read, it seems appropriate. Leaning forward I can’t submerge the front of the bow, leaning back, I don’t tip over backwards. A good portion of the overall ski is submerged. I read someone’s comments about not knowing how possible it is to roll this WaveMaster, and some other brand of waveski, although some other waveskis are quite rollable. Been a long time since I had a challenge rolling anything, and I failed a few times before coming up with a layback method that got me a few consistent, but pretty iffy feeling rolls. It has a waist strap and foot straps, so “hip-flick” is exactly what I need to do with this bird. Pretty easy to climb back on though. Got out to the beach once, just trying to get the feel of keeping it upright in the waves, and a thunderstorm was upon us, and we fled along with most everyone else out there.
So my instincts are to just start small, get out there and get a feel for what it’s all about. I’m guessing that like in a sea kayak, once you start surfing, you can lean right into the edges and onto your paddle, and that the flat planing bottom of the waveski will be plenty stable underway. I’m guessing that’s where I’ll discover the purpose of the stability profile.
Any hints that may be helpful for my going out to discover waveskiing?
Wave Ski Legends
When the subject is wave ski, google the following 3 gentlemen: the originator, Merv Larson, the surf Taco designer, Mike Johnson, and Wave Witch creator Hunt Johnsen Designs. Reading up on these pioneers of the sport will prove invaluable in your quest.
Forgot Dick Wold
Another legend.
Thanks for the info
I’ll check it out.
seadart?
Isn’t he a proud user of waveskis?
I’m jealous!
Whish I had surfable waves near-by… Looking at videos though, seems like it is all about edge control and weight distribution, just like with surfing a short WW boat (not so much with a sea kayak since it is too long and the effect of leaning forward or back is not that big, usually). Something I need to work on -;(
Maybe do some snowboarding this winter - that I think helped me relax on a kayak too and work with weight shifting. Of course, boarding gets really enjoyable once you stop falling all the time and begin linking turns fluidly. Same in the water, I guess -
Good luck with that thing! Looks like a lot of fun can be had on a wave ski.
Some starter info …
Go to a spot that has some small but decent breaking waves, you are going to take off on much steeper waves on the Evolution. Paddle for the wave make the drop and practice bottom turns and surfing down the line, trimming with your paddle. The wavemasterusa site has some cartoons that explain the basics
http://www.wavemasterusa.com/faq/index.html
The biggest thing to remember is that you will be looking for the quality waves and that means you will be surfing with board surfers. Learn surf etiquette, person taking off closest to the curl as the wave is peeling has priority. If someone is already on the wave don't drop in. Learn to surf on the edges of a break before you get in the line up and get yourself some hostility.
A good video from Matt Barbarit and Caroline Angebaud ( several times world champions) narrated by Tyler Lausten (current US champion).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgJhf2fM-cM
A good roll for the kind of ski you have ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNXoxamtTJE
A good site for asking questions is the forum on www.usawaveski.com
The only other person who seems to waveski on this site is Sing. Both of us don't visit all that often.
How much do you weigh? The wavemaster site is a little optimistic on the weights, if you are young and athletic you should be fine, you may find a 2.4 evolution might be a bit too tippy for paddling out in rough conditions. I have a 2.5 strata but I am close to 200 lbs. You may find yourself tipping over and getting knocked down a lot, if so keep at it, with a few days practice what seems like a very tippy ski, becomes very lively and fun to control. You may find kayaks too boring. If the ski proves too tippy get some advice from some local waveskiers, you can find them on the uswaveski.com message board.
Yup yup but …
Cetainly the Great Grandads and Grandads of the sport …
things are heating up though in the US. Tyler is a young guy making some real competitive skis at a good price. Modern design, proven in competitions. Taking the best from some of the best designs around.
http://www.tlwaveskis.com/