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(PeteCresswell)
 
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Default Surf Ski vs OC1: Anybody Had A Chance To Compare?

My surf ski is about 18" wide/19' long.

It's primary utility for me is the ability to surf non-breaking waves.

My problem with it is that I capsize fairly often and the ski almost invariably
comes out of the capsize right-side-up - so it's just a matter of time until I
get caught in a blowaway scenario and am left treading water as the thing scoots
out of sight.

I've dabbled in paddle leashes - and they're probably an answer to preventing a
blowaway - but some hold them in low regard I guess because of the chance for
entanglement when riding in or out - and personally, I find them to be a minor
hassle.

Recently become aware of the newer OC1 designs being made in Hawaii. 14" wide,
super-light....easy to disassemble and cartop....

The other day somebody told me that they've largely displaced surf skis for
ocean paddling in Hawaii.

I'm wondering if they can ride a non-breaking swell like my surf ski can. On
one hand, 14" wide should move through the water pretty well - OTOH, they don't
look that long and there's the drag from the ama.

Anybody done both? Comments?
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PeteCresswell