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?
--
PeteCresswell

The first thing that crossed my mind was a leash to the boat and I am
aware of the entanglement implications.
I would likely get a light bungee and tie it to my ankle . A bungee you
can break if you get in a panic.
I think a lighter boat will likely present the same problems.
I am watching your posting with interest.
Paddle leashes, boat tethers and anything that involves a rope or
string in the water does present an entnglement issue, My deck lines on
the capella have caught my paddle twice when trying to do a roll. I
have never failed a roll because of it ( I Realized quickly what was
goingh on ) . but it does lend itself to the theory that even the most
innocuous ropes can be problematic.
I am looking forward to other postings on this.
Alex

In article ,
(PeteCresswell) wrote:
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.

Surfskis are generally faster than OC-1s in races where paddlers on both
types of boats enter. OC-1s can be used to surf waves, and many of the
newer designs are made to surf better than older designs.

Regarding leashes, you may want to read
http://www.huki.com/ideas.php?idea=safety
--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Timothy J. Lee
Unsolicited bulk or commercial email is not welcome.
No warranty of any kind is provided with this message.

Per Timothy J. Lee:
Surfskis are generally faster than OC-1s in races where paddlers on both
types of boats enter. OC-1s can be used to surf waves, and many of the
newer designs are made to surf better than older designs.

Regarding leashes, you may want to read
http://www.huki.com/ideas.php?idea=safety

That was a good read. Thanks.

I think "Generally" answers my question. Sounds like even though an OC1 isn't
technically as fast as a ski, they're close enough so I wouldn't notice.

I think I'm going to look into Huki's V1-Z and see if they can tweak it for my
long legs.
--
PeteCresswell