How to remount a surfski

Here is another method of remounting your surfski. With tight footstraps I was unable to easily hold the paddle and the footstraps in one hand as shown in this post. Also, I didn't like the damage I was doing to the paddle shaft and cockpit rails by holding the shaft at 90 degrees to the boat (I fall out a lot).
I hold the paddle parallel to the boat with my back (far) hand. The video will explain the rest.


If video does not play go to Youtube

See Global Surfski for more videos.

Surfski rental in Baja

For the 2010 / 2011 winter season there will be surfskis available for rent in La Ventana. There will be an Epic V10, an Epic V10 Sport and a Think Evo or Legend. Email me for more info: wbruce55 (at sign) gmail.com
Warren

Self centering steering

Foam insert and paper template

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. I’ve been giving some thought on the recently discussed topic of steering line breakage and what to do in case of emergency. Rather than using the shock cord setup as shown in this youtube video ( which involves drilling a hole in the deck of your boat ) I tried using a foam insert in the rudder access compartment. Epic V10 shown.
Originally this was meant to be an emergency setup - ie inserting the foam after the breakage. On testing it though I found that I still have probably 75% steering left and right and the steering self centers when my feet are off the steering controls. I now leave it in place while training but will be removing it when any racing involves tight turns around marks.
I used a piece of roof rack foam. Resources are limited here in Baja but when I return to Vancouver I will be trying different types for resiliency.
Warren

Downwinder from Punta Arena

Did a magical thirteen mile downwinder from Punta Arena to the La Ventana campground yesterday. I put in where the fishermen were coming in and cleaning their catch of small sharks at the old hotel. In a light cross-onshore breeze I rounded the point at the lighthouse and began an eight mile downwind surf in a freshening breeze. About two miles from the lighthouse, two whale tails emerged at about forty meters, followed by two very large backs, headed directly for me. Not feeling too comfortable with this heading, I moved laterally, none too smoothly, but not to worry; I never saw a sign of them again. The surfing got better and better, with lots of connected runs as I approached the Bufidora. By this time I was tiring from sprinting onto waves, and proceeded to crash and burn, trying to find a point of paddling that was a little more stable on the beam sea return to the campground. A bit of ferrying across the swells and a few more surfs later, I got back to the campground, tired and happy.
Alan