Surf skis
A surf ski (also: Surfski ) is a lightweight, man power with a double paddle - driven - as in canoe racing kayak for Obenaufsitzen (see. Sit-on-top , which in Surfkajaking,) Rescue Sport is used (surf life saving).
Surf skis are often longer than racing kayaks and are around 50 cm wide. As a result, the surf skis are very fast, stable and have good maneuverability . Most surf skis are made of plastic ( Kevlar ) reinforced with glass , carbon ( carbon ) or aramid fibers in order to minimize weight.
The term "ski" describes the related ability of gliding: on a surf ski you glide over the waves, with water skiing you glide over the water and with skiing you glide down a slope.
Surf Skis are used worldwide, but mostly in the warmer coastal regions of Australia, California, Hawaii , New Zealand and South Africa . In Europe, they are most widespread in Great Britain and France.
Competitions
Surf-ski competitions are held over distances from 700 m to approx. 20,000 m. Most sprint races are involved in the rescue athletes' competitions , where European and world championships are also awarded. Meanwhile, some long distance races are also offered in Germany. World Cup races have so far only taken place in Australia and South Africa. The most successful German surf-ski paddler on the long haul is Mark Zabel .
World championships have been taking place on the 20 km route since 2015. The Australian Cory Hill was world champion in 2015 (in Portugal) and 2017 (in Hong Kong). The 2017 World Cup will take place in Breizh, France.
The most famous race is the Moloka'i race in Hawaii , which is considered the unofficial world championship. The ocean has been crossed here from the island of Molokaʻi to Oʻahu every year since 1976 (32 miles, approx. 51.5 km).
Web links
- "The new trend sport for kayak athletes: Surfski" at boot.de
- Molokai races in Hawaii (eng.)
- Internet website all about surf skiing