It Pays to get a Surf Ski Lesson

I typically do three or four individual lessons a year and some informal lessons when selling a ski. Today I had the pleasure of spending three hours in my garage, on the beach and on the water with Steve Banks, a BCU Star 4/5 and ACA Level 4 sea kayaker. http://www.bcu.org.uk/ http://www.americancanoe.org/?Courses_Kayak Although Steve had never been in a surfski before today, you don’t reach his level of paddle proficiency without spending a lot of time on the water in both surf, tidal rips, and big oceans conditions. I came up through the very same ranks though only got as far as BCU Star 3/4, ACA Coastal Certifications before I transitioned to surf skis. Steve has had formal instruction over the years as well as an abundance of self instruction. I asked what he wanted to get out today’s lesson. He replied ” get an initial feel of a surfski, a few pointers on his forward stroke, and direction on what ski would be right for him. He also commented he did not want to waste time, effort, and money by teaching himself how to paddle a surf ski but wanted the information up front so he could shorten his learning curve. What is great about teaching highly qualified sea kayakers is that their seamanship/safety/ocean skills are off the charts having trained in all a wide variety of conditions. They also have a willingness to learn having gone through the various levels of instruction/coaching from some of the best teachers in the paddling industry. So today was going to be fun for me and Steve.

See the link below for what I have to offer.

https://surfskiracing.org/surfski-training-with-wesley-group-or-individual/

Steve nice and relax on a calm day on the Sakonnet.

Steve nice and relaxed on a calm day on the Sakonnet.

The first item on the agenga was putting Steve in the correct fitting ski. While in my garage, Steve sat in one of my Evo 2’s that was just a little snug on him since he was geared up in his winter gear. I then had him sit in a Stellar SEL that has a more relaxed fit that suited Steve’s body type. After a few minutes of discussing what his options were for future skis, we set off for the water. After a few minutes of paddling, Steve felt pretty comfortable as far as stability. I then gave him a few pointers on his forward stroke, and ended the lesson with remounting and exiting a ski. Steve did a great job, remounting on his second try as well as keeping his arms higher at chest level and getting his stroke more vertical. We covered much more during the three hours we were together. We both enjoyed a good day on the water and hopefully we will see Steve in a surfski sometime soon. When not paddling, you can find Steve designing and fabricating virtually any type of jewelry. Steve is a jeweler and engraver by trade. Below are some nice pieces he made for his paddling customers. His website is https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaineIslandMetalWorX so check it out. I will be working with Steve to design some unique pieces for surfski paddlers.