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beanboy

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  1. Rick, I'm new in Newburyport and I've seen a few surfskis around, figure one of them must be you. Definitely game for some set schedule during the week. I'm trying to get to the remaining surf sessions at Seabrook harbor to work on balance for the remainder of the season, but my Thursday evenings are open. Could probably be on the water at by 6:15PM or so at the Cashman Park 'old' boat ramp. -B
  2. Here's a write-up from some of the top finishers along with photos: http://surfskiracing.org/2011/05/2011-essex-river-race-inspirational/
  3. Thanks folks, will check them out in person at EMS.
  4. Was thinking about jumping on the EMS 20% sale for these: http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?produ...3677349.3737540 Would be used to carry a Manitou 13 on its side while giving enough space for a surfski on the factory rack (as it is normally carried). Read one review mentioning they weren't designed for rec kayaks, with EMS responding they should be good for plastic boats up to 13' or so. Wondering if folks had experience with stackers and plastic rec boats/fitment issues. Like the stackers because of the price, the ability to fold down, and offering enough space for the surfski. J-cradles appear to take up more space, and models that fold cost more than the base models. Thanks! -B
  5. Greetings, In my quest to continue to gain balance in the ocean with a surfski, searching out places where there's a gentle slope with breaking surf with minimal beach-goers as well as coves/harbors that offer access/parking. Gotten familiar with some places south of Boston that I've practiced at (Ned's Point, Duxbury Bay, Cape Cod Bay) in conditions where I would be blown back to shore if I got into trouble, and conditions were of the 2 foot, steeply sided/close together/whitecap variety. Just looking for places north of Boston that offers similar conditions, as well as the possibility of an area offering gentle breakers to work on surf launching. Also doesn't have to be ocean... Need to familiarize myself with lakes north of Boston that with the right wind direction, offer up some good chop. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks! -B
  6. Few dozen trips made, probably 1500 miles or so total: Haven't had any issues, was shown this method by the place I bought the ski. Depending on hull material and method of carrying, I don't see the issue with 30" or so spread in itself. The reason I may get a rack would be to carry multiple boats.
  7. Great data... Even with times being so close, have to remember once you get to the top finishers, seconds count. I think Westside touts an improvement of 5-8 seconds per mile of some models over others. Over 20 miles, that's a difference of under 3 minutes. Gonna be tough to really answer the question on speed. Guess you could get a bunch in a boat tank and compare drag, but that doesn't answer the more important question about how the paddler does in the boat, nor fully answers question about rougher water performance. Interesting thread, has me thinking back 18 months trying to remember my buying process. Also remember how the first time I was in a V10S, I couldn't turn my head to say hi to somebody on the bank of the Charles since I felt I was going to tip any second, hehe. -B
  8. Came across an interesting blog post/comments about the differences between ocean racing and surfski racing: http://www.surfski.info/content/view/1103/147/ "French Championships is a sea kayak race where the craft rules have been relaxed to allow the participation of surfskis. This is not a surfski race and should not be promoted as such. This is precisely why it is important to separate the discipline of surfski from Ocean Racing." "needs to get the traditonalist Kayakers mindset around to the fact that Surfski is the fastest growing water sport in the world"
  9. I wanted a fast boat after a bunch of kayaks/surfskis blazed by me in my first kayak race back in May 2008 (in Necky Manitou 13). Spent some time in a handful of boats, Epic 18x, Think Evo, Think Fit, Epic V10S, and raced folks and looked over (but didn't paddle) Mohicans and Thunderbolts. I ended up with V10S, and had a general liking towards the surfskis. Why? Cost It seems in general surfskis have more lower-end build options which are way cheaper and comparable builds seem to be at least a few hundred dollars cheaper than unlimited kayaks. I wanted a model with a fiberglass layer to help with any hard knock issues the boat might receive. Exposed Cockpit It is nice being able to throw feet off the side to gain stability or to go for a swim easily. Motorcycle versus car feeling perhaps? No need for pump/paddle float/spray skirt. Was also nice to know that as I work on my forward stroke I don't have any restrictions in terms of working on rotation, and that all surfskis (if I ever decide to move up) have basically the same type of cockpit: a molded seat and foot pedals. As far as speed goes, don't think there is a much of a difference, at least on flatwater. As conditions "improve" the bigger volume bows of the surfskis come into play and I have a feeling would be faster. I've had the surfski for over a year now, and other than recovering from sticker shock of the boat and wing paddle, have had a great time going out on day trips with local clubs (waterproof bag in front of pedals for clothing/lunch) as well as plenty of flatwater and a couple of ocean races.
  10. Think Fit was second to the Epic V10 Sport that I ended up buying. Spent a few hours in Fit and a few hours in V10S and raced both. At 220 pounds, was a bit on the heavy side for bigger water with the Fit, but for light chop/flatwater it was fine. Tough choice since I liked the size of the fit, could use my current system for storage versus having to hang straps from rafters in 2-car garage to store inside. I found for fitness paddling, wanted a lower catch, kept hitting fingers on comb. Was a much more comfortable seat (and stable) versus V10 Sport. Also for heavy seas, remounting Fit was more of an issue than with V10S.
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