page_title: Surf ski
hierarchical_section_title: Surf ski
caption_attribution_description: English: A group of surfskis launches off the beach and through the surf zone
context_page_description: A surf ski is a type of kayak in the kayaking "family" of paddling craft. It is generally the longest of all kayaks and is a performance oriented kayak designed for speed on open water. The distinguishing characteristic of a surf ski is that it is primarily used for performance paddling in open water, most commonly the ocean, although it is well suited to all bodies of water and recreational paddling. The most common use of surf skis is in surf lifesaving competitions and downwind paddling.
  A surf ski uses an open "sit-on-top" cockpit and not an enclosed cockpit that requires a splash cover, or spray deck, such as olympic flatwater sprint kayaks, white-water or slalom kayaks, or touring kayaks. Many surf ski models use a self-bailer to eliminate water in the cockpit area. The sit-on-top cockpit means a surf ski is easy to remount in the event of a capsize and also that the hull won't fill with water.
  Surf skis are steered by foot controlled pedals connected to a stern rudder. Their performance design and steering system makes it possible to paddle onto and ride open water wind swells on the ocean and other large bodies of water
context_section_description: A surf ski (or: "surfski", "surf-ski") is a type of kayak in the kayaking "family" of paddling craft. It is generally the longest of all kayaks and is a performance oriented kayak designed for speed on open water. The distinguishing characteristic of a surf ski is that it is primarily used for performance paddling in open water, most commonly the ocean, although it is well suited to all bodies of water and recreational paddling. The most common use of surf skis is in surf lifesaving competitions and downwind paddling. 
  A surf ski uses an open "sit-on-top" (SOT) cockpit and not an enclosed cockpit that requires a splash cover, or spray deck, such as olympic flatwater sprint kayaks, white-water or slalom kayaks, or touring kayaks. Many surf ski models use a self-bailer to eliminate water in the cockpit area. The sit-on-top cockpit means a surf ski is easy to remount in the event of a capsize and also that the hull won't fill with water.
  Surf skis are steered by foot controlled pedals connected to a stern rudder. Their performance design and steering system makes it possible to paddle onto and ride open water wind swells on the ocean and other large bodies of water
  The modern day version of the surf ski originated in the surf lifesaving movement as a means to assist swimmers in distress. As the sport of lifesaving began to develop out of the lifesaving movement, surf ski paddling became one of the hallmark events of being a fit, competent lifeguard. Surf ski paddling is still incorporated into a number of lifesaving events and is a well established discipline in surf lifesaving.
  Because of the surf ski's unique open water capabilities; it's speed and versatility; and the physical training it requires to paddle a surf ski - it has become a popular past time for water sports enthusiasts who want to combine the elements of adventure, fitness and competition into a single discipline.
  In the 1950s lifeguards began holding stand alone, long distance surf ski races. These races were only raced by qualified lifesavers. In the 1970s the first "open" surf ski races began appearing, most notably the "Molokai Challenge" in Hawaii. In the mid-1990s the sport started becoming more widely adopted outside of surf lifesaving with the first non-affiliated series of races being organised in Cape Town, South Africa by BiIlly Harker. At the same time a series of non-affiliated races was organised in Sydney, Australia by Dean Gardiner.
  In 2004 the first I.C.F (International Canoe Federation) World Cup was held in Cape Town, South Africa
  In 2006 the first World Surfski Series was held.
  In 2013, nearly 10 years after the first I.C.F world Cup in Cape Town, the International Canoe Federation hosted their inaugural World Championship in Via do Condo, Porto, Portugal.
caption: A group of surfski paddlers paddle through the surf zone
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