How I destroyed my trusty old Fenn Elite S surfski

After a fix it's still good for a downwind.. But maybe not one for a shorebreak play, not anymore

[@wallyvoight659]

Going over large waves - Carbon Fiber or Fiberglass can only handle so much pressure, until, eventually, (Like in your case), the haul will buckle under the weight of the rider crashing down the backside. Sorry for your loss.

[@SeaShanty2016]

My sympathies mate don’t think it was any wave on the day that did it, but a combination of waves over a long time. Love your wave work, and the choice of music to take your old Fenn into the history books.

[@beardedsurfski413]

Thanks mate, it was old when I bought it 4 years ago, and yes, I probably didn't add to its lifespan too much.. We've been through some traumatic stuff together, so no hard feelings on my end. And it still works (after repair), will be posting some new material soon.

[@tomiday66]

Dude! I feel your pain. Based on experience I foresee two things that may lead to my ski's demise one day. Coming over the top on the paddle out and slapping down in the trough as did you, and trying to squeeze the last little bit of glide out of a tasty peeler and ending up on the rock pile. Ya takes yer chances, ya pay the price. The wise poetry at the end gave me a smile. Thanks!

[@beardedsurfski413]

For your sake I hope it'll be the former, at least this way you're uninjured.. Thanks! It's Oscar Wilde (mostly)

[@StuClifton]

Completely repairable. You need to work on being able to do a dragging brace on your right side.

[@josuedelucca7252]

Excellent video and philosophical approach. As a fellow surfski surfer, I understand the pain of seeing a beloved ski die. Marcus Aurelius stated, "We've got power over our minds, not outside events". I hope this gives you strength to accept the inevitable outcome of surfing in such conditions. Be well😊

[@beardedsurfski413]

Thanks man, yeah it is hard, especially knowing they don't make the exact same model anymore (the current version is the fennix elite s, and the bucket is tighter and the seating is higher, and it's painful to lean back). Yes the stoic emperor is always good for chillaxing, although manipulating our bodies to manipulate outside events is kinda what we do when paddling😉

[@josuedelucca7252]

I've seen some Fenn Elite (Pre Fennix) on sale here and there. You might get lucky! The bucket ergonomics issue is one we can apply stoic philosophy to, if we don't fit, accept it😊 As for surfing, in my personal case, I gave myself a bit of leeway, selling my composite ski and getting a plastic one. Peace of mind has been the result, which translated into confidence, and since wipeouts are part of the surfing experience, not worrying about them allows for the chillaxing effect😊 Stoic philosophy at work in the surf zone😂 Be well my friend 🌊

[@beardedsurfski413]

Yeah I know I'm trying to bite too much when using the same ski for downwinds as well as surfing. But for me the downwinds are always a top priority, so I'll always gravitate towards the lighter slimmer ski. Having a pair of them is not something I can afford unfortunately, for the storage monthly fees would double..

[@josuedelucca7252]

@@beardedsurfski413 You're doing correctly actually, because surfing training does help a lot when downwind running. Similarly, I've got only space for one, and getting the perfect ski is challenging ‼️ I mostly surf, paddle up to return downwind, and rarely do dedicated downwind 😊 Hope you found the ideal ski soon 👍

[@Traut5222]

You biggest weakness I see is that you only brace on your left. We all develop a favourite side..but turn left brace left..turn right brace right. But thanks for posting..looks like a fun place to catch waves.

[@beardedsurfski413]

Spot on mate! It's the 60 feathering, makes the right brace tricky since you have to twist the wrist down. Exposing it to all manner of consequences... Still, it's a work in progress with me

[@mtumix]

Selbst schuld. Warum fährst du auch in Wellen raus, die du nicht beherrscht. Anfänger...