OC1 or Surfski? Which do you prefer?

[@mmundon2011]

Used to paddle on a SoCal OC6 club, where we cross trained on the surfski. We did this for the same reason you mentioned in the video - application of power while keeping balance. In an OC6, it's easy to get sloppy, but the crew will eventually pay a price for it, in a long distance, competitive race. Similar to you, I've got a V8 Pro and a Puakea Kahe Kai. Preference depends on conditions. On the flat, the OC1 is like digging a ditch, whereas on the ski, you can power down. Where conditions are mixed, I'll take the OC1. Overall, I prefer the surfski - it forces you to be more in-tune with the conditions. More one with the sea, the wind and yourself.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

That's very well put, and matches our feelings exactly!

[@ThePaddleChannel]

"On the flat, the OC1 is like digging a ditch...." :)

[@barryblackburn5910]

Yes! Another paddler who does Surfski and OC1! I prefer Surfski in flat water as well. Really love the OC1 in messy down wind conditions. I do see a day where I will prefer Surfski in the ocean... the overall speed is pretty amazing. The fitness elements are slightly different for each craft. We didn't talk about that part very much, but if you paddle both craft you know what I mean.

[@mmundon2011]

@@barryblackburn5910 Also want to thank you for the Vega Flex tip. I've been in the market for an intermediate+ ski. V10 Sport is a top contender (butt could barely squeeze into the V10). Setting up demo for the Vega Flex, now.

[@barryblackburn5910]

@@mmundon2011 Please please get back to us re: the Vega Flex. I am most interested in the Vega Flex and the Vega.

[@stephennewsome3665]

Yes I agree. I have always had both. As my paddling has changed over the years due to time and age having the option of both works for me

[@barryblackburn5910]

I agree. I love OC1 but after many hours / days of OC1 in one week it feels really good to the body to switch over to Surfski.

[@michaelwilson2649]

I have an Ocean Swell Waahoo Max OC1 and a Fenn Kayak Mako 6 Surf Ski. I love both but tend to paddle the OC1 in the cooler months with little chance of dunking. The Surf Ski in the warmer months is a wonderful challenge though very tiring if I fall off and remount or swim. Either way as a 65-year-old, I just love being on the water.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

It's good to have those options -- we're like you, we just love being on the water.

[@hualani6785]

I started w/surfski long long time ago….younger and getting wet w/huli huli was part of fun. Conditions dictate OC-1: for bump chasing, it’s stability- in variable conditions, so depending on where you are, seasonal conditions, inform your choice.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Good points. We used to always turn to the OC-1 when conditions were challenging, but now feel pretty comfortable in the ski in those conditions now (after hundreds of hours). But the chance of going for swim always seems greater in those conditions in our surfskis...

[@666mooky666]

I find something Zen like in OC paddling, it feels almost primal, I dont get that feeling with SSki. Interesting conversation and thought exercise.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

We can relate to that...do you find the same Zen in all conditions (downwind vs. calm)? We find that Zen state sometimes on the ski when downwinding, but definitely know what you mean.

[@barryblackburn5910]

I love both!

[@666mooky666]

@@ThePaddleChannel I think it relates to aquiering a flow state while being in the momemt, relative to a comfotable stroke rate within your lactate threshold, combined with a whole body (core) movement, somewhat similar to a runners high.

[@joejackson8592]

Solid conversation and food choice....👍 Here's thought process, all things being equal environment wise (wind, current, wave size, being in the nc inlets, offshore, flatwater etc.) Where's the threshold for equal ability of both the surfski and outrigger. Example, this surfski size/ length is equal this outrigger size/ length for the benefits of 1-challenge of mastering not only short but long term without becoming bored, 2- flat out enjoyment, 3-challenge of changing to different fitness modalities without constantly becoming frustrated from getting dumped......lots of info to take in and give feedback on. Keep up the solid work 🤓🤙

[@barryblackburn5910]

Hey Joe, I will try to answer your question. I think you are asking because you are trying to decide what to buy, right? If yes, then here we go... New to Surfski, look for a “V8 Pro” because the stability will give you the confidence to get out there regularly and allow you to develop good paddling technique. After 1 or 2 years you may want to move to the “V10 Sport” or even the 3rd Gen. V10. You tried to paddle my 1st generation V10 one day at the lake and it was wayyyy too tippy. If you would rather start out with OC1, look for a used one. When we last takes you seemed more interested in the kayak / Surfski. If that’s the case, look for an Epic V8 Pro. You will be able to paddle that in the ocean after a few sessions in the waterway. Just be sure to get a leash and Mocke PFD before you get in the water. Text or call me if you have more questions 🤙🏽

[@hope4surf]

Never tried a SS, but now I want to! Great vid! Happy New Year!

[@ThePaddleChannel]

You would love it! Very technical, but man it's fun! Happy New Year!

[@barryblackburn5910]

I really enjoy both. You are gonna love the Ares John! Is it coming soon?

[@hope4surf]

@@barryblackburn5910 Supposed to be here in January, but I heard the December shipment got moved back a month...so maybe in February. Yep, think I'm gonna love it! Btw, was just on the Epic website scoping out their boats...LOL! Great vid...thanks!

[@barryblackburn5910]

@@hope4surf Check out the Vega and Vega Flex as well.

[@chenkarp]

nice video as always... the V9 is a stable beast - highly recommended.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Good to hear! Everybody we talk to seems to really like the V9.

[@barryblackburn5910]

I have heard good things about the V9. It is a new design yes?

[@chenkarp]

@@barryblackburn5910 yes. it feel a bit more like the V10 sport than the V8 pro. a really nice boat for non professional paddlers.

[@PaddleLifeWesternAustralia]

Happy New Year guys...keep the content coming 🤙🏼 PS. once you paddle the Vega Flex - you will buy it!!😉

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Happy new year to you, too. That seems to be the consensus...we are both saving pennies before we test drive one... :)

[@supireland9906]

Thanks the video. I have been debating getting a surfski or an OC1 for a while now. I'm an experienced Sup paddler in the surf, downwind and long distances and a stable Surfski looks like it would be a good option for me.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

The good news is you can't go wrong with either. The surfski probably has a steeper learning curve, but it surely is fun. You will love it!

[@tw6955]

Same situation. 12 years on a SUP (all conditions) and looking to transition to a SKI. Any resolution on which SKI you may choose? Curious if the balance developed with SUP transitions to a SKI in some way?

[@jodyodell6159]

Fyi, love this format too. Would love to pick your brain on your opinion and experience

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Any time, Jody! We're still learning, but hit us up! We've found the surfski community to be very helpful and encouraging, and we'd love to help out if we can.

[@barryblackburn5910]

Jody, we can meet at Flaming Amy’s for burritos and talk paddling for hours! If you are ever in the Wilmington, NC area please reach out to us on KZbin or message us on Instagram!

[@jodyodell6159]

@@barryblackburn5910 thx i will. I will def be back in the area. I love Wrightsville and was there this past weekend. I will look for on IG.

[@barryblackburn5910]

@@jodyodell6159 that would be cool.

[@alohafromhh8758]

I'd love to try an Ares!

[@barryblackburn5910]

Love the Ares and love Surfski as well. Thank you for commenting. Please subscribe to our channel if you haven't already. We are trying to hit 2000 subscribers. Thank you so much for your support!

[@tedburnell5356]

Love both but I need to stay current with the ski or Inget rusty fast! I can jump in tbe OC (or my marathon canoe) and hammer out distance even if it's been a long time since I paddled th

[@ThePaddleChannel]

We've noticed the same, Ted. The surfski seems to be a perishable skill!

[@alohafromhh8758]

Guys, and girls ;) I'm from NC but live in Hawaii for the last decade... I'd love to paddle in NC! Aloha 🤙

[@barryblackburn5910]

Awesome, which island do you live on?

[@SP-qo1so]

“Why do you like the OC more right now?” “…I don’t know” “Good answer” 😂😂🤙🏼

[@ThePaddleChannel]

It's perfectly clear... :)

[@greggordon680]

Did he mean to place his head under the elvis hair?

[@ThePaddleChannel]

LOL, no...but now we can't unsee it.. :)

[@danielr.branco5813]

Hi. Thanks for the vídeo. In Brazil is kind of hard to get really good canoes, and The SS costs a lot. So, do you think the weight really matters on OCs when paddling?

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Hi Daniel, in our experience weight is a factor when it comes to racing. Otherwise, weight won't matter too much.

[@danielr.branco5813]

@@ThePaddleChannel Nice! Thank you.

[@outriggerunderground]

How about the V1

[@ThePaddleChannel]

We're not yet qualified to compare the V1....yet. :) Maybe some day...

[@barryblackburn5910]

I would LOVE LOVE to paddle a V1. Do you have one? Where do you live?

[@josephKEOarthur]

Can we convert a surf ski to an outrigger? Presuming I and both iakos and ama.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

It *could* be done, and probably has been done, if you have the glass skills to do it, but they are different hull shapes. It would be an interesting experiment, but also one we haven't seen done.

[@mjose0]

Lost me at the bowl of corn chips....

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Well, at least we had those 7 seconds together... :)