Paddling How to set up your leg length in your surfski

[@herno1]

Thank you for your videos, I just bought an epic V6 and learning a lot thanks to you

[@CanoeingTheEdgeOfTheWorld]

The extra space also allows for a bit of "adjustment" in the position of your legs. You young folks may not appreciate this (yet) but as you age circulation is not as efficient as before and slight movements to the lower body will greatly aid in staying comfortable in the boat. Great video.

[@flanderstf]

Thank you for this. Beginner Epic paddler. Unfortunately, tore an acl and am in a 60-30 degree brace for next 4 weeks. Looks like I'll he unstable, but at least I can get some cardio!

[@OceanRidersOnline]

Oh gosh!! So sorry about the ACL tear!!!

[@anthonyfarmer6811]

Hayley , thank you for taking the time out to make these videos . I am just starting out in my Ski journey at 53 and your videos have been a great help . My first paddle out was last week after procrastinating for 2 weeks . The day I decided to " Go " for it , I spent the morning watching your " Getting into your Surfski and the Remounting " videos over and over . Something reassuring about a South African accent in your head when you're on the water ( or in it ) . Ended up having a great paddle and practised remounts . Now starting to set up my ski and foot plate . Feel quite tight in the lower back so going to focus on lengthening the hamstrings . Would like to see you discuss Paddling technique in detail and some of the things you focus on while you paddle . I am not sure if I am overstretching on the catch and if I am drawing through to far and exiting too late etc etc . Again many thanks for the time you take to make these videos . Gesondheid ! from Australia .

[@OceanRidersOnline]

Hey Ant, thanks so much for the message! Feel terrible that I missed this for so long!!! Welcome to ask me any questions and contact me directly on [e-mail]. Thanks for the suggestion for more paddling tech, that's a good idea!! Glad you guys have been able to paddle throughout the pandemic, I hope you've had lots of time on the water!! Hayley

[@ShannMart2029]

Thank you for the great lesson! I was told about the 👊 but was never explain to me as well as what was explained in this great video clip! I’m transitioning from an outrigger canoe (OC-01) to a Surfski. It’s very difficult but I love Surfski! Mahalo from Honolulu, Hi! -Kai

[@OceanRidersOnline]

Hey Kai, thanks for your reply!! Awesome that you are trying surfski now too, outrigger is amazing so I am sure you'll bring a lot of that skill across! I wish we were in Hawaii now... maybe just finishing Molokai Channel ;-) Welcome to contact me if you have other questions: [e-mail] :-) Thanks, Hayley

[@Beachwise]

This is great, I used to paddle and now I’m looking to buy a surf ski. The leg length is 41- I always used and adjustable fenn, and this one is not adjustable. Can you help me know how to measure my legs? The ski is quite far from where I live so I’d love to know beforehand if it’s a decent fit! So stoked about your channel too!

[@ceciliofarinas831]

Thank you

[@joffjoffro2609]

Looks like I am screwed. Bought what I was told is a mako XT and being totally new and know nothing may have been duped. Ski has no adjustable footrests has footwells like a paddle ski and is also too long for me. Am 6ft but my heels don’t reach the end and back of my knees are flat on the ski. Stupid question but is there anyway or anything I can do ? Build it up a bit so my heels reach ? I can reach the pedals with my toes but not the heels

[@Kreighzey]

Thank you !

[@unklegaz8392]

Kind of related....how tight are the straps supposed to be? I find that if they're too loose my core feels its a lot more and too tight makes it harder to control the peddles?

[@OceanRidersOnline]

Ahh good question! And you also don't want them too tight in case you flip over - you need to be able to easily slip your feet out. So, I prefer the straps to be flush against the top of my foot so that I can simultaneously press against the foot plate and pull on the strap when I need to. A good way to know if they are the correct "tightness" is that you should be able to slip your feet in and out very easily - if you battle to get them in or out then the straps are too tight. It is also personal preference and you may find you can tighten them as and when you are feeling more comfortable but they do not need to be restrictive, you must have space and comfort. I hope that helps!