Which is faster? Flatwater Speed testing an intermediate surfski vs an advanced level surfski

It's pretty well accepted that an advanced level surfski will be faster than an intermediate level surfski. Adding to our series of Totally Unscientific Tests, we put that theory to the test with the Kai Wa'a Vega and the Kai Wa'a Vega Flex.
The two craft are strikingly similar, and yet quite different. Same weight and construction, with similar hull shapes, but the Vega is longer and narrower, with a deeper bucket.
We ran a series of trials in each surfski and used the results to determine if we were indeed faster in the advanced boat, and also just how much faster we would be if we projected that additional speed out to common race distances.
The results surprised us -- but looking back, maybe they were what we should have expected. Leave your comment and share your experience -- we love hearing from you.

[@JamesHunterRoss]

You are completely right in concluding that the "right" boat depends on you and your paddling intention and goals. I'm using an OC1 (a Kahele) here of Dana Point CA, and it is exactly what I need for fitness, sightseeing, social activity and good fun. For me, anything without an ama would likely take away some of my enjoyment; the OC1 goes fast enough and has stability when it comes time to rest and hang out. When I paddle I see tons of surfskis and tons of OC1s!

[@ThePaddleChannel]

We love the OC1, too!

[@josuedelucca7252]

Thanks for taking the time to do this test. A key takeaway, is that we need to properly identify our needs, training, and possible improvement curve over time. As said above, matters such as technique and fatigue over distance are important to address Speed on the elite ski isn't free. It needs training and talent, plus a realistic approach to every race and one's personal ability. Thank you 👍

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Very well said -- thank you for sharing!

[@matthaley730]

Surprising result! I've been trying to decide whether to race my V9 or V10 G4 at Carolina Cup. My conclusion so far is a) the risk/reward favors the V9, as the V10 will only be a few minutes faster at best, and I'm *very* likely to fall multiple times in it, and b) I'm not going to win Carolina Cup in this lifetime anyway, so I might as well have a dryer and more enjoyable run 😂! I need a lot more ocean time in the V10 to get confident in rough conditions. Nice dolphin footage, btw. See you guys at Carolina Cup next week!

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Looking forward to seeing you next week!

[@mikeselby918]

Great video. I went from a Fenn Elite SL to a Vega Flex. Absolutely best decision. Mike from Sydney Australia

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Thanks, Mike! That's cool to hear -- we always wonder if others' experience matches what we're learning and seeing.

[@williamparsons5044]

If your goal is to become an elite-level paddler and you dedicate the time to do that, I would only have one boat in the garage. If you are a weekend warrior and just in it for exercise and smiles, I would fill the garage with everything shiny that the budget allows. The empirical evidence demonstrated that familiarity and, ultimately, time in the boat determined the speed advantage. As a 105kg person, I hope someday for a boat that carries the waterline of an elite boat yet the width of an intermediate boat. I think for all the BO (Big and Old!) crowd, that would create a great balance between speed and stability.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Well, maybe one elite boat in the garage....and then a second elite boat in the garage as a back up to the one elite boat...you know, just in case. 😄

[@adamclark8105]

great video!

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it -- thank you!

[@getmysurfboard]

Talking about unscientific tests. I wonder if you placed a long board at the back of two skis and gave them a shove to see which one went faster and further?

[@ThePaddleChannel]

We'll try to work that one into our next test 😂

[@jodyodell6159]

I thought about this too. Not just a stabilization factor, but i think were your center of gravity will contributes to the propultion differently with wider boats. For a bigger guy like me that has a lot of weight in upper body and a fat head 😊, my stroke, even of perfect every time, will propel the wider boats more effectively

[@jodyodell6159]

Maybe not even its the weight but the length of the should to the water line is the factor that contributes to propulsion differently in wider boats

[@ThePaddleChannel]

We didn't even consider the Fat Head Factor. 🤣 But yes, Jody, you make a good point. Stability wasn't a big (or at least noticeable) factor on test day. Maybe it was geometry, comfort, etc -- more likely, a combination of multiple factors. Hope to paddle with you soon!

[@jodyodell6159]

@@ThePaddleChannel all comes to your point, paddle for the love it and find the bpat that works for you.

[@waverideraus4882]

Not sure you can extrapolate times over distance, as other factors such as fatigue kicks in and the ideal "technique falls off". Additionally the more hydrodynamic boat will be less fatiguing as it will have more "run" Why upgrade, its not just about actual top speed but as barry says, its the challenge, and the lessons learned. You can get stuck with sloppy technique with stable boats, because you get away with it. It can be rewarding, even if it kicks your bum from time to time. oh also ego ..lol

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Agreed, the extrapolation is just an illustration to help us gain context regarding the differences in speed we saw in these few tests. As you say, there are many factors and athlete differences that would affect these projections over the course of an actual race -- and of course, environmental variance would play a significant role. On a rough day, the stable craft may produce a significantly better result, but in flat water, the opposite may be true. Speaking specifically to your example, the more hydrodynamic boat would have more run and would thus be less fatiguing...but if that same boat has less stability, it will eventually become more fatiguing (for some athletes). So many variables...which makes things fun. 'Love the points about why we should upgrade...especially ego (which isn't a bad thing -- there's value in doing something hard and nailing it!). Always great to hear your perspective!

[@jodyodell6159]

First

[@paddlingfool64]

Another of your pointless videos.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Lol, you're always good for a smile. Actually, this topic is far from pointless for many paddlers....the question of advancing to a more "elite" boat is one many developing surfski paddling ask at some point. The video demonstrates our experience that elite isn't always faster for every paddler, and that the more stable platform may be a better choice for some. And that perhaps all paddlers shouldn't feel pressured to "move up" in boats until they're good and ready.