Taking A Surfski Lesson On San Francisco Bay With Dad

It was an adventurous Father's Day gift for both of us. Having heard a bit of buzz about just how fun & easy to use the surfski was I set my dad and me up for some lessons at the 101 Surf Sports San Rafael shop. Both first-time surfskiiers, we hoped to see what all the hype was about.

When it comes to water sports, traditional activities like surfing and stand-up paddling usually come to mind. This summer, however, 101 Surf Sports is trying to change that.

101 Surf Sports is teaming up with Kenny Howell, a regional marketing representative for Epic Kayaks, to try to help make the art of surfski paddling mainstream. A surfski is a type of sit-on kayak that is notably narrower, lighter, and faster than its traditional counterpart. Its speed and sleek design perfectly suit open water paddling and racing.

Contrary to popular belief, surfskis aren’t limited to experienced paddlers. 101 Surf Sports offers Epic Kayaks’ surfskis for every level of paddler, from entry-level to extremely advanced paddlers.

In order to fight the misconception of surfskis’ inaccessibility, 101 Surfsports and Kenny Howell are offering surf ski clinics to paddlers of all skill levels. The most recent clinic was at 101 Surf Sports so my dad and I geared up and headed down to take a lesson with Kenny. Kenny is a legendary Bay Area paddle racer who has taught hundreds of people to surfski so we knew we were in good hands. Due to their water access, 101 Surf Sports is able to offer introductory surfski lessons that launch right from their dock.

Before showing us the surfskis we all would be using, we were given an extensive background on surfski paddling and its benefits. Kenny focused on teaching us what he called the three F’s of surfski paddling: “Have Fun, go Fast, and Get Fit!”

In fact, we even have a class this September 9th with Kenny Howell if you are interested.

Using 101’s substantial surfski demo fleet, he then began to familiarize us students with the vessel, including the features that make the surfski unique: the pedal-controlled rudder steering, the bailer which removes water from the cockpit, the slightly wider seat bucket, the curved design of the hull, and the specific placement of the rudder to remain in the water in turbulent waves.,

After learning about the vessel, each participant was fitted to their paddles. Surfskis commonly use a wing paddle, whose cupped shape has a rounded top and sharp blade. Once the paddles were altered to the angle and length that fit each student, their boats were adjusted prior to launch.

On every surfski, the footplate was adjusted so that the paddler had a comfortable bend in their knees but didn't have to over-reach to use the pedals.

With each surfski properly adjusted to its paddler, it was time to hit the water. It was explained how we would be taken through the calm waters of the canal behind 101 Surf Sports before briefly being introduced to the more turbulent waters of the San Francisco Bay.

Kenny immediately covered stability in the vessel. He taught the participants that putting their legs out of the boat could keep the paddler stable, slow them down, or help them rest. My dad mastered the stability on the surfski in no time while I, a slightly more experienced surfer and paddler, took to it almost immediately.

He then introduced the low brace, a process of resting the paddle across the body and placing a lead hand on the opposite knee. When not forward paddling, the paddler can use this strategy to remain stable while resting, using the resistance of the paddle on the water to lean some of their weight on.

Participants were then taught how to edge the boat while paddling by leaning toward the stroke side. This drill promotes increased balance and stability.

The majority of the lesson was spent on perfecting the forward stroke, or paddle. Howell demonstrated how straight arm paddling, keeping the top hand on a consistent plane, and using a catch-and-release method all help increase speed and efficiency.

In between these drills, we were given chances to put what we learned into action. My dad and I playfully tested the maneuverability of the surfskis and were soon well-versed enough in the forward stroke to race up and down the canal with ease.

To close the clinic, the class was taught how to remount the surfski in case of a fall. Luckily, surfskis don’t sink, unlike other kayaks, making for easier remounts on the water. Each student took turns demonstrating a proper remount, a rite of passage to complete the lesson. Once they completed this last test, they were helped out of their surfskis and onto 101’s dock.

Before we exited the water, my dad and I tried some more difficult surfskis to test our abilities. We talked about the different techniques we learned and how each model of surfski was distinct from one another.

If a lesson isn’t right for you, surfskis are available to rent at 101 Surf Sports. For beginners, focus on the V5, V7,  and V8 models for your first ride, and remember to wear clothing with synthetic fibers like polyester that can get wet and dry off fast.

101 Surf Sports is spreading the word about the sport that is redefining kayaking for people of all skill levels. Soon, it won’t be as unknown.

To learn more about 101’s surfski inventory, lessons, and demos, visit 101’s website or visit the shop located in San Rafael just off Highway 101.