What is Waveski Surfing?

Waveski surfing is the sport of riding waves whilst seated on top of a board. The surfer is strapped on with a seatbelt, their feet held in by foot straps and a paddle is used to propel the surfer onto waves where they can do similar manoeuvers to stand up surfing. The power generated by the paddle allows surfers to catch waves more easily, making waveski surfing accessible to just about everyone.

Waveski Surfing is a great way to get fit and healthy and help keep off those extra pounds whilst enjoying one of Australia's best assests, the great Australian surf. Whether you’re a beginner or enjoy the adrenaline surge of riding big waves, male or female, there is a waveski out there that can suit all ages. It gives you the opportunity to have a good upper body and cardiovascular workout and is ideal for those with knee or ankle injuries that rule out stand up surfing.

Standard boards are stable, easy to use and offer the perfect vehicle for easy access to the waves and the adventure of surfing waves. While the high-tech boards are more difficult to handle and allow you to do more critical manoeuvers in the fastest section of the wave and compete at the highest level.

Whilst Waveski surfing is readily enjoyed by novices who surf purely for fun. It can also be extreme and has involved spectacular aerial manoeuvers long before aerial surfboard riding ever became popular. It is a visually exciting sport to watch and a strenuous one to participate in. It is easy to start learning to surf a waveski, as you progress advanced techniques will require good physical agility, co-ordination and strength.

TOP

What is a Waveski?

A waveski is a closed board designed for riding waves whilst seated. The board is usually constructed with fibre glass with a foam core or hollow moulded fibre glass . A typical board is about 2.25m long and 65cm wide. Custom boards are shaped to rider's specifications out of lightweight polystyrene with epoxy and fibreglass skin. The custom boards can be very light (5-7 kgs).

The waveski is more similar to the surfboard than the long racing surf ski. Its construction is based on surfboard design, with the additions of being thicker to support the seated weight of the surfer, has depressions for the seat and feet, footstraps to anchor the feet in and a seatbelt to strap the surfer to the board. The waveski has a flat or concave bottom, a turned-up nose that planes high in the water to allow quick turns, and rails similar to surfboards. The board lengths can vary - a longer board paddles faster, catches waves easier, does big, smooth turns and is easier to master for a beginner. A shorter board is harder to paddle and balance, allows the surfer to go much faster and do critical manoeuvers on the waves.

A paddle is also required and serves several purposes: It helps paddle the board out the back where waves are forming, provides a fulcrum to turn the board during manoeuvers and if the waveski is overturned, with some practice it helps the rider roll back up (Eskimo roll). Although the waveski is primarily designed for surfing on waves, it can also be taken out in flat water for just paddling around.

TOP

What do I need to start?

• A waveski suitable for your weight and experience;
• Footstraps to anchor your feet;
• Quick release seatbelt (waist belt) to strap you on the board;
• A two-blade paddle;
• Fins (depending on the waveski, you may need 1-3 fins, count the slots on the bottom);

Some suggested extras

• Paddle rope (a surfboard leg rope or bodyboard rope is used to attach the paddle to the waveski to prevent it getting lost)
• Seat pad (Made of foam and makes make the seat more comfortable and minimises slipping)
• Wetsuit

TOP

Where do I find the equipment?

Second hand sources are good place for newcomers to the sport with limited budgets. Second hand and new boards can be found at selected surf shops and manufacturers. If choosing a second hand board, look for structural damage and signs of cracks and holes. Paddles and fins are fairly standard. More advanced riders may want to order a custom-shape epoxy board. Visit some of the manufacturers websites and shops to find out about the range of boards available. A good rule-of-thumb is that you should choose a board with a weight-carrying capacity at least 10 kilograms more than your own weight. New boards can range from about $500 for beginner models to up to $2,000 for top-of-the-line designs.

TOP

How do I start?

Take the waveski to a calm area of water and practice paddling around to get your balance. Become familiar with the quick release buckle on the seat belt and practice overturning the waveski with the seat belt attached and getting back on the waveski in deeper water.

When you're comfortable with paddling the board, take it to the nearest surf beach with mellow waves and start riding waves. Try catching the small white-water or broken waves in front at first and then move to the backline where you can catch breaking waves. Ride along the face of the wave, away from the white water. Once you've got this far, you're ready to try some surfing manoeuvers such as turns, cutbacks and re-entries.

A waveski allows the surfer to do any of the moves that a stand up surfer can do! Waveski’s also allow the surfer to do more extreme aerial manoeuvers because the seatbelt keeps the surfer strapped to the board. Check out the moves section of the website for detailed descriptions and video clips on how to many manoeuvres that are possible with waveski surfing.

TOP

Are there any rules?

Yes there are. Waveski surfers are just one more group of surfers trying to share the waves. There are some basic rules that apply to everyone no matter what type of board your surfing. They're common sense and decency and if you're going to surf, check them out and make sure you keep them in mind to make the surf an enjoyable experience.

For competition waveski surfing there is a rule book based on the ISA (International Surfing Association) judging rulebook used on the professional surfing circuit.

TOP

What are the benefits of competitive surfing?

One of the best ways to improve your surfing is to surf with people better than you. This is not always possible and and the best opportunity to do this is through competitive surfing.

From a beginners perspective, competitions give you the opportunity to learn techniques and skills from the best surfers. Competition surfing will speed up your skill development and constantly challenge yourself, increasing your ability and enjoyment of the sport.

For the Intermediate and enthusiast surfers, its allows you to see first hand current waveski designs which most surfers are more than happy to let you try out. Even if you're not competitively minded, you will be with a group who share your interest, learn of new secret surf spots, again pick up tips on how to surf to the best of your ability.

For those that have the competitive spirit, competitions allow you to challenge yourself to improve your level of surfing and determine where your skill level is at. You get the opportunity to learn from the best at close quarters and surf with champions. You will also see how our top surfers utilise the power of the wave, find out how deep they take off and in what sections they bust their big aerial moves. It also allows you to to improve your ranking through State, National and International events.

There are also the social aspects of surfing with people who love the same sport as you and of course catching up with old friends and having a laugh.

TOP