My story (for what it's worth).

I'm 45 years old, live in the Midwest (U.S.), surrounded mostly by cornfields. Flat-water River 2 miles away and Mississippi River 25 miles away. Purchased Nelo Razor (K1 trainer) 12 years ago - took me 2 years to avoid wet exits. Entered some races - had much fun! Limited paddling for the past 8 years (four teenaged kids ) Last kid just graduated this spring so I trained all summer for a race this Sept. (got beat by an Epic 18x). Epic dealer at this race with surfski's - never thought I'd ever have the chance to test paddle a surfski! Twas love at first sight! I've watched lots of surfski porn (that's what my wife calls it) over the years - in awe of the pro's in big open water riding waves. Test paddle was on a V8 - I was hooked. Couldn't afford a new one (4 kids in college ) but found a 2010 V10 Sport Performance for sale just 3 hours away! So a week after my first test paddle - I had my very own surfski! It's been over a month now and here are some thoughts:
1. Definitely more stable than my Razor.
2. Not as fast - yet.
3. Very responsive rudder system.
4. Very touchy rudder system. (gotta remember to use my toes to steer - not my whole foot.
5. Very comfortable seat.
6. Wet feet.
7. Guilt. What the hell am I doing with a surfski in the middle of the Midwest! Am I cheating when I enter some of the local races and I show up with my V10 S? On flat-water? With no classifications? Am I using this vessel the way it's made to be used?
One thing my surfski has given me though is piece of mind. I've practiced many remounts - albeit in flat-water, and have got proficient at it already. Something I could never have done in my Razor.
I do plan on traveling to Lake Michigan this spring and see how I do on some bigger water or try to find a clinic - but I'm sure I'll never get to ride the big waves like the Mocke's or Chalupsky. At least I have their videos to watch.
A final note: I really appreciate this site and all the tips that are provided for us new guys. Sorry for the length.

Dan

Welcome, Dan, enjoy it!

Send the kids to a South African or Australian University and move. Or convince the wife on a trip to Mauritius, she can drink cocktails by the pool whilst you paddle and attend clinics held by the best in the world.

portmanm wrote: Send the kids to a South African or Australian University and move. Or convince the wife on a trip to Mauritius, she can drink cocktails by the pool whilst you paddle and attend clinics held by the best in the world.

All the mob doing the Mauritius again next year Matt?

Mick

DanielJohn wrote: 7. Guilt. What the hell am I doing with a surfski in the middle of the Midwest! Am I cheating when I enter some of the local races and I show up with my V10 S? On flat-water? With no classifications? Am I using this vessel the way it's made to be used?

No probably not using it for it's initial design intention...BUT, be rest assured you are no where near alone. In Australia's Marathon series races, once the dominion of Kayaks, these days would see a 50/50 split of skis and kayaks. While the purists will rubbish those who paddle skis on enclosed waters I'm sure the manufacturers are chuffed that skis have become very popular in sheltered waters, rivers and lakes.

Almost all the flat water events I attend have a specific "Ski" category in recognition of this.

Welcome to my world (a Midwest USA surfski paddler)! Surfskis are as awesome on flat water as they are on big water - easy to enter, easy to reenter, fast, and just plain fun! In USCA Unlimited Class kayak races surfskis probably make up the majority of the boats. And you can feel good about comfortably paddling an elite boat you could probably never handle in big waves. Of course, if you do want some wave action, just wait for the winds to kick up on a large lake (coupled with motorboat action) and go have fun...