Secondhand beginner skis

I'm a beginner paddler looking for a stable ski in Cape Town. Are there other places to look besides Gumtree? I'm going to test out a Horizon this weekend. Asking Price is R5500. Is this reasonable? Secondhand skis seem to go for anything between R1000 and R6000 in this category. I've paddled the Fenn Bluefin and wouldn't really like anything less stable than that. How does the Horizon compare? If I could get a secondhand Bluefin at a good price I'd be happy.

Check with Pete Cole, also with Brian's Kayaks and maybe Dawid as well on prices for second hand Horizons... It would have to be in very good shape to justify that price (I think)!

From what I remember, the Horizon is stable, but not quite as stable as the Bluefin - anyone else like to comment?

The Bluefin and Epic V8 are ultra stable skis, the Horizon isn't quite as stable as either of the above, but it is still quite acceptable as a beginner's ski, our club has trained lots of beginners on Horizons.

R5500 is pretty pricey for a 2nd hand Horizon, it would have to be as good as new to justify that price.

You may battle to find a 2nd hand Bluefin, they haven't been on the market for too long so there aren't that many around. Not too many V8's in SA either.

The Fenn XT is worth looking at too, basically the same stability as the Horizon.

Worth a try - place a WANTED ad on gumtree - that's how I found my Epic V10 Sport.

I sold my very good condition Horizon last season for R5000.

That price felt fair to me.

Its a very good boat, if a bit old. Easy enough to get you going, but I know of at least 1 green Horizon that has finished the Cape Point Challenge. So you could go real far with it.

I just had a look for the ski you're mentioning. If its the Blue and white one from Grant, then its in fantastic condition, and probably a very fair price.

Nothing wrong with it at all, he's just upgraded to another boat. I know the ski and the owner - we paddle together regularly.

I'll let you decide whether that makes me biased

Also looking to upgrade my ski - I've heard good things about the Think Evo 2 by Carbonology. How about posting an advert on the various Facebook surfksi racing series pages, would that be uncool?

@Belzee1234 wrote: Also looking to upgrade my ski - I've heard good things about the Think Evo 2 by Carbonology. How about posting an advert on the various Facebook surfksi racing series pages, would that be uncool?

I'd say go for it - if the message is unwelcome they'll delete it anyway, no harm done!

Where are you based?

Hey Robin, I'm living in Cape Town. I was thinking of posting on the Hout Bay Tuesday Series and the Fish Hoek pages.

@Belzee1234 wrote: Hey Robin, I'm living in Cape Town. I was thinking of posting on the Hout Bay Tuesday Series and the Fish Hoek pages.

Go for it...

I'd also give Orka Paddles and Brian's Kayaks a call and ask them if they know anyone with a second hand Evo II.

And... you could contact Hein van Rooyen at Carbonology Sports and ask him - it doesn't cost much to ship a ski from PE/EL or even Durban come to that.

Thanks for the contacts Robin, I will do!