I paddled a surf ski down in the coast to coast 2025. Flow was 38 cumecs ie low I was in a family team starting midfield in the kayak leg of the race. Finished in 4hrs 14min 2nd fastest time across the whole event.Here are my thoughts on a surf ski vs a kayak paddling down a river split into different key features surf ski vs kayak. I did paddle a kayak a week out from the race as well 🙂
| Surf Ski | Kayak | Winner | |
| Remount / re-entry | Easy quick remount / portage | Must swim to side and longer portage times | Ski |
| River Rapids suitability | Takes on water in the cockpit through white water which does slow the boat down through these sections. However, the water does quickly drain away within 1-2min. White water can be avoided in most cases taking chicken lines or portaging. Subject to race traffic on the day | Gets through rapids great, its what the kayak is designed for. However, if you swim it’s a long delay to get going again. So less confidence in white water potentially | It depends on the padder. Note: Much of G2 rivers have significant flat sections between rapids. |
| River Toughness | Same as long as its the same layup as a river kayak. | Same lay up as a river lay up ski | Kayak because it’s more proven down rivers. |
| Warmth | Open cockpit requires wetsuit leggings. Generally, no difference in water temp to what you get in open water padding, but air temp is lower in the mountains. Waterproof kayak pants for cold days. | Warm underneath the spray skirt. However I find water tends to hit the upper body more when going through white water. | No difference with correct gear |
| Speed | Technically the same* see other points re rapids, Consequence of failing out is less so may have faster times getting back in if you swim. | Technically the same* see other points re rapids. High consequence of falling out. | Subject to the river and features on the day, and confidence of paddler |
| Training Flexibility | Ski enables open water training in wind and waves as well as river paddling, probably the best benefit of the ski enables more training in a range of water, so you become a better paddler | Designed for rivers, can be uncomfortable in flat water and not suitable for open water. Tend to run and bike more as kayak training can become a chore. | Surf Ski |
| Repairability | Harder to access the cockpit area potentially more cost to repair. | Greater access to the inside of the kayak in the cock pit area. Behind the seat and in front of the cockpit has the same pitfalls of access as the ski. | Kayak |
| Transitions between cycle and run legs | Easy get in and out. Legs are likely to feel better due to increased rotation and movement | Slower portages unsupported. This is negated with supported transitions. | Unsupported, Ski Supported, no difference |
| Paddling technique | Easier Rotation and leg drive due to open cockpit. Legs feel good after long paddles | More restrictive with hips more locked in but this can be personalised. People tend to paddle with arms more rather than whole body. | Surf ski |
| River railing | Still rail the boat to negotiate boils and eddy lines. | Locked in legs enable rail control through boils and eddys. | I see no tangible difference in G2 river but can rail the kayak over more. |
Overall, if you had one option to buy a boat I would get the Ski. By far the biggest advantage in the ski is the ability to train on a variety of water and be safe & comfortable. This means more paddling which means you become a stronger paddler. Also less time spent traveling to get to the water meaning more paddling and other training.
Kayaks are great down rivers, but they are somewhat limited in other pieces of water. Purchasing a surf ski may just take you from a “floater” to a “paddler” in no time, despite what you choose to race on race day. Even better have both kayak and surf ski so you can use each boat to its advantage.
Need some land training to support your journey to become a stronger paddler check out the rest of the website with gym and technique based sessions.
Please get in touch with any questions for if you are considering some coaching Ben@strongpaddler.com
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