Since filming a surf-ski section in ‘This is the Sea 5‘, I have wanted more! How can you not embrace the concept of downwind paddling!?  I love that after 17 years of paddling, I can still be a relative beginner at something and have a steep learning curve. And well – there’s not much that’s more fun than surfing.

Although I’ve never been especially slow, my paddling technique could certainly be a lot better and I’m motivated to improve that, get faster and more efficient and catch more of those waves! Ultimately – for me it’s about setting myself a challenge and going on a journey and I’d like to do the Molokai race between 2 Hawaiian islands.

Not many people have surf skis near to me in North Wales, so I decided to drive down to a race in Devon to meet a few advocates, have a go and see what it’s all about. I was really nervous about the race – even though I’ve only tried surf skiing about 5 times in Tarifa, I can’t help being competitive! Ivan Lawler (multiple world champion) of Ultimate Kayaks lent me an Epic V8. This ski has revolutionised surf skiing as it’s much more stable than the knife-edge skis that you see the best guys using – yet it’s still pretty speedy and catches waves. That competitive side of me wants to get good enough to use a faster, tippier ski but it was the perfect choice for me in my first race.

The course was a 17km downwind run from Combe Martin to Lynmouth. It’s a beautiful cliffy section of coastline, although you can probably tell from my gritted teeth in the photos that I was too focussed to take it in! I did respectably – about 2/3 of the way down the pack and I’ll definitely have another go. The next race is in Poole on 7th September  – skis can be rented from Ultimate Kayaks – maybe see you there!?

You can check out the GB Ocean Ski website or facebook page. I ‘borrowed’ these photos from their facebook page (thanks) and there are  lots more photos and info on there. You can see how the good guys do it (and get a sense of the fun) if you buy the 11 minute surf ski film that I made as a download for just £2.99 here (with optional subtitles in French, Italian or Spanish). Or start by watching this film featuring Ivan Lawler for free!