Waveski Surfing is a dynamic sport combining the paddle power of a kayak

Kayak

A kayak is a small, relatively narrow, human-powered boat primarily designed to be manually propelled by means of a double blade paddle.The traditional kayak has a covered deck and one or more cockpits, each seating one paddler...

 with the manoeuvrability and performance of a surfboard

Surfboard

A surfboard is an elongated platform used in the sport of surfing. Surfboards are relatively light, but are strong enough to support an individual standing on them while riding a breaking wave...

.
A Waveski resembles a thick surfboard, with a seat, fins, footstraps, and seatbelt, enabling the rider to 'eskimo roll' if overturned. The waveski rider or waveski surfer then uses a double ended paddle for motion while seated on the waveski. The origins are obscure, but wave skis have been around for over forty years. Danny Broadhurst, a Long Island, New York, surfer created some early wave skis in the 1970s, although these were heavy, bulky and not particularly manoueverable.

Competitions are run similar to stand up surfing and are judged on the performance of the rider on the waves within a 20min heat.
High performance skis weigh about 6 to 8 kg and are custom made, using epoxy

Epoxy

Epoxy, also known as polyepoxide, is a thermosetting polymer formed from reaction of an epoxide "resin" with polyamine "hardener". Epoxy has a wide range of applications, including fiber-reinforced plastic materials and general purpose adhesives....

 resin and EPS foam, which makes the waveski light & strong.
The sport provides fun and exercise for beginners through to advanced riders.

There are several kinds of wave skis, including the shorter and "fatter" Australian style ski, used for high performance "slash and burn" surfing, and American style wave skis perhaps epitomized by Steve Boehne's Infinity Surfshop skis. There are also skegless skis for performing tricks, and even tandem skis.

A waveski is not to be confused with a surf ski. Waveskis are designed for surfing ocean waves and surf skis are designed for racing in open water, as seen in Magnum P.I., the Tom Sellick TV series.

External links

United States Waveski Surfing Association: USWaveski.com

Website for the Reunion island: Waveski-reunion.com