Unlike some other coastlines where I was embarking on the unknown, this one was known. And having seen huge waves, giant sea stacks, warning signs of what lies within at various beaches, and gaped from the various cliffs above at the vastness of it all, I was in for a doosey of a week as I attempted to tackle Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin coastline stretches.
Companies that 'get it'!
Paddle Articles
CP Explorations - Gualala to Bolinas and the Pt Reyes Hook
CP Safety - Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Risk Assessment and Mitigation. The Coast Guard encourages boaters to always think about these two topics. Keep in mind, one risk level is not always the same to different paddlers. And certain items to counter the risk is not always a saving grace. But the combination of choices and our precautions in certain settings can be the key.
CP Reviews - Vega Arc Surfski
Having been a fan of Kai Barlett’s outrigger canoe innovation for several years, Cali Paddler was very excited when he introduced the Vega in his foray into the surfski realm. With the original Vega geared towards the elite audience, and a follow up shortly after with the Vega Flex to the intermediate surf ski paddler, Kai had created two skis with a targeted audience and had received quality reviews from paddlers. Using the production innovations of OZONE in their canoe manufacturing processes, Kai was able to bring the lightweight carbon experience to a craft that has typically weighed 6-15 more lbs. depending on the model and layup. With the advanced and intermediate markets catered to, Kai had not yet created a surfski designed with stability as the most important aspect. For the beginner entry level paddler or those looking to go out in downwinders and not worry as much about falling in as conditions get more challenging. Enter the Vega Arc!
We recently met up with Lindsey Richman of OZONE SoCal and he had the Vega Arc for demo. A little background on my experience in surf ski: I am representative of a OC1 cross-over paddler. I have paddled oc1 for 12 years and have forged fond associations with the ama. But three years ago I wanted to vary the motions my body was repeating, see if I could improve on my balance and centering, and start from scratch on a challenging craft to improve my overall paddle skills. That said the journey has been very humbling. But it has allowed me to work through some of the challenges a beginner surfski paddler would encounter and so I was right at home on a beginner craft like the Vega Arc and could appreciate some of the design choices Kai made to create a positive early experience.
Surfski paddlers often preach about starting on a stable craft to hone in proper technique and stroke. When we are unbalanced and tippy we resort to horrible technique. And so I can appreciate how I can be on a more stable ski and not worry about falling in while I work hard to rotate and incorporate all the tips and tricks I have been told by paddlers and watched on online videos. The Vega Arc was a super stable experience where I could really be focused on proper hip engagement and work through the phases of the stroke and feel safe. I was able to jump into some choppy water in the Mission Bay Channel where several boats had passed by and mixed in with swell along the rocks and never felt unstable. I took awkward angles every chance I could and the ski punched through no problem.
Based on my limited surfski experience over the last few years trying various models and manufacturers, the stability was very similar to the Fenn Blue Fin. A ski that I have taken on light downwinders and even raced a few times in the SoCal Winter Racing Series. For the last year, I have been on a Fenn Swordfish. An intermediate surfski and certainly a step towards speed at the cost of the stability. The Vega Arc, as mentioned before had stability of the Blue Fin, but speeds were significantly faster. While not as fast as the Swordfish based on several race starts and short bursts which I do regularly in HIIT workouts, my Garmin showed me about .2-.4mph from Swordfish speeds. These were about .4-.6mph faster though than what I would have hit on the Blue Fin as I played around in different zones. The sample size was small. And while I would have preferred to paddle more than the 15 minutes, and in different conditions, it was very clear that this Vega Arc offered some speed without sacrificing stability. And it locked into some nice boat wake where I could sit and think about life for a good 30 seconds or so before taking a paddle stroke. Some of the speed advantage likely comes from the weight difference I assume. Which brings me to my next points.
The weight of this ski was so noticeable that my walk to the water was pleasurable carrying the ski a good 200 yards. Throw in the handles that are comfortably placed and I was strutting on land like it was nothing. How light? The Ozone website lists the Regular Vega Arc rigged at 19.8 lbs. The Arc Pro would be lighter at 17lbs. My swordfish is around 26lbs. That said, if you are a clutz like I sometimes am, these light boats require an added sense of thoughtfulness to ensure you don’t ding them. I tapped the craft a few times mid stroke with my paddle, due to its wideness and was glad there was strike tape to absorb my paddle. And a craft this light would not be something I would be as confident to take for ins-and-outs at surf spots on a regular basis. That said, my skills doesn’t warrant that yet anyways. As with most Ozone boats, this is made for speed. And they offer 16 gorgeous color options as well as split hull color combos. So we factor that in as well as an OZONE benefit.
One last note, while I did not get a chance to take it out in downwind conditions, I would imagine Kai has this pretty dialed in since his designs are regularly considered among the best in downwind conditions. I can see the Vega Arc being a craft I would love on downwinder days where the conditions are more challenging and sleigh-rides are to be had.
So there you have it. A quick first impressions recap of this new surfski from Kai Bartlett. A super stable ski I would love my oc1 friends to get on when they are ski-curious and wanting to learn this discipline. But with speeds of almost an intermediate proven surfski.
CP Explorations - The Lost Coast - Humboldt to Point Arena
CP Explorations - Half Moon Bay 2 Monterey
CP Explorations - Avila to Jalama (Vandenberg or Bust)
Paddler Resources for Checking Conditions (wind, current, tide, storm)
CP Explorations - The Coronado Islands, BAJA California Mexico
Emergency Steering - DIY Rudder Cable Backup System for OCs and Surfskis
Emergency steering device for broken rudder cable
There are times where we are out on our canoes and surf-skis and our rudder cable breaks. It happens. And a perfectly great day can turn bad real quick. There are many creative quick-fixes one can do, and we will discuss several of them at the end of the article. But there is one in particular we'd like to focus on that can really not only help you hold a line, but create the ability to turn in a semi-controlled manner. And the great thing is...you can dial in very quickly and easily, because it is installed and ready to use when the moment comes! Thank you to Cali Paddler Frank who took the time to craft and share this great write-up. Enjoy!
VHF Radio Demystified – The most important part of your paddle safety kit
Many of us have come to paddling, whether it be kayak, SUP, surf ski, OC1 or OC6, from backgrounds other than traditional boating like power boats or sailing. Because of this you may not be familiar with the venerable marine VHF radio that has been the mainstay of the boating community since 1950. Advances in electronics have shrunk the size and cost of the VHF radio to a small hand held device that can be bought for under $100. For these reasons a handheld marine VHF radio should be in everyone's safety kit.
Paddle Pledge Non-Profits
