Flow Kayaks Surf Skis: Forged to Complement
The relaunched Surf Skis from Flow Kayaks are unique in a number of ways. The one I'll touch on in this article is that the kayaks and the surf ski's were designed together, to complement one another. Each surf ski has a kayak with a matching hull for the river and visa vie.
Dabble in something new or different with your paddling skills
For surf ski or flat water paddlers that want a challenge, dabbling in river paddling and multisport. Or for paddlers that equally participate in each discipline of downwind racing and river racing.
For multisporters, down wind racing is a great way to build stability and reaction skills in a more consistent but challenging terrain.
The Superstar surf ski is known to be our intermediate boat, a great training ski for multisporters and adventurers alike. If your everyday waterways are harbours, beaches and flat water then a Superstar is a great toy to train in. When you go to the river, the Rockstar kayak is there to match it.
A training tool (or toy if you're anything like us)
Another use for the Flow Surf Skis as a training tool is to have an Addict or Superstar as a training, open water and down wind racer, and a more stable kayak for the river.
For example, the Aspire kayak is designed to be a more stable version of the Rockstar kayak, slightly wider and shorter than the Rockstar. So a Superstar (the Rockstar’s Surf Ski counterpart) is a great Surf Ski to challenge those that are beginner/intermediate that paddle an Aspire on the river.
Scenarios of this are:
An Addict Surf Ski and then a Rockstar Kayak for the river.
A Superstar Surf Ski and an Aspire Kayak for the river.
They all have the same seat set up, similar hulls, primary and secondary stabilities are similar ratios and pedal and rudder set ups same or similar.
Access away from home
The Flow Surf Skis are popular in overseas markets due to being suitable for river use, a warm temperature training option and also a more versatile craft in harbour environments.
If you're based outside of New Zealand, or a decent distance from a river and coming to the South Island of New Zealand, there are multiple ways to hire a Flow Kayak or Surf Ski for a day, a week, a month or more for on river use. This is particularly relevant to The Coast to Coast.
Ie. Sydney based paddler with a Superstar hires an Aspire or Rockstar when in NZ
Lastly, the biomechanical benefits to matching boats
All of these scenarios result in better river preparation without much river time, less muscle imbalances due to similar set ups, feel, performance and the ability to rent a boat when racing around New Zealand with increasing ease as we expand our network.
There are demo skis in Christchurch, Wanaka and Wellington that will tour when requested at the earliest convenience.
If you'd like to discuss any of Flow Kayaks equipment please get in touch with us in the way that suits you.