Surfski Knowledge Base

Increasing weight in or on a surfski will usually result in a reduction in flatwater speed. How it affects stability depends on the location of the weight. An increase in stability can allow a paddler to go faster in rough water than they can go with a boat that is faster in flat water but less stable because a stable paddler requires fewer paddle braces and can apply power more confidently and effectively in a stable boat.

• Speed there have been a number of studies on the effect of weight change on rowing shells. Theory suggests the following: Flatwater paddlers will be approximately 1/6% slower for every 1% increase in total dead weight, all else being equal. The following investigator found similar real world results for flatwater kayakers here.