Are surf skis faster than kayaks?
In the mid 2000’s I had seen friend Don Kiesling expertly surfing a large Seattle tug wake on a surf ski for quite a distance. He was 2x as fast as my sea kayak and it looked effortless. Since I knew skis are much lighter than sea kayaks, so started to look for one. The K1 kayak had the potential to be faster, but only if I had the skill to make the most of it. The surf ski would be easier to use, more versatile and safer on the coast, but not as fast in a quadrathlon race.
Is 70 mph fast on skis?
Downhill skiers and speed skiers do go a lot faster, reaching speed of about 70 – 80 mph (113 – 129 km/h) or even higher. But these are extremely dangerous speeds and skiers have died in such races. Jet skis can typically go between 40 mph and 70 mph. There are a lot of variables to consider, however. For instance, how much passenger weight the jet ski is carrying, along with the amount of wind resistance and the calmness of the water.
Should beginners wear heavier or lighter skis?
In terms of weight, stick with a ski that is neither super light nor super heavy. Generally speaking, a lighter ski will be easier for a beginner to control, especially when it comes to initiating turns on groomed snow. When you are skiing on longer skis, there is more leverage on the joints, which can put more strain on the knees. Shorter skis, on the other hand, have a smaller turning radius and require less effort to turn. This means that there is less twisting and torque on the knees, which can help to reduce the risk of injury.Performance Data: How Length Affects Control While longer skis require more effort to turn, they can contribute greater stability on steep and open terrain and better float in powder.Width: The width of a ski affects its performance in different snow conditions. Narrower skis are agile and perform well on groomed runs, while wider skis provide better flotation in powder and changing conditions. Narrow skis are under 85mm wide and good for racing and carving.Skis that are too short or too long can be challenging to control and can cause unnecessary strain on your joints. For older skiers, it is generally recommended to choose skis that are shorter than what you would typically choose. Shorter skis are easier to turn and maneuver, reducing the strain on your knees and hips.Turning: Short skis turn faster but lack precision at high speeds. Stability: Less stable at high speeds due to reduced snow contact. Powder Performance: Struggle in deep snow because of smaller surface area. Edge Grip: Reduced grip on icy or hard-packed surfaces.