Once there were only solid tree trunks to paddle, then they were hollowed out and became known as “dugout” canoes. For thousands of years they were the most common type of canoe on the planet and in many parts of Africa and other primitive regions they are still the most common type, being paddled every day. In colder climates, like the Arctic, there were fewer suitable trees so “kayaks” were fashioned by inhabitants, such as the Aluet, from branches or bones covered in skin or bark. In the middle centuries European explorers saw these craft and started making them using more modern techniques and materials. Fast forward to the development of fibreglass and it’s application to boat-building and canoes in the late 1940’s. This gave rise to modern sit-in canoes and sea kayaks and closed, sit-on-top craft. Surfskis were developed simultaneously by life-savers for life-saving and surf competitions in Australia, California and South Africa. In the 1970’s the first recreational plastic kayaks appeared, heralding in a new past-time. So-called “sit-on-top plastics” made the sport accessible to all and proliferated, virtually swamping the world. Surfskis also started being marketed to paddlers not involved in surf life-saving. An open-ocean racing series was started by enthusiasts and it attracted the more competitive-minded. Some “surfskis” are such in name only now and are really just like any recreational, sit-on-top sea kayaks, perhaps lacking some of their features. Sit-on-top sea kayaks are distinguished by their moderate lengths, broader beams, hatches and stern-slung rudders, making them versatile, multi-dimensional craft ideal for fun use, trips, tours and expeditions. Proper surfskis are more one-dimensional, intended primarily for racing, hence their narrow and unstable beams and longer, unwieldy lengths, making them less manoevrable. Their speed and use in surf on the other hand. make them exhilarating craft in the hands of mote experienced paddlers. Making a decision between surfskis and sea kayaks depends on one’s intentended use of the craft. Is it to race, and be part of the in-scene, or is it to use the craft for a variety of activities? If the latter, choose sit-on sea kayaks, with their greater safety, stability and space and ideal for trips. PaddleYak Kayaks produces twenty different types of sea kayaks to suit various uses, as well as surfskis, so can advise you in respect of the best craft for you. PaddleYak Kayaks founder Johan Loots started his kayaking career on surfskis at Milnerton Life-saving Club in Cape Town, South Africa, in the cold Atlantic waters of the West Coast. He raced locally as well as in the grueling PE to East London and the inaugural Cape Point Challenge as a member of the Fish Hoek Surf Life-saving Club. He campaigned in many K1 class canoe races on rivers too and competed in many waveski competions, including the World Championships at Nahoon Reef in East London. From 1994 onwards he set up the first commercial sea kayak operations in Hout Bay, Simonstown, Mossel Bay, Plettenberg Bay and beyond, putting his past kayaking skills to good use. He has paddled many exotic places and contributed to setting up sea kayaking tours on the famous Camino in Spain. He continues to explore the world on kayaks and refining his PaddleYak designs, the latest being the PY TravelYak Split, a nesting, sit-on-top sea kayak in a bag, a take-anywhere craft for the world. See his books: A Practical Guide to Sea Kayaking in Southern Africa and An Essential Guide to Sea Kayaking. The latter was available worldwide in five languages. Ph/WA +27 (0) 825562520 or email info@seakayak.co.za See www.paddleyak.co.za