Sean Rice

Sean Rice

Surfski racing is a dynamic sport, beloved by many of its participants for the opportunity to test their skills as an ocean paddler – which could be described as an art form when done at a high level. Wind and waves add “x-factor” elements to surfski races that separate the purely fit paddlers from those that know how to use the energy in the water to their full advantage.

Still, it is a race. And when paddlers are locked into a competition, tactics and strategy are just as essential as strength, endurance and ocean prowess. One of the most “interactive” skill sets a paddler needs to race tactically and be competitive: wash riding. Wash riding, the watersports version of drafting in cycling, amounts to riding the waves put off by another paddler’s boat, to the sides and at their stern. The ability to do this competently allows you to conserve energy, hang with faster paddlers and keep tabs on the competition.

World Champion surfski paddler Sean Rice has raced all over the world, on all types of courses and against the best competitors in the sport. No stranger to race tactics and planning, Sean has shared his thoughts with us on wash riding for the competitive paddler, and gives some great insight into the intricacies that make it such a vital skill. See the rest of the interview on North Coast Kayaks below.

The Tactical Wave – Surfski Wash Riding with Sean Rice