On Downwinding: You’re Not Surfing
Most paddlers learn to think about downwind paddling in terms of waves. You catch a wave, you ride the wave, and you look for the next wave. Wash, rinse, repeat. That model works well enough [...]
On Training: Stress and Adaptation
Nothing in training happens without stress. In the absence of a stressor, our system remains exactly as it is. But stress alone is not improvement, and in an ocean environment, misunderstanding that difference is one [...]
On Racing: Starting Right
Most races are decided long before the first buoy or the first run. They begin in the final minutes before the start, when paddlers are already spending physical, mental, and emotional energy, whether they realize [...]

Blackburn Challenge to host 2026 National Championships
The American Canoe Association has selected the Cape Ann Rowing Club's Blackburn Challenge as the host venue for the 2026 USA Canoe Ocean Racing National Championships, placing one of America’s most iconic open-water races at [...]

USA Surfski Paddlers @ 2025 ICF COR World Championships
The 2025 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing (COR) World Championships were held in Durban, South Africa this past October. Worlds is the pinnacle international competition for surfski paddlers all over the world, in addition to World Cups [...]
Latest News
2018 L2L-East Coast Surfski Championships
There was some speculation if this year's race was going to happen. Most of us who are in the paddling community have full time jobs outside of paddling. Gary Williams, Race Director is no different. Trying to juggle family, work, and being the race director for this major event is a [...]
Lighthouse to Lighthouse: Age Gap
2018 Lighthouse to Lighthouse ( East Coast Surfski Champs) by Greg Lesher And the Winner is Nate Humberston! Helmed by force-of-nature Gary Williams, the Lighthouse to Lighthouse Race is the place to be to rack up your worst finishing position of the New England season. With significant prize money (donated by [...]
Nahant Bay Cup: Leveled
If you're a New England paddler and you don't have a signed excuse from your doctor or your congressman, you're pretty much self-obligated to attend Mike McDonough's Nahant Bay Cup - the final regional race before Labor Day rolls in and puts the kibosh on summer. Despite missing a few regulars [...]
Nelo Summer Challenge Recap: Hayley, Sean, Ivan, Andre’
Nice Recap of Nelo Summer Challenge with winners Sean Rice, Hayley Nixon, Andre', and Ivan. https://www.facebook.com/NeloSummerChallenge/videos/2079933082321626/?t=1
Jamestown Double Beaver: The New Guard
For the 11th running of the Jamestown Double Beaver, race director Tim Dwyer decided to mix things up. No longer married to the "Jamestown", "Double", or "Beaver" parts of the name (the last two elements referring to the two passes by Beavertail Light), Tim briefly considered cutting all ties to the past by [...]
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Update by Reid Hyle, New 2015 Stellar SES 2G Surf Ski Review
October 14, 2015, Reid Hyle's Thoughts on the New SES 2G Definitely put the new SES on your short list if you are a medium sized paddler looking for a new ride. There isn’t much need to go over a lot of detail about what has been changed from the [...]
Huki S1X Special Surfski Review, Big FUN!
If you have paddled the second generation Huki's that came out in April 2012, no doubt, they have left an impression on you. Just a few days ago, another Huki paddler told me the Huki's paddled so well in downwind conditions that they have "Soul". That phrase resonated with me. [...]
Stellar S18S 2G Review is Coming!
Dave Thomas of Stellar Kayaks and Surfskis paddling the new S18S 2G on the Sakonnet. Dave dropped off the Stellar S18S 2G surfski for me to review. I have a lot of paddling to do with surfski reviews stacking up! I love it! Fall/winter is actually a better [...]
Think Jet, Right Sized
Last week I got to try the pint-size Think Jet. It comes in at 17ft by 19 inches and accommodates 80 lbs to 165 lbs. While I am clearly over the weight limit, I took it for a 30-minute paddle yesterday to get a feel for it. It is designed [...]
Nelo Vintage Review by Wesley Echols
Nelo 2011/2012 Vintage Review Introduction For a few years I have been intrigued with the Nelo surf skis, the Vintage and the Ocean Ski models, because of their brilliant colors, sleek profile and known quality of their world famous K1’s. Chris Chappell, web master, was also very curious about the [...]












