Comments for Review update: Paddling a Carbon Fenn Mako 6 at http://www.surfski.info , comment 0 to 3 out of 3 comments http://www.surfski.info Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:11:47 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/234/156/#pc_1581 Ted, don't underestimate the capabilities of the XT. Especially as a new paddler. It has qualities that would allow you to really learn the ropes considerably easier and having alot more fun doing so. I have both boats. Although the Mako6 is very fast the stability is relative. If you have excellent stability from the get go it might be worth looking at. If your like me where stability has to be aquired with alot of practice then don't overlook the XT. It is still a tippy boat as far as kayaks are concerned. Being able to paddle the XT in various conditions has allowed me to learn a great deal as far as handling those conditions(surfski skills in general) and also allowed me to pinpoint my requirements when stepping up to a faster boat eventually. It has also allowed me to hone my stroke technique which in turn has allowed me to paddle much tippier boats more efficiently. If your constantly fighting to make the boat stable it's very difficult to work on the other aspects of paddling that eventually enhance your stability and enjoyment. - Dave R Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:24:04 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/234/156/#pc_1574 HI paddler... liked your comparison between the XT and mako 6. As a very new beginner its info like yrs that ultimately help newbies make a decision. especially the tracking ability of the two skis. If i was to go the Fenn route, Id now be more inclined to put the time in on a mako 6 (over comming balance issues) then start of on a XT and decided to sell it within 6 months. Enjoyed yr review Rob, thought there would be more feedback from seasoned paddlers to what is most likely a popular ski (carbon mako 6). - Ted Wed, 17 Oct 2007 01:14:57 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/234/156/#pc_502 Rob, this article made me want to try the 6. I have paddled an XT for a little over a year, and found out there was a Mako 6 to demo in Hawaii. Learning the limitations of the XT\'s surfing abilities, the thought of a ski with additional rocker made me eager to try a Mako 6. I did a couple of downwind runs (Hawaii Kai runs) and found that it was easier to stay on bumps (compared to the XT) because I could steer the ski while surfing the wave, rather than being at the mercy of the line I had originally chosen when catching the bump. Also, even though the canoe was indeed tippier than my XT, I burned less energy surfing the bumps than I would on my XT because it took less energy to catch (and stay on) the waves. So I did not flip (a surprise to me), which most often happens once I get tired. Thanks, Scott - HI Paddler Tue, 09 Jan 2007 17:33:12 +0100