Single or double?

  • SteveW
  • Visitor
5 years 11 months ago #31393 by SteveW
Single or double? was created by SteveW
I have been paddling a Fenn Blue Fin S for a few months now and loving it.
Last weekend my wife had a try on the Blue Fin and was very successful. She did a few ins and outs at Fish Hoek and thoroughly enjoyed herself. Now she also wants a ski.

The question is:
Should I get another Blue Fin or go one step further with a Fenn XTS double? I am inclined towards another Blue Fin and then later on when she has built up some experience, try renting a double to try and then buying one.

I am also thinking that being on a double would give her more confidence and in that way encourage her to try downwinding.

Any pearls of wisdom from the forumites? :)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
5 years 11 months ago #31394 by kwolfe
Replied by kwolfe on topic Single or double?
I would think about getting 2 skis in the beginning. Doubles are great however if she decides she doesn't like it, I would think the resale would be more difficult.

Also, I would prefer to see the other person when paddling instead of having them behind me all the time.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • SteveW
  • Visitor
5 years 11 months ago #31395 by SteveW
Replied by SteveW on topic Single or double?
This is what I am thinking. The only downside is then having to buy the double later on as well as the single now. I will end up with 5 boats, not that you can have too many. The storage will also become an issue. Got to love this surfski malarkey. :)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
5 years 11 months ago - 5 years 11 months ago #31399 by zachhandler
Replied by zachhandler on topic Single or double?
Double skis and kayaks have a justified reputation as divorce makers. There is something about the close confines and the need to stay in synch that is just too much for most couples to handle. I have a v10 double. My wife and I made it 8 minutes before an epic fight ensued, no pun intended. We have not been in the double since. Maybe borrow or rent a double a few times to see if it is an ok fit for your relationship before buying is a good idea.

Current Skis: Epic v10 g3, NK 670 double, NK exrcize, Kai Wa’a Vega, Carbonology Feather, Think Jet, Knysna Sonic X
Former Skis: Epic V12 g2, Epic V12 g1, Epic v10 double, Nelo 550 g2, Fenn Elite S, Custom Kayaks Synergy
Last edit: 5 years 11 months ago by zachhandler.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
5 years 11 months ago #31401 by Atlas
Replied by Atlas on topic Single or double?
Zachhandler is right. You really must try a double ASAP. You will almost certainly have your answer straight away. They are surprisingly difficult to get the best out of. I am a reasonably competent downwind paddler and my partner can confidently paddle my Bluefin in choppy water. However although we never fight about it; we find paddling my XT double extremely difficult in anything other than glass calm water. We ride tandem bikes with no trouble but there is just something about the double ski that we really struggle with. I’ve been in the back of a Fenn Elite double behind Michael Booth. It was pretty awesome. I’ve never been so fast in a ski but although we didn’t come close to falling out; I still felt quite tense. I’ve been behind Oscar in the Nelo 600 and that was pretty fun but once again I couldn’t quite relax. Maybe it’s just me. You and your wife might have a ball. I hope you do.

Current boats
Epic V10L Ultra, Epic V9 Ultra, Carbonology Sport Boost X LV, Fenn Bluefin, Nelo 510, Fenn XT double, Nelo 600, Expedition Kayaks Azure, Mirage 732.
Previous boats
Spirit PRS, Fenn Swordfish, Fenn XT, Fenn Swordfish S, Think Zen, Epic V10L Club, Carbonology Sport Boost LV

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • SteveW
  • Visitor
5 years 11 months ago #31403 by SteveW
Replied by SteveW on topic Single or double?
Great feedback, keep it coming. Thanks.

My biggest concern is having 2 beginners in a double. I don't want to spend to much time falling out and playing the blame game. :)
I am thinking to just get another single for the wife and maybe in a years time consider getting a double. Of course I will rent a double to try for the first few occasions to see how compatible we are in a double ski.

The two of us on the Legend Nessy is painless as the boat is so stable and paddling out of sync wont throw you out the boat.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
5 years 11 months ago #31404 by [email protected]
Hi Steve,

There's a demo Nelo 600 Double at the Fish Hoek Beach Sports Club if you'd like to try it out.

Cheers
Rob

Rob

Currently Fenn Swordfish S, Epic V10 Double.
Previously: Think Evo II, Carbonology Zest, Fenn Swordfish, Epic V10, Fenn Elite, Red7 Surf70 Pro, Epic V10 Sport, Genius Blu, Kayak Centre Zeplin, Fenn Mako6, Custom Kayaks ICON, Brian's Kayaks Molokai, Brian's Kayaks Wedge and several others...

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • SteveW
  • Visitor
5 years 11 months ago #31406 by SteveW
Replied by SteveW on topic Single or double?
Great, thanks Rob. Next time I come to Fish Hoek I will give it a go. Who is the go to man there?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
5 years 11 months ago #31407 by [email protected]
Give me a shout and I'll tell you where the boat is and the combination of the lock! Just to preempt you - it is being used and isn't available this particular weekend!

Rob

Currently Fenn Swordfish S, Epic V10 Double.
Previously: Think Evo II, Carbonology Zest, Fenn Swordfish, Epic V10, Fenn Elite, Red7 Surf70 Pro, Epic V10 Sport, Genius Blu, Kayak Centre Zeplin, Fenn Mako6, Custom Kayaks ICON, Brian's Kayaks Molokai, Brian's Kayaks Wedge and several others...
The following user(s) said Thank You: SteveW

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • SteveW
  • Visitor
5 years 11 months ago #31408 by SteveW
Replied by SteveW on topic Single or double?
Great thanks. I will let you know!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Latest Forum Topics