As you may have guessed by my forum name I initially got into this sport through adventure racing. You are spot on going for an intermediate boat so you are not fighting it everytime you paddle.
A couple of other considerations for multisport skis is that they should be low volume so when you are paddling point to point cross winds the boat isn't as affected by the wind/chop.
I've seen the SR and agree that it is a good first up composite boat for someone not paddling more than a couple of times a week.
This is an article I wrote for an Adventure Racing page in WA years ago on ski selection then updated last year, may be something useful in it for you.
Which ski for NOVICE???
In 2012 I wrote an article on which Ski for Novice? Just recently someone asked me the same question. So I have written an updated article for the benefit of anyone still wondering.
If you are completely new to paddling but have the discipline to train and not mind getting wet there are quite a few options.
One of the biggest things for you in this race will be stability, the run leg certainly takes it out of you and you will feel it when you jump in the ski.
In my first race in an Epic V10 sport I was overtaking a lot of elite level skis simply because the conditions made it hard to balance, hard to balance = slower speed because you can’t put the power down.
(in 2016 the paddle leg is first, so may not be as much of a consideration, but if you are a regular adventure racer this again may play a part in which boat you want to paddle when already fatigued.)
Cheapish stable boats
You should be able to pick one up around $500-$800 second hand (retail around $1000)
Plastic Spirit Surfski
Plastic Finn Endorfinn
To be brutally honest, I think most should start on one of these skis. Yes, you may get passed by many of lighter, faster skis, but you stand a much better chance of finishing and these skis are something you can hold onto for future adventures like white water paddling or holidays at the beach where you don’t need to worry about damaging them.
Many who have bought these beginner skis have found that they are ready to upgrade within a short space of time, they are VERY stable so give away a bit of speed on the other skis, however if you are committed to training and want to go a little faster but still on a budget I would look at Novice to intermediate plastic skis. $500-$800 second hand (retail around $1600-2000)
Spirit PRS
Spirit Fury
Finn Molokai
In the past 4-5 years there are dozens of new composite construction skis on the market, here are just some of the ones you could find second hand for a reasonable price in WA ($1000-$2000).
Composite construction means they are made from Fibreglass, Kevlar and/or Carbon and are generally a lot lighter and stiffer than plastic so give you much better speed for the energy you put into your paddle stroke.
Epic V10 sport
Fenn XT
Fenn Swordfish
Think Eze
Think Evo II
Carbonology Zest
Epic V10 sport
Stellar SR
Horizon
Here are some of the stable models released in the past few years that may be a little more expensive 2nd hand or still available new
Epic V8
Epic V7 (plastic but stiffer and lighter than other plastics)
Fenn Bluefin
Carbonology Cruze
If it is your first race I wouldn’t get a new boat, get something you are not afraid to fall out of and can safely get back in.
Those of us who have been doing this a little while will remember a day a few years back when a lot of the mini race and main race paddlers didn’t finish the race as they couldn’t deal with the conditions. If you are uncertain, take your ski to the river on a windy/choppy day, go for a long run then try and paddle in windy, choppy conditions.
Remember this is fun, don’t make it frustrating. Feel free to ask questions about particular makes and models below.
Always looking for the next boat