Russki Surfski

Product Description

Russki is a short surfski or sit-on paddleboard for catching waves and manoeuvring in surf.

The Russki has a simplified structure with enough buoyancy to support a paddler of up to 90 kg (200 lb). Its short length allows tight turning while surfing the face of a wave. The really high performance waveskis are usually a couple of feet smaller for even better turning – they can turn much tighter than most of us would need when a good ride on a moderate sized wave is the focus. The slightly greater length of the Russki will paddle easier on flat water and provide a good, fast ride on a wave.

A surfski's portability and ease of storage also makes it popular for smoother waters. It is easy to drop onto the roof-rack and head down to the water for a spontaneous paddle after work or at the weekend.

It is possible to travel moderate distances at moderate speeds with the use of the paddle. Covering longer distances is just not the point – the point is to clear the cobwebs and get cool.

Construction

The Russki comes out of a couple of sheets of 2.44 × 1.22 m (8 × 4 ft) plywood and is a suitable project for a first-time builder.

It requires no strongback (building support) as the hull is self-jigging. The hull has a minimised internal structure, the seat is a shaped block of foam set into the deck and then covered in fibreglass. The weight is comparable with production skis.

Plans

There is enough detail in the plans to build the Russki just by following the step by step instructions. The plans are 47 A4 pages with photographs, diagrams and text.

PDF Plans

An electronic version of the plans in PDF format that can be viewed using Adobe Reader. After credit card authorisation the file will be sent to the email address put on the order form.