Surf Skiing: Ski The Waves
Skiers have it tough. Riding next to snowboarders on the slope, they just look dorky. Vermont resident Jason Starr doesn't make it any easier with his new invention, called Surf Skiing, which brings the winter sport to the water.
Just like skiing, the new activity involves wearing separate equipment for each foot and holding on to something to push yourself on the water. Instead of sharp skis, you attach two boards to your feet, with a long paddle to propel yourself in stale water.
A former competitive skier, Starr believes that the sport of skiing and surfing share a bond - a sentiment most folks looking at the dorky equipment will probably find difficult to share. Regardless, he's just received a patent for the sport, with pending applications to do the same for both the board and the binding system it uses to latch on to your feet.
Does it look ridiculous? Yes. Is it fun? Probably. Will you put them on? Uhmmm...ahhhhh.... Just don't do it at crowded surf spots, unless you're looking to get your self-esteem trampled on.
From what I can understand, the principles behind the sport seem largely skiing-based, using waves as substitute for the slope and the paddle to keep moving when you're on "flats". The company formed to manufacture and sell it, Starr Surf Skis, is said to be recruiting well-known skiers to see how their skills translate in the water.
Those who want to try Surf Skiing can do it at Lake Champlain, with lessons provided by Burlington-based Paddle Surf Champlain. The actual products won't be available until 2010.
Noel | Aug 26, 2009 | Comments 5
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I don’t see this would be as fun as either skiing or surfing. Those boards really look dorky.
skiing is sick, and if you care about how you look that much ‘cuz u need to be “cool” clearly u arnt cool at all. besides your job is writing an electronic blog, you are most likely a fat nerd male, about thirty years old with a struggeling social life. Or just a loser, get real brah
I know there are some differences here but…bringing the winter sport to water?
???
water skiing?
If you think skiers look dorky compared to snowboarders watch this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa5T4lLJP_Y
I like this place! I love the idea and wish there was a place like this in Astoria, Queens. I am a surfer and found a “real surfer bar” in Point Break NYC. I am kinda jealous ;0PIts filled with surfers, people who like surfers, people who like the beach and people who don’t want to live close to town. I really like this place. You know what they have these real Proctor and Channel One surfboards on the wall. It’s nice for coming any day of the week and eating a late brunch. The food was outstanding. The brunch and sides were prefect and tasty. It is a perfect “escape” from city living. It is probably one of the only places where you can get a nice frozen pina colada or margarita. The service was on hit. They came up and checked on us so many times and made sure everything was up to par. It gets very active and the bartenders keep everybody having a good time. The bartender was very accommodating. He was nice enough to make a drink, that wasn’t on the menu, for me :0) Did I mention the bartenders are nice eye candy. It was amazing to see their “das boot” which is shaped like a boot filled with beer. Don’t get me wrong, I am not drunk…it’s an actual boot shaped beer container ready to be emptied. Try it ..You will love it!! Oh. How can I forget, they even have a wheel o’ shots where you just have to spin it and have to drink whatever shot it lands on!! Now call that bar creativity at its best!!! And when I spill a tray full of shots on myself, the bartender so kindly remakes them for me? Good music, too, and the decor helped us weather an otherwise overcast and rainy day. You know that old song “Brandy”? It goes, “Brandy, you’re a fine girl, what a good wife you would be. But my life, my lover, my lady is the sea.” I believe Brandy works here. No reason, I just do. And that song happens to be a guilty pleasure of mine, so that’s a plus in my book. You can simply waltz over to this colorful and warm establishment, enjoy some drinks with friends, and walk home. The bar is right at the center, so you can walk to either side for drinks, and the bartenders are friendly and at your service. There is a variety of seating, good music, and friendly neighborhood people to make your time more enjoyable. Not pretentious, very cozy, I think Point Break is a fabulous place to spend some time with friends.