Is there a dealership in my area?
Representing Futura products requires
special product knowledge that many paddle shops are unable or unwilling
to develop and maintain. Surf skis have less demand than plastic sit-on-tops
or traditional sea kayaks making it less attractive for most paddle
shops to carry.
We offer our surf skis and canoes on-line,
factory direct, to provide accurate product knowledge and a first hand
account of every detail required to make a decision. Responding to our
customers unique questions is a full time job handled by Vince Darwood,
our surf ski expert. Please don’t hesitate to fill in the questions
box which can be found under your favorite models configuration.
How do I know which surf ski, or accessory is
right for me?
Just ask for a recommendation. You can
submit your paddling experience, the type of kayak you have used (if
any) and describe what type of water you typically experience. You may
also discuss what your goals are and what you expect from your surf
ski or outrigger canoe. Often, it is better to get a prescription from
a qualified expert than to make the decision by yourself.
There are over three hundred photos of
our boats and accessories to help answer just about any question you
may have. The right photo is worth a thousand words when describing
how a model handles certain conditions. You may also pick up the phone
to discuss the options. A twenty minute conversation is very valuable.
Call Vince Darwood in Oakland California at (415) 595-8391
How is a surf ski delivered and what does it
cost?
You have options to choose from.
We use Affordable
Boat Carriers, a canoe and kayak transportation company who delivers
to your area, anywhere in the continental US from their forty foot trailer.
It is the safest mode of transportation and costs less. Depending on
the season and the timing, it takes from to 1 to 6 weeks delivery. Affordable
Boat Carriers visits every 6 weeks. Freight paid to the driver upon
delivery. Examples: Los Angeles-$165 Seattle-$180, Dallas-$220, New
Jersey-$290.
Another option is a freight company. We use Conway Transportation Service.
Conway takes only 5 business days, coast to coast and is very easy to
track on-line. The cost changes frequently and can estimated by visiting
their web site at www.con-way.com
It typically costs $300. coast to coast. Be sure to enter our 65% commercial
discount under classification 300 when obtaining your estimate. Conway
and all freight carriers require special packing which costs more. Both
carriers self- insure damages which may occur. We are proud to announce
very few, if any, get damaged. We can discuss the options to determine
what best fits your needs. Ground
freight requires special packaging. Ask Vince for details.
What does it cost to ship internationally?
International Samples: Singapore-$450, Athens-$513,
Yokohama-$664, London-$514. Ocean freight requires
special packaging. Ask Vince for details.
How long does a custom surf ski take to build?
In most cases we are able to build your
custom surf ski in about 30 days. During peak seasons you may experience
4-6 week lead time. From time to time we are able to get one out in
less than 2 weeks. The vacuum bag process takes a couple extra days
and custom in-lays. Call Vince Darwood for the current lead time.
Do you have surf skis available for immediate
delivery?
We always carry a selection of new and
used surf skis which are available for immediate delivery. There are
typically 12 to 20 available at any given time. Used paddle crafts prices
are based on weight, condition, supply and demand. Ask for an Inventory
List
Do you accept trade-ins?
We feel it is important to keep the value
of your Futura speciality paddlecraft as close as possible to the original
value. Therefore we accept your old Futura, and in some cases other
manufacturers performance crafts, as a trade-in toward a new Futura.
We can also sell your old Futura on consignment. This policy insures
you will never have to sell your old crafts for a fraction of your original
purchase price. Call or write Vince Darwood for more information.
Do you ever have used surf skis or discounted
items available?
Our Inventory List will itemize both new
and used surf skis. The asterisk (*) next to the price denotes the unit
is either a trade-in, demo or consignment item. The prices are based
on the boats condition, weight, demand and supply. Send an E-mail asking
for the Inventory List.
What maintenance
is there?
Rinse your surf
ski with clean water and towel dry after every use. Use an auto or marine
quality wax from time to time. Waxing only takes about 15 minutes. The
wax will help reduce wear and help protect against the sun. Attempt
to store your ski in the shade. There is UV protection in every clear
and gel coat, but prolonged direct sunlight may effect longevity. A
well cared for ski will last a lifetime.
After years of use you may want to keep an eye on the moving parts.
A drop or two of resin, gel coat or epoxy to fill in scratches, chips
or around the cable nipples may be a benefit. Contact Futura Surf Skis
for any parts, gel coats or advice on repairs you need. Never cut into
a paddle craft or alter its hull or deck without contacting us with
your intentions.
Is there a warranty?
Futura products
are warranted against defects, to repair or replace, at manufacturers
discretion.
What are common personal
touches?
Most Futura products
have adjustable foot pedals that are fastened with wing nuts. The wing
nuts provide a quick release for adjustment to fit anyone of your friends
or family. If you are the only lucky paddler on your boat, you may benefit
from changing the wing nuts to Nylocks or by using a locking washer.
Bigger and stronger guys complain from time to time of the peddles sliding
forward under maximum pressure. The Nylocks will prevent this rarity.
Another way to prevent peddle slippage, if any, is to cut a block of
foam out to fit under the peddles fastening bracket. This technique
also helps displace water for shorter paddlers.
Shorter paddlers (less that 29" inseam) can reach the peddles by
gluing an inch or two of closed cell foam to the peddle.
I like to glue 1/2 inch closed cell foam onto the seat. It grips my
butt. Some aggressive and competitive paddlers benefit from raising
the seat with foam. This provides your paddle better leverage against
the water but increases the tippyness of your boat. Proceed with caution.
It's fun. Remember, adding accessories or cutting into the boat may
void your warranty. Ask us for an opinion or advice on major customizations.
We have seen and heard alot.
How do you carry
a surf ski?
Some
people are perplexed by how different a sea kayak is to carry than a
surf ski. Here is some advice. Lift the ski with both hands along one
side of the boat (the rail) with the hull against your leg. Place one
hand, at the narrowest part where the hip fits into the seat, the other
hand where your ankle fits into the foot well. Stand erect and lift
the boat up onto your thigh. From that position, kick your knee up with
your boat still on your thigh and slide your hand under the seat, on
the hull, where you can balance it. Then lift your ski onto your shoulder
like a waiters tray. If you can do this in one jerking motion, you will
save yourself years of struggling. By carrying your light weight surf
ski on your shoulder, you will avoid knocking into or hitting things
and other people. This technique is very useful if you have a long way
to go. You can carry your surf ski deep into the surf if you want. See
surf launch.
How do you lake launch?
Put your surf ski
into 8 inches of water before sitting on it. It will keep the rudder
from getting buried in the sand. Step over the deck, like a horse, and
squat into the seat.
How do you dock launch?
Set your surf ski
into the water off the dock and dangle your legs over the edge with
it. One leg over the boat and one leg between the boat and the dock.
Keep your paddle on the dock. Reach down for the rail between the seat
and the peddles. Place your right hand on the right side and your left
hand on the left side. Rely on the boats flotation and trust the stability.
Drop your butt into the seat in one quick jump. This move is a bit gymnastic
and awkward at first but it sure beats stepping on the deck or seat,
to avoid the water, and then experiencing an even bigger splash if you
fall.
How do you surf launch?
Carry the boat
on your shoulder, like a waiters tray, (see Carrying) into the surf
as deep as you are comfortable. After a wave passes you, place the ski
into the water and throw a leg over the back of the seat, like mounting
a horse, then drop your butt into the seat. Get control of your paddle
and go directly into the surf while you lift your feet into the foot
wells. Paddle fast. Your momentum should carry you through the surf.
What is the perfect stroke?
The constant pursuit
of the perfect stroke is profound. The basic principles are as follows:
Sit up straight. Extend your arms almost straight out, parallel to the
water. Twist, or rotate, your torso. Reach far forward to penetrate
the water with a paddle blade. Twist, or rotate, your torso to the opposite
extent applying equal pressure from both arms in a pull/push fashion.
Concentrate on your posture, keeping your arms extended, and your torso
rotation. Pull the paddle out when it approaches your hip.
How can I benefit from
leans?
Let the hull do
all the work. You can accelerate your skills by leaning your shoulders
in every direction. Leaning your shoulders will shift your weight exposing
the hull on the opposite side. For example, in following swells, lean
forward to expose more rear hull to the swell. Your weight shifted forward
will allow gravity to swiftly move you down the face of the swell. Leaning
forward may also give you a little more water line in a flat water sprint.
Alternately, leaning back while punching through a beach break will
allow the bow to have a little more flotation to carry you over the
crest. Play around with your leaning techniques.
How can I benefit from
braces?
A basic brace sounds
like a firm slapping sound. Slap the water with the back of the paddle.
Slap it good and loud. Make it louder and feel the repercussion and
reaction. Use a good brace to right your boat if you feel your stability
is threatened. To practice big water braces, I recommend a simple sculling
motion in flat water. Sculling your paddle is like putting icing on
a cake. Leaning into smooth figure 8 motions, with consistent pressure,
will help you familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the hull,
paddle and your own unique physical attributes.
More defined brace is described as a High Brace or Low Brace. Good examples
of different braces can be demonstrated while carving out a swell or
riding a wave in a broach (parallel) position. A beginner may consider
reading a book on sea kayaking or take a class with an American Canoe
Association Certified Instructor.
What is a broach?
A poorly executed
beach landing can turn into a broach. Whereas your hull is thrown parallel
to a wave and you ride the soup sideways. Some paddlers perfect the
broach as the safest way to come in through the surf zone. If you find
yourself in a broach position you will learn quickly to lean into the
wave and spear your paddle into the wave for stability and control.
When you lean into the wave your boat is more stable because it thinks
it is right side up. Your paddle blade will be about shoulder high and
held rigidly into the water.
How do you land in the
surf?
To avoid a broach
situation keep the bow pointed away from, perpendicular to, the crest
in an attempt to avoid the soup. Paddle hard or brace when necessary
while paddling into and out of the wave. Be prepared to make instinctive
reactions.
A rescue technique is to paddle on the top of the water mass (crest/shoulder)
with the break just in front of your knees. Wait just beyond the the
surf zone and back paddle if you need to get the proper placement. When
the wave starts to break you will need to control your position, on
top of the crest, by bracing or paddling fast. As the wave breaks up
you may only need to brace in the soup. The water mass will carry you
all the way onto the beach. Stand up and walk away. It's too cool.
How do you self rescue?
If you find yourself
in the water, never let go of your boat and paddle. We always recommend
using a paddle leash because there is usually no room for a spare paddle.
Attach your paddle leash to the peddles bungie eyelet. If you don't
use a leash you will never let go of your paddle more than once. Losing
your paddle is often a rookie mistake and can be dangerous.
While in the water reach both hands, and paddle, over the deck. Pull
yourself up over the deck directly in front of the seat where your thighs,
water bottle holder or side handles would be. Pull yourself up onto
the deck so that your sternum (center of gravity) lines up with the
area around your water bottle holder. You should be laying on the deck
perpendicular to the boat. If you go slowly, you are less likely to
make a mistake. It is possible to stay in this position for as long
as you need.
Next, simultaneously throw your leg over the back deck, like mounting
a horse, and put one hand on each side rail of your surf ski. The rail
is the decked area between the seat and the peddles. Keep your shoulders
low. This is when most people fail to execute their self rescue.
You can lay down
with your shoulders on the deck with both feet in the water and your
paddle held against the boat. Keep your shoulders low until you are
sure that if you sit up, your butt will drop into the seat. If you lift
your shoulders and find your butt is not falling into the seat, immediately
drop your shoulders back onto the deck again and scoot yourself forward
or aft to align your butt over the seat. Once you have your butt in
the seat you can regain your composure while leaving your feet in the
water. Lift your feet when you are ready to paddle. Don't be intimidated
by this process. This technique can be done in less than 4 seconds by
a pro and can be learned quickly with a bit of preventive practice.
Are there races in my
area?
Most national and
regional paddling magazines have a calendar in every issue. See the
links below for a few magazines calendars. There are also hundreds of
paddle clubs everywhere. Most of the clubs can refer you to the weekly
launch or their big annual event. Soon you may choose to become a member
and receive invitations to events in your region. You may be surprised
to know how many events are within driving distance. Contact the American
Canoe Association or United States Canoe /Kayak Association for a list
of schools and clubs in your area.
