Turn a windsurfboard, sup, canoe, or kayak into a rowing rig!
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Frequently Asked Questions:
- On what types of boards can the RowSurfer be used?
- On what types of canoes or kayaks can the RowSurfer be used?
- Can I keep using my sailboard/sup/canoe/kayak as a sailboard/sup/canoe/kayak?
- Is rowing on the RowSurfer easy?
- How does the RowSurfer compare to a real (competition) single scull?
- My board has a daggerboard. Should I use it?
- Should I use a fin or skeg?
- Is the RowSurfer safe?
- Can I use the RowSurfer on open water?
Answers:
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On what types of boards can the RowSurfer be used?
The RowSurfer can be used on any kind of (wind)surfboard or SUP-board with sufficient length and volume. We recommend boards over 3.5 meters long and over 200 liters in volume, although smaller boards can also be used depending on your weight, skills, and intended use. Old-school boards from the 70's and 80's lend themselves very well for the RowSurfer, and these are very easy and cheap to obtain. If you have (obtained) some rowing skills try to get your hands on one of the old-school round-bottom (Division II) longboards. Although less stable and therefore slightly more difficult to row, they are noticeably faster than flat-bottom boards. -
On what types of canoes or kayaks can the RowSurfer be used?
The RowSurfer can be used on virtually any kind of canoe, (open cockpit) kayak, and sit-on-top kayak with sufficient length and capacity. We recommend a minimum length of 3.5 meters and an overcapacity of about 10 to 15 kg, although smaller hulls can also be used depending on your weight, skills, and intended use. Virtually all canoes provide sufficient room to mount a RowSurfer. Sometimes a bench or square support might have to be (temporarily) removed. In most (somewhat larger) canoes one can even mount two RowSurfers in a row, creating a double scull rowing shell! In the case of an open cockpit kayak a minimal cokpit size of about 42 by 140 cm is required. This means that almost all two-person open cockpit kayaks can be equipped with a RowSurfer. If space allows it, a passenger can be taken along next to the RowSurfer. Single person, open cockpit kayaks often also provide sufficient space for a RowSurfer to be mounted. In case the kayak provides insufficient cockpit space or the kayak is even closed, we can adapt the kayak to accept a RowSurfer by changing the deck of the kayak into a easily removable and replacable lid. In this way, we can also adapt two-person kayaks to mount two RowSurfers to create a double scull rowing shell. In addition, many so-called "sit-on-top" kayaks can be equipped with a RowSurfer. The clearance needed for the rigger slide has to be taken into account though. It is also possible to mount a RowSurfer on top of a (closed) kayak. However, as a result one gets to sit pretty high up from the water, and therefore keeping your balance will be more difficult. - Can I keep using my sailboard/sup/canoe/kayak as a sailboard/sup/canoe/kayak? Yes you can. The use of the RowSurfer does not require any structural changes to your board, canoe, or kayak that will prevent it to be used for its original purpose. This is exactly one of the many assets of the RowSurfer: you give your sailboard, sup, canoe, or kayak an extra application.
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Is rowing on the RowSurfer easy?
Yes. Used on a proper board, canoe, or kayak, the RowSurfer is very stable and perfect to learn the basic techniques of rowing. Rowing on a sliding rigger is basically not any different than rowing on a sliding seat set-up. -
How does the RowSurfer compare to a real (competition) single scull?
The RowSurfer differs from a (competition) rowing single scull in many ways. Obviously, the RowSurfer will not be as fast as a single scull, because of the difference between a scull hull and a surfboard, canoe, or kayak. The RowSurfer however, is far more stable (since its wider), far more manoeuvrable (since its shorter), far more robust (because of the hull's construction), and far more versatile. A single scull is easily 8 meters long. This means that it is difficult to transport (in most countries it will be illegal to transport a single scull on the rooftop of a car), store and launch into the water. A RowSurfer however, is easily transported, stored, and launched. The RowSurfer can easily be transported on a car rooftop and is for instance ideal to bring along on your vacation or week-end trips. -
My sailboard has a daggerboard. Should I use it?
If your board has a center daggerboard, you can use it while learning to row. If extended, the board will be more stable. Once you have acquired some skills, you will probably not want to use the daggerboard as you can row faster without it. The RowSurfer has an optional mounting kit that uses the daggerboard-case in your board to secure the RowSurfer to the board. This is a very clean solution and eliminates the need of tie-down straps, but obviously you cannot use your daggerboard in this case. -
Should I use a fin or skeg?
A fin will provide directional guidance to your board, canoe, or kayak. On sailboards, a fin will be necessarry. Don't use any of those super long modern fins though; they are not needed and will only slow you down. On a canoe or kayak it will depend on the directional stability of the canoe or kayak itself whether you need to use a fin. In general though, a fin will make it easier to row in a straight line. Where during canoeing or kayaking a fin might hinder the manoeuvrability, this is no problem with the RowSurfer: the oars provide you with plenty of leverage to make turns easily. -
Is the RowSurfer safe?
Yes, the RowSurfer is very safe to use. It is very stable, and most surfboards are basically unsinkable. Many canoes or kayaks are equipped with airtight flotation chambers or can be equipped with buoyancy bags. Be aware though that you still can capsize with the RowSurfer (although not easily). Therefore, you should adjust your foot straps such that you can easily get out of them in case of an emergency such as capsizing. Being able to swim is a requirement when rowing in deeper waters. Furthermore, be sensible on where you go rowing and under which conditions. Take the necessary precautions and wear proper clothing and safety equipment. -
Can I use the RowSurfer on open water?
This depends on your skills and goals. The Rowsurfer is up to it, but you will have to judge whether your are up to it as well. As stated above, be sensible on where you go rowing and under which conditions. Take the necessary precautions and wear proper clothing and safety equipment.