About Surfski Index

Surfski Index is an independent guide to surfskis: 261 craft from 39 makers, including skis no longer made. It puts every hull on the same scale and matches skis to the paddler who'll sit in them.

Why it exists

Choosing a surfski means comparing figures from dozens of makers, each published in its own way, and working out from length and beam whether a boat will feel steady or twitchy under you. We built the index to do that comparison once, carefully, and to keep it current: the same specs in the same units, side and top views drawn to scale, and a fit range for your weight.

Where the numbers come from

Length, beam, weight and paddler range come from makers' own sites and spec sheets, with the source linked on each craft page. Where a maker doesn't publish a paddler range, we estimate one from the hull's dimensions and say so. Stability and speed are our ratings, not maker figures or timed tests. How we rate explains the method and what it can't tell you.

We check makers' sites and a sample of shops twice a month for new models, changed specs and price moves, and review each change before it goes on the site.

What we don't do

No one pays to be listed or to be rated higher. That is permanent.

For now, we also don't sell boats, hold stock, run ads or take commission, and dealer and maker links are plain links. If any of that changes, this page will say so first.

Corrections

If you've measured a hull, own a ski that doesn't match what's here, or make surfskis and want to fix a listing, please tell us. We correct facts as soon as we can confirm them. The ratings stay our own judgement, though we'll happily look again at the evidence behind one.

Using what's here

You're welcome to link to and quote the index. Using our data covers how to cite it, and how AI assistants and other tools can read it.