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Outdoors

Supski lets you "ski" on a paddleboard

By Ben Coxworth
September 14, 2015
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The Supski combines stand-up paddleboarding and cross-country skiing
Supski
The Supski is designed to be installed on an existing board, and reportedly should work with standard modular paddles
Supski
The Supski combines stand-up paddleboarding and cross-country skiing
Supski

We've already seen setups that allow stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) to be rowed, sailed, or paddled like a kayak. There's apparently still room for innovation, however – the Supski system lets you propel your board using upper body techniques borrowed from the sport of cross-country skiing.

The Supski is designed to be installed on an existing board, and reportedly should work with standard modular paddles. As can be seen in the video below, users can push back with both "poles" at once or alternate between them – just like they'd do when skiing.

The Supski is designed to be installed on an existing board, and reportedly should work with standard modular paddles
Supski

Of course, unlike skiing, it doesn't give your lower body much of a workout. For that, you'd want the PeleBoard striding SUP.

The Supski was announced this month at the Surf Expo in Orlando, Florida. There's currently no word on pricing or availability.

Source: Supski

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OutdoorsSkiingWatersportpaddleboarding
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Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.
2 comments
Mzungu_Mkubwa
I have many thots on this, mostly of the nature that it really needs more development... starting with the fact that it's only simulating the upper half of the x-country skiing exercise, since it lacks sliding rails to simulate the ski part (should be possible to add, I'd think.) Secondly, the vertically pivoting paddles are tremendously awkward. Their motion path needs to be completely reworked to only slightly lift, then twist 90° to avoid the water's surface during their forward motion. The linkage to achieve this would take some true innovation, but I'd think it'd be possible. Alternately, some kind of completely-submerged flipper-like system (such as Hobie's MirageDrive) would be hugely preferable.
Altogether a responsible effort, but still needs much work, IMO.
Stephen N Russell
Venues for Hawaii CA Lake Havasu AZ NV Caribbean Australia on yachts Catalina Island CA Mexico Red Sea SE Asia Fiji Miami FL FL Keys
Be awesome. & test in Newport Beach CA harbor area. Many paddleboarders here & sure in Miami FL
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