Waveski Surfing is a dynamic sport combining the paddle power of a kayak with the manoeuvrability and performance of a surfboard. A Waveski resembles a thick surfboard, with a seat, fins, footstraps, and seatbelt, enabling the rider to 'eskimo roll' if overturned. The waveski rider or waveski surfer then uses a double ended paddle for motion while seated on the waveski. The origins are obscure, but wave skis have been around for over forty years. Danny Broadhurst, a Long Island, New York, surfer created some early wave skis in the 1970s, although these were heavy, bulky and not particularly manoueverable.

Competitions are run similar to stand up surfing and are judged on the performance of the rider on the waves within a 20min heat. High performance skis weigh about 6 to 8 kg and are custom made, using epoxy resin and EPS foam, which makes the waveski light & strong. The sport provides fun and exercise for beginners through to advanced riders.

There are several kinds of wave skis, including the shorter and "fatter" Australian style ski, used for high performance "slash and burn" surfing, and American style wave skis perhaps epitomized by Steve Boehne's Infinity Surfshop skis. There are also skegless skis for performing tricks, and even tandem skis.

Photo by Scott Marmaduke, Carlsbad, California USA