Shaun Rasmussen Surfski Profile

Shaun Rasmussen	Gig Harbor, WA
Surfski(s) currently paddle:	Huki S1-X, Huki S1-R
Paddles you use:	Brasca 4 rip-off from Futura
How long have you been paddling?	About 20 years ago I got in my first sea kayak. I started whitewater kayaking 17 years ago, and have been paddling surfski on and off for about 10 years, but just starting to get serious about it.
Primary Paddling Location:	Puget Sound, normally out of Gig Harbor.
Main Training Partner if any:	Mostly, my GPS. Although sometimes the local Junior Srinters let me train with them. Normaly, that turns into a humbling experience for me.
Racing Accomplishments	Northwest Regional Whitewater Slalom Champion (Junior) for 3 years in a row. Many other whitewater races: slalom, downriver, and freestyle. Nothing spectacular on a surfski... Yet.
Other Significant Athletic Accomplishments:	Paddled one of the most famous group of waterfalls in South America. Seven waterfalls, the highest was over 35'. I was in the top third at the Mountain Bike Cross Country Nationals a few years ago, despite having never raced a bike before.
What you like about surfskis, surfski racing, paddling:	Surfski really has the best aspects of all other types of paddling put into one. I like that it is still a unique sport where I am. I like that I can put some of my whitewater skills to use. I love surfing and paddling downwind. I like that it only requires minimal gear and I can cover a lot of distance quickly. Best of all, I have always loved being on the water.