About ChalupSKI Surfski
World-Class Design. World-Class Construction.
Every ChalupSki surfski is perfected by Oscar Chalupsky and precision manufactured by PEI SHENG in China, one of the world’s leading composite manufacturers.
Built using advanced aerospace and Formula 1-grade autoclave prepreg carbon technology, each ski is produced to exacting standards for maximum consistency, strength and performance.
The result is an exceptionally light, incredibly strong surfski that delivers outstanding durability, responsiveness and efficiency on the water, giving paddlers the confidence to perform in every condition.
Our Models:
Where Stability Meets Performance
At ChalupSki, we believe that stability comes before ability. It’s a philosophy that has shaped my journey from building my first surfski at the age of 14 in 1976 to designing a new generation of surfskis for paddlers of every level.
The original ChalupSki surfski became the world’s first mass-produced long-distance surfski, taking me to seven Molokai World Championship victories and helping redefine the sport. Over the years, I’ve continued to drive innovation, including collaborating with Olympic champion Greg Barton to develop some of the sport’s most influential surfski designs.
Every lesson, every race and every design has led to this moment: ChalupSki Surfski. A range of surfskis built on five decades of experience, combining exceptional stability, performance and confidence to help every paddler, from first-time adventurers to elite racers, enjoy more time on the water.
Where It All Began…
Long before carbon, autoclaves and computer-designed hulls, there was a young paddler with a dream, a garage, and two incredible people who believed in me.
This was my very first surfski. I designed it myself, and with the help of my dad, Paul, and the legendary Tony Scott, we built it together in my garage. It wasn’t perfect, but it was ours, and it taught me a lesson I’ve carried throughout my life: if you believe in an idea, don’t wait for someone else to make it happen.
That little ski exceeded all my expectations.
As a junior, I won the Scottburgh to Brighton Race in 1977, the oldest surfski race in the world. A few years later, in 1981, I won my first Port Elizabeth to East London race on this very ski.
What made it even more special was that this design went on to become the world’s first mass-produced long-distance racing surfski, helping shape the future of our sport.
Those victories were just the beginning.
From 1983, I went on to win seven Molokaʻi World Championship titles on skis that evolved from the same philosophy: stability, speed, innovation, and a relentless desire to keep improving.
Looking back, it’s amazing to think that it all started in a garage with a dream, and with the support of my dad and Tony Scott. Without their encouragement and willingness to help a young paddler chase a dream, who knows where the journey might have led?
Today, seeing the new ChalupSki range being built with world-class technology is incredibly rewarding. The materials and manufacturing may have changed, but the passion and philosophy remain exactly the same.
Never be afraid to start small. Sometimes a garage, a vision, and people who believe in you are all you need to begin something extraordinary.
No Retreat. No Surrender.
— Oscar Chalupsky
