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surfskis

Surfskis

This is a place to learn about surfskis, not to sell them. Its purpose is to inform paddlers so they can make good decisions on the type of ski that would best work for the paddler and the conditions they paddle in. Please refrain from sales talk. But we welcome your provision of demos for paddlers and your accumulated wisdom in the process of choosing surfskis.

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ss_comparison3.jpg

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Visual comparison of NK Storm 570 and Think Zen. Photo (click to enlarge) from surfskicomparison.com (note that some stats are missing or differ from the ones in our table below - it is not always easy to keep stats completely up to date - the manufacturers occasionally change them, particularly with new generations)

Speed comparison video of NK Storm 570 and Think Zen


Surfski Specs Lists (tables below on this page)


Choosing Your First Surfski

After you have owned and used a surfski, you should have a much better idea about what you are looking for in any surfski you subsequently wish to purchase. There's no substitute for experience in teaching you what you prefer in performance and fit. But there are some general guidelines to seriously consider for a first surfski:



Your Next Surfski

Ready for a more advanced surfski?


Handling and Design Characteristics


Plastic Surfskis


DIY



Surfski Tables

These tables are for “Ocean” skis (Not “spec” skis used for lifesaving competitions and surfing in shore break).

  • By default each of these tables is sorted by surfski beam (cm), narrowest to widest, but each table can be sorted by any column. Most of the measurements have been taken from the manufacturer's websites or from the list that Owen from Wales (Ed. - his home site seems to be down or possibly not secure) (May 2023 version list on surfski.info) maintains on surfski.info (which Owen also reports are primarily taken from manufacturer's websites). Discrepancies in conversions between metric and ft, inches, etc. are typically due to the way measurements are rounded on manufacturer's websites.
  • Always pay attention to variations in generations of the same models - there can be major variations - we try to keep the dimensions in this table up to date for the most recent generations
  • It would be nice if the manufacturers adopted some obvious way to identify generations of the same named surfski. Did Think label the Evo II, but not the Evo 3rd gen differently from just plain “Evo”? Or Fennix (post fire Fenn) has more than one seat height for the Fennix Swordfish S but as far as we know it is hard to know which version (both labeled the same as far as we know) you are talking about unless someone measures the seat depth.
  • Surfski Switzerland has a somewhat out of date surfski data table at the bottom of this page which contains more ski specs than our tables.

Single Skis


Sorted from narrowest beam to largest

Model Brand Beam (cm) Beam (in) Length (m) Length (ft) L/W Ratio Race Cat Reviews
S1-Z Huki 40.64 16 6.3 20'10“ 15.37 HPKdesigned for long distance flat water races
ClassicKnysna 41 16.1 5.9 19' 4” 14.39 HPKE. Borgnes 10/1/2018
SEAStellar 41.4 16.3 6.2 20'4“ 14.98 HPKW.Echols 2/09/20
Ian Black 9/11/2018
SESStellar 41.6 16.4 6.2 20'4” 14.90 HPKW. Echols 9/1/2014 (comparison of low volume skis - Epic 10L, Fenn Spark, Stellar SES)
Flash X (Flash X LV same L & W, less volume)Carbonology Sport 42 (42.5?) 16.5 6.35 20'10“ 15.05 HPKDawn2Dusk 6/2022 video
Surge Fenn 42.5 16.7 5.82 19' 1” 13.69 HPKSurfski.info description 2018
Glide (discont.)Fenn 42.5 16.7 6.4 21' 15.01 HPKW. Echols 10/19/2014
VegaKai Wa'a/Ozone 42.7 16.81 6.4 21' 14.99 HPKA. Lipp/B. Putnam 2019
Paddle Channel review 2021, B. McDonald review 2021
CXAllwave 42.8 16.85 6.4 21' 14.99 HPKR. Mousley 8/20/2011
V14Epic 42.9 16.89 6.4 21' 14.92 HPKW. Echols 2/18/2014
N. Murray 4/07/2013
Elite S Fenn 43 16.93 6.44 21'1“ 14.98 HPKFennix Elite S 12/19/2020 video
V11 Epic 43 16.93 5.79 19' 13.47 HPKS. Wendelboe 9/3/2018
V12 Epic 43 16.93 6.2 20'4” 14.42 HPKW. Echols gen 2 10/1/2017, V12 vs V14 2017
Most seem to say g2 surfs better, but g1 is faster in flats w/ slightly less stability
video gen 3 & gen 2 B. McDonald,
video gen 3 2021,
N. Murray V12 gen 3 8/12/2022
Nitro, Nitro Plus (gen1 Nitros)Nordic Kayak (NK) R. Mousley 7/2014
Nitro 640Nordic Kayak (NK) 43 16.93 6.4 21' 14.88 HPKP. Rosenquist 7/6/2014 gen 1
Video 2023
Nitro 600Nordic Kayak (NK) 43 16.93 6 19'8“ 13.95 HPK
Uno Think 43 17 6.45 21'2” 15. HPK(early models listed as 42 cm beam) the Uno and Uno Max have the same length and beam - the Max has more volume
Uno Max Think 43 17 6.45 21'2“ 15. HPKW. Echols 11/2/2013 gen 1
S. Wendelboe 7/21/2016 gen 3
R1Revo 43 17 6.35 20'10” 14.77 HPKR. Tindall video review 5/24/2017
Ackua 75Sipre 43 17 5.75 18'10“ 13.37 HPK
NextVajda 43 17 6.3 20'10” 14.65 HPK
Makai 43Vajda 43 17 5.8 19' 13.49 HPK
S1-X Huki 43.18 17 6.4 21' 14.88 HPK
S1-X special same beam & width but more volumeHuki 43.18 17 6.4 21' 14.88 HPKW. Echols 2/13/2009 gen 1
W. Echols 7/09/2014 gen 2
SELStellar 43.5 17.1 6.45 21'2“ 14.83 HPKW. Echols 2015 gen 2
Pro EliteMazu 43.5 17.1 6 19' 8” 13.79 HPK
AddictFlow 44 17.3 6.4 21' 14.55 HPK
Flash (old -see Flash X & X LV)Carbonology Sport 44.5 17.5 6.35 20'10“ 14.27 HPKB. McDonald 7/07/2012 gen 1
Switch (discont.?)Carbonology Sport 44.5 17.5 5.95 19'6” 13.37 HPKB. McDonald 8/31/2013 gen 1
IonThink 44.5 17.5 6.42 21'1“ 14.43 HPKW. Echols 11/10/2014
560 (ML,L, XXL)Nelo 45 17.7 5.60 18'4” 12.44 HPKPerformance Paddlng 2016
Vanquish (ML,L, XXL)Nelo 45 17.7 5.60 18'4“ 12.44 HPKIntroduced in 2022, O. Chalusky Promo Video
Swordfish Fenn 45 17.7 6.1 20' 13.56 HPKR. Mousley 2//5/2018
W. Echols 8/25/2019
R. Mousley 2/24/2020 Fennix Swordfish S
Storm 610Nordic Kayak (NK) 45 17.7 6.1 20' 13.56 HPKSurfski.info discussion 2021
Surfski.info Storm vs Swordfish 2022
V10 (see V10 gen 4 below in table)Epic 45 17.7 6.25 20'6” 13.89 HPK2018 gen 3 G. Barton
2018 gen 3 M. Sundin, 2019 followup
Mazu 45Mazu 45 17.7 6.1 20' 13.56 HPK
VientoRogue 45 17.7 6.2 20'4“ 13.78 HPK
Storm 570Nordic Kayak (NK) 45.5 17.9 5.7 18'8” 12.53 HPK
RhythmKnysna 45.5 17.9 5.9 19'4“ 12.97 HPKE. Borgnes 10/1/2018
S1-XL Huki 45.7 18 6.4 21' 14. HPKW. Echols 4/25/2014
V10 gen 4Epic 46 18.1 6.1 20' 13.26 HPK2023 gen 4 (rounded nose, V11 seat, low leg hump, slightly shorter, wider than previous gen's)
Paddle Channel discussion
V Douglas 5/27/2023 (facebook)
Viper 46 (L,XXL)Nelo 46 18.1 5.2 17' 11.3 HPK
SEIStellar 46 18.1 6.1 20' 13.26 HPKW. Echols gen 2 9/13/2016
46 Next (Hawx - older)Vajda 46 18.1 5.88 19'4” 12.79 HPKSurfski.info 2016 Stellar SR vs Hawx 46
R2Revo 46 18.1 6.35 20'10“ 13.8 HPKR. Tindall 12/13/2016 video review
Zest X LVCarbonology Sport 46 18.1 6.1 20' 13.26 HPK
Vega Flex Kai Wa'a/Ozone 46.3 18.25 6.25 20'6” 13.5 HPKM. Wood 1/29/2020
Surfski.info Flex vs Swordfish S 7/20/2021
Paddle Channel 2023 Review
550 (ML, L, XXL)Nelo 47 18.5 5.5 18' 11.7 HPKN. Murray 11/10/2017
W. Echols 12/27/2017
Gen 2 W. Echols 11/12/2021
Evo (discont.?)Think 47 18.5 6.25 20'6“ 13.3 HPKW. Echols 6/27/2014 Evo II
R. Mousley 7/30/2013 Evo II
W. Echols 3/16/2018 gen 3
gen 2 big improvement, gen3 not as much
FitnessMazu 47 18.5 5.75 18' 10” 12.23 HPKsurfski.info 2016
S1-R Huki 47 18.5 6.1 19'11“ 12.98 HPKW. Echols 1/18/2009 gen 1
Surfski.info S1-R vs Swordfish S 2019
FalconStellar 47.5 18.7 5.95 19'6” 12.53 HPKSurfski.info 2022
Video B. Edom 4/2022
Mako XT Fenn 48 18.9 5.8 19' 12.08 HPKR. Mousley 2/3/2019
Surfski.info XT vs Think Six vs NK Squall 7/2023
V10 Sport Epic 48 18.9 6.1 20' 12.71 HPKW. Echols 1/14/2009 gen 1
S. Hess 3/2015 gen 1
Surfski.info 2019 discussion gen 1 vs gen 2 vs V8 etc.
Zest (older - now there is Zest X & Zest X LV) Carbonology Sport 48 18.9 6.15 20'2“ 12.81 HPKSurfski.info Zest vs. Swordfish S 2019
SRStellar 48 18.9 5.84 19'2” 12.17 HPKTim H. gen2 2015
W. Echols gen2 2015 video
W. Echols gen2 2015
R3Revo 48 18.9 6.05 (2017) 19'10“ 12.6 HPK (length 6.35 (2016 version))R. Tindall video review 6/11/2017
Makai 48Vajda 48 18.9 5.8 19'12.08HPK
ForzaRogue 48 18.9 6 19'8” 12.5 HPK
SixThink 48.25 19 6 19' 8“ 12.44 HPKV9 vs Six
M. Sundin video review 7/17/2020
Zest XCarbonology Sport 48.5 19.1 6.2 20'4” 12.78 HPKsurfski.info review 2022
Squall 580Nordic Kayak (NK) 49 19.3 5.8 19' 11.84 HPK
Squall 540Nordic Kayak (NK) 49 19.3 5.4 17'9“ 11.02 HPK
V9 Epic 49 19.3 5.79 19' 11.82 HPKB. Maynard Next Level Kayaking 2020
M. Sundin video review 5/4/2020
2020 video V5, V8, V8 pro, V9 comparison
J. Mocke video review 2023
Ackua 525Sipre 49 19.3 5.25 17'3” 10.7 FSK
SuperstarFlow 49 19.3 5.95 19“6” 12.14 HPK
540 (ML, L, XXL)Nelo 50 19.7 5.4 17'9“ 10.8 FSK5/20/2021 W Echols
Club 560Nordic Kayak 50 19.7 5.6 18'4” 11.2 HPK
Boost X (X LV same L & W, less volume)Carbonology Sport 50 19.7 5.95 19'6“ 11.9 HPK
V8 Pro Epic 50.8 20 5.79 19' 11.4 HPKN. Murray 8/6/2016
Surfski.info V8 vs V8 pro 2017
Paddle Channel Video review 2020
R. Norman 1/5/2023
Boost (now Boost X & X LV)Carbonology Sport 51 20 5.95 19'6” 11.67 HPKSurfski.info 2020
Eze (discont.)Think 51 20 5.18 17' 10.16 FSK
S18S X, S18S EXPStellar 51.2 20.2 5.48 17'11“ 10.7 FSKEXP - Expedition version with a storage hatch
W. Echols S18 gen 1 2012
W. Echols S18S gen 2 2018
R. Norman S18S gen 1 2023
PicaroRogue 52 20.5 5.6 18'4” 10.77 FSK
520 (ML,L,XXL)Nelo 52 20.5 5.2 17' 10. FSKSurfski.info Discussion 2016
Surfski.info 520 vs V8 Pro 2018
TCSurfski 10/30/2018
Zen Think 52 20.5 5.6 18'4“ 10.77 FSKW. Echols 7/19/2019
M. Sundin 11/1/2022
Bluefin S Fenn 53 20.9 5.9 19'3” 11.13 HPKSurfski.info vs V8 Pro 2019
Surfski.info jump from Bluefin to Swordfish 2015
Makai 53Vajda 53 20.9 5.2 17' 9.81FSK
ExrciseNordic Kayak 54 21.25 5.5 18' 1“ 10.19 FSKG. Harbrecht 2021
V8 Epic 54 21.25 5.48 18' 10.15 FSKSurfski.info V8 gen 2 2014
Paddle Channel Video Review 2020
V7Epic 54 21.25 5.2 17' 9.63 FSKM. Sundin video 1/13/2021 (plastic)
510Nelo 55 21.6 5.1 16'9” 9.27 FSKVideo Review 6/9/2018 (plastic)
Club 540Nordic Kayak 55 21.6 5.4 17'9“ 9.82 FSK
Mazu 55Mazu 55 21.6 5 16' 5” 9.09FSK
Ackua 515Sipre 55 21.6 5.15 16'11“ 9.36 FSK
AceThink 56 22 5.38 17'8” 9.61 FSKSurfski.info Ace vs. V8 2020
Cruze X (formerly the “Cruze”)Carbonology Sport 56 22 5.5 18' 9.82 FSK
ZipThink 60 23.6 4.5 14'9“ 7.5 FSK
V-Ark (*one of a kind - used*)Epic 50 cubits (1 cubit = 18 - 22 inches) 300 cubits 6 slow row boat John Rybczyk: ”..Only used once. Wood lay-up. Plenty of storage. Comes with 2 of everything you need to get started. Guaranteed to float for 40 days and 40 nights or your 30 pieces of silver back. Pay full price and I'll throw in a dove to help you find dry land when the rain stops.“

Single Skis for lighter paddlers or children (from narrowest to widest beam).


The max weights shown are those recommended by manufacturers. Advanced paddlers can often perform quite well in smaller volume surfskis though their weight may exceed such recommended limits.

Model Brand Beam (cm) Beam (in) Length (m) Length (ft) Max Weight (lbs) Max Weight (kg) L/W Ratio Race Cat Reviews
FutureKids Ocean Ski MicroNelo 36 14.17 2.8 9' 2” ? ? 7.78 FSK
FutureKids Ocean Ski Mini Nelo 36 14.17 3.5 11' 6“ ? ? 9.72 FSK
FutureKids Ocean Ski Maxi Nelo 38 14.96 4.2 13' 9” ? ? 11.05 HPK
S1-A Huki 40.64 16 5.59 18'4“ 176 80 13.75 HPK
Elite Spark Fenn 41 16 6.44 21'1” 176 80 15.71 HPK W. Echols 9/1/2014 (comparison of low volume skis - Epic 10L, Fenn Spark, Stellar SES)
B. LeCompte 9/10/2014
The version reviewed in 2014 was wider - 42.5 cm
V-10L Epic 44 17.3 6.15 21'2“ 165 75 13.98 HPK
W. Echols 9/1/2014 (comparison of low volume skis - Epic 10L, Fenn Spark, Stellar SES)
Stefan Hess (German) 10/2014
Pulse Carbonology Sport 44 17.3 6 19'8” 176 80 13.64 HPK
560 MLNelo 4517.75.6018'4“ 165 75 12.44HPK Performance Paddlng 2016
Vault (discont.?) Carbonology Sport 46 18.1 6.1 20' 176 80 13.26 HPK B. McDonald review 2011
550 ML Nelo 47 18.5 5.5 18' 165 75 11.7 HPK
SonicX Knysna 47 18.5 4.15 13' 7“ 132 60 8.83 FSK Z. Handler review 2019
Club 480 Nordic Kayak 47 18.5 4.8 15' 9” 154 70 10.21 FSK Fits Paddler Height - 130 - 170cm height (4'3“ - 5'7”)
Jet Think 48 19 5.2 17' 176 80 10.83 FSK W. Echols 2/11/2021
Splash X Carbonology Sport 49 19.3 4.85 15'11“ 132 60 9.9 FSK
Bonito Fennix 50 19.7 4.2 13' 9” 165 75 8.4 FSK Fits Paddler Height 125cm to 180cm (3'7“ - 5'10” or so but other sources say 5'7“ max)
540 ML Nelo 50 19.7 5.4 17'9” 165 75 10.8 FSK
520 MLNelo 52 20.5 5.217' 165 75 10FSK Surfski.info 520 vs V8 Pro 2018
TCSurfski 10/30/2018
Ackua 420 Sipre 52 20.5 4.2 13'9“ ? ? 8.08 FSK Fits Paddler Height 110cm to 175cm (3'7” - 5'9“)
Colibri Allwave 57 22.4 4.80 15' 9” ? ? 8.42 FSK

photo from NeloCanada Instagram click to enlarge

nelosidecar.jpg

Sidecar adapter for Micro skis and Nelo 510 Nelo Micro skis have a tube channel in the bow for inserting the stabilizer. The side that mounts on the larger ski is simply a foam saddle and probably could be shaped/modified/ or replaced to better fit other surfskis.


Doubles (from narrowest to widest beam)

Model Brand Beam (cm) Beam (in) Length (m) Length (ft) L/W Ratio Race Cat Reviews
Flash X Carbonology Sport 46 18 7.4 24'2“ 16.09 HPK2
Elite S Fenn 46.5 18.3 7.5 24'7” 16.13 HPK2
V10 Epic 48 18.9 7.6 24'11“ 15.83 HPK2 V8 vs V10 vs XT S surfski.info discussion 2/2019 includes some CS Boost comments
S2E Stellar 48 18.9 7.5 24'7” 15.63 HPK2
S2-XM Huki 50 19.75 7.4 24'2“ 14.8 HPK2
Zest X Carbonology Sport 50 19.75 7.25 23'7” 14.4 HPK2
670 Nordic Kayak 50 19.75 6.7 22' 7“ 13.4 HPK2 E. Levemyr 9/2020
XT S Fenn 51 20 7.5 24'7” 14.71 HPK2
Boost X Double (there is also a triple - see below) Carbonology Sport 52 20.5 7.2 23'7“ 13.85 HPK2 Gen 1 Boost Dble Review (facebook) 2017 Amanda Rankin
Boost X vs. Fenn XTS vs. Zest X Surfski.info discussion 1/2023 as of 4/2023 not much about the Zest double yet
V8 Epic 57 22.4 6.7 22'7” 11.75 FSK2 B. Maynard 9/2018
600 Nelo 60 23.6 6 19'8“ 10. FSK2 TCSurfski Nelo 600 & V8 9/2018 plus good general advice about tandem paddling
Boost X Triple Carbonology Sport 52 20.5 7.8 25'7” 15 HPK2

Manufacturers


The Future

Resources


Managing Your Priorities


Photo: localgymsandfitness.com - Millers Taxi?

buyboat.jpg


Maintaining Perspective

(Once you are hooked on paddling and downwinding)


Managing Time Constraints

From Lars Ginér (Westcoast Surfski Group):

Posting this with a heavy heart

Love paddling and all the nice things that come with it but it takes up too much of my time. Struggling with the puzzle of life and the everyday job to wash, cook and clean and I understand that something must stand aside.

I've decided to get rid of my stuff. Below is a list. Serious suggestions are considered, no shame offers. Thank you in advance for your understanding and interest.

Here's what's for sale:

  1. Vacuum cleaner
  2. Dust Broom
  3. Bucket and mop
  4. Ironing board and iron
  5. Carpet Beater
  6. Toothbrush
  7. Various laundry and cleaning products
  8. Trash Can


Signs of a Paddleholic

From Reivers Dustin ( Whatcom Paddlers)
12/20/12 #13737

hehe, don't know about you folks, but since becoming a paddler:

  • Find myself staring at any standing water bigger than a surfski
  • Any sight or sound of moving water gets my attention (except maybe dishwasher or flushing of toilet)
  • Pictures of waves seem to have deep meaning
  • Any sight of a boat in any condition tugs at my line of sight
  • Cars with rack on them must be someone I know, or their friends
  • I get neck pains after a drive to Seattle on the freeway (was that a boat? or just some lumber on that truck in the other lane?)
  • I wave at every car with a boat on it's rack (when it's a touring kayak I try to keep my hand below the dashboard since they seem to think I'm trying to sell them life insurance or something)
  • Stormy weather makes my heart beat faster

It's like the signs of a paddle-a-holic. Don't want no cure.

rd




surfskis.txt · Last modified: 2023/09/22 17:00 by preavley