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BOS · Surf lifesaving spec

BOS Nemesis

Surf lifesaving specification ski, hand-built to order in Warriewood, NSW. BOS publishes no length or beam: the figures shown are the SLSA class limits (5.79 m maximum length, 48 cm minimum beam) that spec skis are built to. More tail rocker than the Tomahawk it replaced, for control through the break and a very tight turning circle. Standard build is an E-glass skin over a Soric core with a carbon/Innegra inner skin (17.5 kg on BOS stock listings); Premium is a full carbon outer shell over PVC foam.

Length
5.79 m
Beam
48 cm
Deck
33.5 cm
Lightest
17.5 kg
Side view unavailable
Top view unavailable

Specifications

Length
5.79 m
Beam
48 cm
Deck height
33.5 cm (est.)
Category
Surf lifesaving spec
Usually paddled by
Paddlers in chop
New price
A$5,225

Layup weights

Standard17.5 kg

On-water profile

Stability
5–8
Editorial estimateLow confidence
Speed
7

Our estimate from published descriptions and reviews. Low confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight.

These ratings are Surfski Index estimates, worked out from published dimensions, traced hull shapes where we have them, and reviews. They are not supplied by the maker or timed on the water. How a ski feels depends on your weight, skill, set-up and the conditions, so use them to shortlist skis and paddle one before you buy. How we rate.

Stability here means how steady the ski feels sitting still on flat water. Where two craft have overlapping ranges, we can't say which is more stable. Downwind handling is a separate thing, covered in the evidence note below.

Evidence note

This band is a cautious editorial estimate; it is not backed by a hull trace. Qualitative context includes 2 linked sources.

Suits: Surf lifesaving racing and surf-zone paddling: beach starts, punching out through broken water, buoy turns and catching runners back in. Built to the class weight, so heavy and slow for flatwater distance.

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 73–84 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 59–88 kg. This estimate is a guide, not a limit. Seat fit, conditions and paddling style matter. Lighter paddlers can still enjoy a larger hull, especially downwind. A test paddle is the best check.

Estimated from hull dimensions using a formula fitted to makers’ own paddler limits. It does not establish the designer’s intended paddler weight. How this is worked out.

Generations

earlier

Raptor, the first BOS spec ski, built for stability and ease of paddling; then the Tomahawk for advanced paddlers, with a fuller bow and tail to punch through surf and more rocker. Both are out of production and turn up second hand.

current

Nemesis, based on the Tomahawk with a lower centre of gravity, less volume and more tail rocker. BOS now builds only this single. Fixed-length or adjustable footwell, standard or deep seat.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Custom built to your leg length, with fixed or adjustable footwell and a deep-seat option
  • Very tight turning circle for buoy turns and surf work, by the maker's account
  • Gel-coat finish, which BOS says stands up to surf use better than automotive paint

Cons

  • No published length, beam or deck height
  • Built to order: about 12 weeks plus freight
  • Heavy for its length, as every class-weight spec ski is

Where to buy

BOS Oceansport ↗

Dealers:

BOS Oceansport · AU ↗

BOS Oceansport lists the custom Nemesis from A$5,225 including GST (standard build; premium carbon costs more), October 2026. Built to order in about 12 weeks with a A$2,000 deposit; freight is extra and arranged with the courier. International orders are GST-free. Sold direct, with measuring jigs in NSW, QLD, TAS, SA, WA and VIC.

Sources

BetaRatings are estimatesRatings are estimates. How we get the numbers. Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.