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263craft

ChalupSki · Surfski

ChalupSki Waikiki

5.2m x 53cm stability-first hull that Chalupsky positions as the one a paddler keeps while technique improves rather than outgrowing in a season.

Length
5.2 m
Beam
53 cm
Deck
33.5 cm
Lightest
7.8 kg
Source image flipped
Source image flipped
ChalupSki Waikiki, Outline drawn to scale from published length and deck height
Outline drawn to scale from published length and deck height · Surfski Index

Specifications

Length
5.2 m
Beam
53 cm
Deck height
33.5 cm (est.)
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
New paddlers
New price
Not listed new

Layup weights

Carbon7.8 kg
Hybrid9.7 kg

On-water profile

Stability
8–10
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
4

Modelled from published beam, length and deck height. 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 estimated from published dimensions. Qualitative context includes 1 paddler report and 3 linked sources.

Suits: Flat water and light chop; a first ski that tolerates a rough remount.

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 80–93 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 65–97 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

2025-present

Launched under Oscar Chalupsky's own brand in 2025, built in South Africa. The range is organised by skill rather than by hull family: Tarifa and Waikiki for beginners, Maui for intermediates, Molokai as the first race ski.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Stable enough for a genuine beginner without being a barge
  • Marketed as a boat to grow into rather than a rental hull
  • Shortest ski in the range to store and car-top

Cons

  • 53cm beam is still a long way off race pace
  • Short waterline gives away speed to 5.5m+ beginner skis
  • No published price

What paddlers say

No independent owner review located as of August 2026. The brand is new and the specifications here come from the maker.Reported experience

Where to buy

We don't have a dealer listed for ChalupSki yet. All makers and dealers.

ChalupSki publishes no prices; the range is sold through dealers and direct enquiry. Confirm before quoting.

Sources

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 Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.