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Custom Kayaks · Surfski · Out of production

Custom Kayaks Focus

Full-length 6.42m x 46cm ocean racing hull with notably strong secondary stability. An exceptionally wide footplate-adjustment range accommodates tall/large paddlers, and it remounts more easily than other Custom Kayaks race models - a fast hull that stays forgiving on edge.

Length
6.42 m
Beam
46 cm
Deck
33.5 cm
Lightest
12 kg
Side view unavailable
Top view unavailable
Custom Kayaks Focus, Outline drawn to scale from published length and deck height
Outline drawn to scale from published length and deck height · Surfski Index

Specifications

Length
6.42 m
Beam
46 cm
Deck height
33.5 cm (est.)
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
Confident ocean paddlers
New price
Not listed new

Layup weights

Glass/Carbon12 kg

On-water profile

Stability
6–8
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
8

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 2 paddler reports and 3 linked sources.

Suits: Advanced ocean racing and downwind; also suits intermediate paddlers stepping up thanks to its secondary stability

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 83–96 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 67–100 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

~2011-2016 (discontinued)

(discontinued) Advanced full-length ocean ski from Custom Kayaks (Durban, South Africa); glass/carbon build. Positioned against the Fenn Swordfish. Brand later wound down and its site is offline.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Fast full-length hull with strong secondary stability
  • Huge footplate adjustment range fits tall/large paddlers
  • Easier to remount than other Custom Kayaks race models

Cons

  • Discontinued; brand support gone, thin resale
  • Still an advanced hull - tippy for pure beginners
  • No official spec sheet remains online

What paddlers say

surfski.info 'Focus vs Fenn Swordfish' thread: Durban paddlers note 'the Focus has the widest range of footplate adjustment I've ever seen' and it is 'stable in pretty tippy conditions', able to 'accommodate the larger paddler' (surfski.info).Reported experience
surfski.info reviewers describe the Focus as 'more stable than the Synergy 2 and as fast', with 'amazing' secondary stability that lets even entry-level paddlers feel comfortable quickly (surfski.info).Reported experience

Where to buy

The Focus is out of production. You can only buy it second-hand.

Maker closed Custom Kayaks is no longer trading. The Durban builder ceased trading and its site is offline. Boats survive second-hand only.

Custom Kayaks is no longer made, so second-hand is the only option.

(discontinued) Advanced ski, secondary market only. Custom Kayaks (Durban SA) has wound down and its site is offline, so no current retail price.

Sources

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