Custom Kayaks · Surfski · Out of production
Custom Kayaks Horizon
Short (5.6m), wide (48cm) high-volume beginner hull with an extended, widened mid-section for stability, a sharp V forward of the cockpit and a reverse-V tail. Deep, tapered cockpit centres the paddler and a higher front deck sheds wave-wash; a shallow, easy-remount seat suits novices.
- Length
- 5.6 m
- Beam
- 48 cm
- Deck
- 33.5 cm
- Lightest
- 12.5 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 5.6 m
- Beam
- 48 cm
- Deck height
- 33.5 cm (est.)
- Category
- Surfski
- Skill level
- beginner
- New price
- Not listed new
Layup weights
On-water profile
Both scores are rated at the hull's own design weight. How these are derived.
Suits: Beginner learning, surf-zone play and first downwind runs; forgiving in mild-to-moderate conditions
Paddler weight
This hull is built around a paddler of about 84 kg. It stays workable from 74 kg to 89 kg, and sits at its best between 78 kg and 85 kg.
Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.
Generations
(discontinued) Entry-level beginner single ski from Custom Kayaks (Durban, South Africa); strong glass build for surf conditions. Brand later wound down and its site is offline.
What works, and what it costs you
What works
- Among the most stable skis on the market - ideal first ski
- Robust glass build made for surf conditions
- Shallow cockpit and low seat make remounting easy
Trade-offs
- Slow relative to full-length race skis
- Discontinued; brand and support gone, thin resale
- A cm or two of water can slop in the cockpit (per reviewer)
What paddlers say
surfski.info review (Mark Lewin): 'This is one of the most stable skis on the market'... 'a great ski for paddlers starting out'; praised robustness, cockpit comfort and ease of remounting (surfski.info).Reported experience
playak buyers guide describes the Horizon as 'probably the most stable ski available' while still 'fun to paddle and surf' (playak.com).Reported experience
Where to buy
The Horizon is out of production. It turns up on the second-hand market; there is no new-boat channel for it.
Maker closed Custom Kayaks is no longer trading. The Durban builder ceased trading and its site is offline. Boats survive second-hand only.
Nobody sells Custom Kayaks new. The second-hand market is the only channel.
(discontinued) Entry-level ski, secondary market only. Custom Kayaks (Durban SA) has wound down and its site is offline, so no current retail price.
Similar craft
Closest in stability, speed and paddler weight across the whole index.
Point
Tide
Vajda
Raptor
Stellar