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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
Side view unavailable
Top view unavailable
Custom Kayaks Horizon, Outline drawn to scale from published length and deck height
Outline drawn to scale from published length and deck height · Surfski Index

Specifications

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

Layup weights

Glass/Carbon12.5 kg

On-water profile

Stability
6–8
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 2 paddler reports and 3 linked sources.

Suits: Beginner learning, surf-zone play and first downwind runs; forgiving in mild-to-moderate conditions

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 74–86 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 60–89 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

~2009-2015 (discontinued)

(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.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • 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. 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) Entry-level 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.