# Custom Kayaks Icon / Icon Lite

> Surfski by Custom Kayaks, out of production. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/custom-kayaks-icon-icon-lite/
> Cite as: Custom Kayaks Icon / Icon Lite, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/custom-kayaks-icon-icon-lite/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 6.42 m
- Usually paddled by: Confident ocean paddlers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 2–5 out of 10 (editorial estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 8 out of 10.

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. Method: https://surfskiindex.com/how-it-works/#limits

Evidence note: This band is a cautious editorial estimate; it is not backed by a hull trace. Qualitative context includes 2 paddler reports and 2 linked sources.

## Suits
Elite flatwater/racing; less forgiving in rough water than the brand's later models.

## Hull
Narrow elite racing hull (21ft/6.42m) built for top-end speed; described by paddlers as noticeably tippy versus the maker's later, more forgiving designs.

## What works
- Genuine elite race pedigree (2004 World Cup)
- Fast for its era
- Well known in mid-2000s SA elite scene

## Trade-offs
- Very tippy by owner accounts
- Discontinued; parts hard to source
- No verified dimensions beyond length

## Generations
- 2004-~2009: Original flagship elite racing ski; team incl. Barry Lewin won the inaugural 2004 Surf Ski World Cup on it. Superseded by the Synergy by ~2008-2010. South African brand.

## What paddlers say
- surfski.info owner (2008): 'the last Custom Kayaks ski I spent time in, the ICON, [was] very tippy.'
- surfski.info forum (2016): owner seeking a replacement rudder reports the brand's site already down, unclear if still trading.

## Sources
- https://surfski.info/tips/story/285/x.html
- surfski.info site search: 'Manufacturer Profile: Custom Kayaks' (2006), 'Review: Icon Surf Ski' (2005)

## Prices
Current new prices and dealers: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/custom-kayaks-icon-icon-lite/#buy