# Custom Kayaks Synergy / Synergy Lite

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

## Specifications
- Length: 6.42 m
- Beam: 46 cm
- Deck height: 33.5 cm (estimated)
- Layup weights: Standard glass 18.5 kg, Hybrid 14.5 kg, Lite carbon 12 kg
- Usually paddled by: Paddlers in chop

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 6–8 out of 10 (dimension estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 6 out of 10.

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

Evidence note: This band is estimated from published dimensions. Qualitative context includes 3 paddler reports and 2 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 83–96 kg, broader estimated guide 67–100 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
Purpose-built downwind/rough water; praised in big-storm and confused chop; can broach when the rudder lifts clear in steep quartering wind-chop.

## Hull
Flat-ish, high-volume hull with a 'Y-Tech' reinforced deck ridge for stiffness and water-shedding. Deep secondary-stability bucket seatwell; large rudder with self-adjusting cable-and-pedal system.

## What works
- Very stable for its speed class
- Excellent downwind run-catching
- Dry ride, sheds water well
- Comfortable deep seatwell
- Fast tool-free footplate adjustment

## Trade-offs
- Deep bucket makes remounts harder
- Broaches in steep quartering chop when rudder clears
- Less efficient than top HPS on flat water
- Large rudder catches weed

## Generations
- ~2007-2012: South African-made (Durban, builder Mark Lewin). Later footwell revision borrowed from the Horizon (~2010). Standard glass, Hybrid, and Lite (carbon) layups. NOTE: defunct South African brand, NOT the customkayaks.com.au domain.

## What paddlers say
- Rob Mousley (surfski.info, 2008): more stable than the maker's Icon, strong downwind manners in a Cape storm, broaches in reverse-Millers conditions.
- Wesley Echols (SurfskiRacing.com): 'speed of an HPS with the reassuring attributes of more stable craft'; remounting harder than his S1-R due to deep bucket.
- surfski.info forum user (2021): still using a secondhand Synergy years on; beginner-friendly but not especially fast for flatwater training.

## Sources
- https://surfski.info/tips/story/285/x.html
- https://surfskiracing.org/2010/08/custom-kayaks-synergy-lite-by-mark-ceconi/

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