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Fenn · Surfski

Fenn Bonito

Very short, wide, high-volume junior hull with a deep, forgiving cross-section and low centre of gravity. Rounded stable platform built to teach balance and remounts while keeping real surfski characteristics rather than a barge feel.

Length
4.2 m
Beam
50 cm
Deck
31 cm
Lightest
12 kg
 
Source image flipped
Fenn Bonito, studio second angle
studio second angle · rackandpaddle.co.za

Specifications

Length
4.2 m
Beam
50 cm
Deck height
31 cm
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
New paddlers
New price
A$2,000

Layup weights

Poly Vac12 kg

On-water profile

Stability
7–9
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
2

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 1 paddler report and 3 linked sources.

Suits: Flatwater and small-surf learning for kids and lightweight paddlers building balance and remount skills

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 65–75 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 53–75 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.

The upper limit is the maker’s; the lighter end follows the proportions of makers’ own ranges. How this is worked out.

Generations

~2015-present

Junior/entry kids ski; poly-vac (vacuum-bagged fibreglass, polyester resin) construction; short stable hull, still current in the Fenn range

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Very stable for kids and small paddlers
  • Light at ~12kg, easy to carry and rack
  • Real surfski feel to progress from

Cons

  • Slowest, shortest hull in the range
  • Weight/height ceiling ~75kg / 175cm
  • Single poly-vac layup only

What paddlers say

Fenn describes the Bonito as 'a great ski for kids and smaller paddlers up to 75kg & 175cm tall, who are new to the sport and wishing to develop their confidence whilst having fun' (rackandpaddle.co.za / Fenn)Reported experience

Where to buy

Fenn Kayaks ↗

Dealers:

Ocean Paddler · AU ↗Paddleshop (PADDLES) · AU ↗Ocean Paddlesports · AU ↗Paddle 2 Fitness · AU ↗Sydney Harbour Kayaks · AU ↗Race One Surf Craft · AU ↗

~AUD 2,000 entry estimate (report baseline). Sold globally as an entry/kids ski in a single poly-vac layup; AU distribution is thin, home-market retail is ZAR.

Sources

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 Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.