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Fenn · Surfski · Out of production

Fenn Elite Glide

Low-rocker elite hull derived from the original Fenn Elite, narrow catch (second only to the Spark), deep vertical footwell for drainage via twin venturis. Very little side-to-side roll and precise cable steering; optimised for flat and medium-chop conditions rather than big downwind surf.

Length
6.4 m
Beam
42.5 cm
Deck
31 cm
Lightest
11 kg
 
 
Fenn Elite Glide, studio side profile
studio side profile · wetiz.eu

Specifications

Length
6.4 m
Beam
42.5 cm
Deck height
31 cm (est.)
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
Racers
New price
Not listed new

Layup weights

Glass17.5 kg
Vacuum14.5 kg
Carbon11 kg

On-water profile

Stability
4–6
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
9

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 3 paddler reports and 5 linked sources.

Suits: Flat water, small-medium downwind runs, marathon/multi-day racing; not intended for big confused ocean chop (Fenn points big-water paddlers to the Elite Classic/S instead).

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 70–81 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 57–84 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

2013-c.2020

Designed off the original Fenn Elite; reduced rocker vs Elite/Elite SL for flat-water and downwind glide. Superseded by the Elite S and absent from Fenn's own current range, which lists only the Fennix models (checked 27 Aug 2026). Legacy stock still appears on EU dealer shelves, Wetiz lists it at EUR 3,080, but that dealer shows the same 'on stock and can be ordered' line against craft that are unambiguously out of production, so it is not evidence of a live production run.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Very fast on flat water, near V14 pace
  • Calm, low-roll tracking; easier to hold power through a stroke than the nervier Elite SL
  • Drains well (twin venturis), ample footwell volume for hydration pack

Cons

  • Deep, narrow Fenn bucket is hard to fit/remount without a seat pad for shorter paddlers
  • Long hump can make it awkward to get feet under the footstrap
  • No factory leash attachment or back bungees (owners retrofit)
  • Not suited to big ocean chop

What paddlers say

"Speed is wonderful combined with limited side to side rolling, great tracking, and pin point steering. It is at the very top of the speed chart along with the V14 with more stability" - Wesley Echols, surfskiracing.orgReported experience
"It's stunning just how calm the Glide lies in the water at every speed... in flat and medium tough conditions the Elite Glide is with no doubt the fastest ski in the Fenn stable" - Wetiz product descriptionReported experience
"I've paddled a carbon Glide in a 10km race and really enjoyed it, its very quick in the flatter conditions and small runs and is more stable..." - surfski.info forum, 'FENN Mako6 v Elite SL' threadReported experience

Where to buy

The Elite Glide is out of production. You can only buy it second-hand.

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 ↗

No current AU-distributor list price (legacy, largely superseded by Elite S; still made to order via Wetiz Germany at EUR3,080 carbon/vacuum).

Sources

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