Fenn · Surfski · Out of production
Fenn Elite SL
Narrowed derivative of the original Elite hull: 42.5cm beam, reduced nose volume with added tail volume, and the rudder 10cm further forward for quicker steering response on runs. The trade is a twitchier, nervier ride than either the Elite or the calmer Elite Glide that shares its beam.
- Length
- 6.4 m
- Beam
- 42.5 cm
- Deck
- 31 cm
- Lightest
- 10 kg
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
On-water profile
Modelled from published beam, length and deck height. Low confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight.
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
Suits: Downwind and ocean racing for confident elite paddlers of that era who wanted faster steering response than the standard Elite; least forgiving of the legacy family in confused chop.
Paddler weight
The estimated sweet spot is 71–82 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 57–85 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
The 'slimline' offshoot of the original Elite: 5mm narrower beam, slightly less volume in the nose and slightly more in the tail, rudder moved 10cm further forward, and a narrower bucket. Superseded (along with the Elite and Elite Glide) by the Elite S. Discontinued.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Quicker steering response than the original Elite (rudder 10cm further forward)
- Tail volume helps the stern release on runs
- Same-era Fenn build quality; cheap elite-class entry second-hand
Cons
- Least stable of the legacy Elite family - narrower and nervier than the Elite or Glide
- Discontinued 10+ years; condition risk on used hulls
- Very scarce on the AU second-hand market
- Narrow bucket won't suit bigger paddlers
What paddlers say
"The Elite SL is slightly narrower than the Elite... slightly less volume in the nose and slightly more volume in the tail, with the rudder positioned 10cm further forward" - Oceanpaddler (Fenn AU distributor) model history pageReported experience
Reviewers comparing the same-beam Elite Glide describe it as noticeably calmer than the SL, with 'no twitchy roll' - placing the SL as the nerviest hull of the legacy Elite family (surfskiracing.org / surfski.info forum consensus)Reported experience
Gallery
Where to buy
The Elite SL is out of production. You can only buy it second-hand.
Dealers:
Discontinued for roughly a decade; never listed new by the current AU distributor.
Similar craft
Closest in stability, speed and paddler weight.
These prices haven't been checked for more than three months and may be out of date. Check with a dealer before relying on one.
Fenn Elite
Out of production
Stability: dimension estimate, low confidence
Vajda Makai 43
A$5,200new
Stability: dimension estimate, low confidence
Vajda Hawx 43
Out of production
Stability: dimension estimate, low confidence