Fenn · Surfski · Out of production
Fenn Elite
Narrow, low-volume elite hull with a proven downwind-surfing pedigree; higher rocker and a higher hump/seating position than the later Elite S. One of the first-generation elite-class hulls that established Fenn's reputation before the S-series lowered volume, moved the rudder/cockpit forward and reduced the hump.
- Length
- 6.4 m
- Beam
- 43 cm
- Deck
- 31 cm
- Lightest
- 10 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 6.4 m
- Beam
- 43 cm
- Deck height
- 31 cm (est.)
- Category
- Surfski
- Skill level
- elite
- New price
- Not listed new
Layup weights
On-water profile
Both scores are rated at the hull's own design weight. How these are derived.
Suits: Flat-to-moderate ocean racing and downwind runs for experienced paddlers; not forgiving below advanced skill - narrow beam and high rocker punish poor balance/technique.
Paddler weight
This hull is built around a paddler of about 81 kg. It stays workable from 71 kg to 86 kg, and sits at its best between 75 kg and 83 kg.
Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.
Generations
First available in Australia in 2008. Fenn's flagship elite racing ski of that era. Spawned two offshoots with distinct hulls - the narrower Elite SL and the lower-rocker Elite Glide (each listed separately) - before the whole family was superseded by the Elite S. Discontinued as a current model.
What works, and what it costs you
What works
- Proven elite race pedigree, multiple SA and international podiums when current
- Fenn build quality and durability reputation
- Cheapest way into an elite-class Fenn hull second-hand
Trade-offs
- Discontinued for a decade-plus, ageing carbon/gelcoat condition risk on used examples
- Higher hump and less refined cockpit vs Elite S
- Narrow, unforgiving for anyone not already advanced/elite
- Scarce on the AU second-hand market compared to Elite S
What paddlers say
"The Fenn Elite has been a proven success over the years as one of the best downwind surfing skis... since superseded by the Elite SL, Elite Glide and more recently the Elite S, all of which have been designed off the original Fenn Elite model" - Oceanpaddler (Fenn AU distributor) model history pageReported experience
"[Elite S is] more stable than the Fenn Elite... extremely responsive on the waves" - Rob Mousley, surfski.info forum, comparing the Elite S against the original EliteReported experience
Where to buy
The Elite is out of production. It turns up on the second-hand market; there is no new-boat channel for it.
Dealers in the markets we have mapped:
No longer sold new, superseded by the Elite S (Hybrid A$4,350 / Carbon A$5,450).
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