# Fenn Fennix Elite S

> Surfski by Fenn. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/fenn-fennix-elite-s/
> Cite as: Fenn Fennix Elite S, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/fenn-fennix-elite-s/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 6.37 m
- Beam: 43 cm
- Deck height: 31 cm
- Layup weights: Hybrid 12.5 kg, Carbon 10.5 kg
- Usually paddled by: Racers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability rated 5 out of 10 (traced hull, medium confidence).
- Speed rated 9 out of 10.

Modelled from this hull's traced beam and depth at its design weight. Medium 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 based on a trace of this hull’s geometry. Qualitative context includes 4 paddler reports and 6 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 71–82 kg, broader estimated guide 58–85 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
Downwind ocean racing first, flat-water racing a close second - the most versatile elite ski in Fenn's current range, and a more forgiving step into the elite class than the old Elite S was.

## Hull
Redesigned elite hull: tapered-down bow deck, narrower through the front but with more nose volume (buries less, pops onto runs quicker), more rocker with a flatter hull aft that removes much of the old Elite S twitch, and higher rails for a much drier ride. Seat width 385mm in a wider, flatter-backed bucket that sits you more upright.

## What works
- More stable, forgiving and manoeuvrable than the old Elite S while keeping its flat-water speed
- Higher rails give a much drier ride; nose buries less and pops onto runs quicker
- Multiple World Surf Ski Series pedigree carried into the current race scene
- Fenn build quality; current production with full dealer support

## Trade-offs
- New wider, flatter-backed bucket is divisive - several old-Elite-S owners found it pinched hips or ground the tailbone and added a seat pad
- Flatter aft hull 'slaps down' harder landing off waves than the old hull's graceful re-entry
- Still a narrow 43cm elite ski - not a step-down boat for intermediates
- Premium pricing ([price omitted] carbon)

## Generations
- ~2020-present: Full hull redesign of the Elite S under Fenn's current 'Fennix' range branding (the old Elite S moulds were destroyed). New tapered nose and deck, more rocker, flatter hull aft, higher rails, redesigned wider/flatter bucket, seat slightly further forward with less hump under the legs. Current production model. Fenn global spec sheet: 6370mm x 430mm (AU distributor lists 6440mm - distributor drift).

## What paddlers say
- "It's a totally different feel. Main differences - it's more stable and forgiving, slightly more rocker and flatter hull aft taking away some of the twitch of old Elite... The rails are higher which results in a much dryer ride. Better control and more playful... Also the nose doesn't bury as much, pops quicker" - owner upgrading from the old Elite S, surfski.info forum
- "More stable than the old Elite S, the bow has been changed and has a little less volume. The ski jumps onto runs quicker and responds and turns faster... It doesn't feel like a 21' ski, more like a 19' ski the way it maneuvers" - Hood River downwind report, Ocean Paddlesports (via surfski.info)
- "The part that really stood out is how maneuverable it is... It's really fast. Seems to be able to jump over onto the next wave easily. I think it's a winner" - ninHendo, surfski.info forum
- "The new seat of the Fennix Elite S did not work for me... But it surfs better than the old Elite S" - ND (Tahiti), surfski.info forum

## Sources
- https://www.fennkayaks.com/products/surfskis/single/fennix-elite-s/
- https://oceanpaddler.com/surf-skis/fennix-elite-s/
- https://surfski.info/forum/19-boats/19981-fennix-elite-s-v-elite-s-any-reviews.html
- https://www.paddleshop.com.au/products/fenn-elite-s/
- https://shop.prokayaks.com.au/products/fenn-elite-s
- https://oceanflight.com/products/fennix-elite-s

## Prices
Current new prices and dealers: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/fenn-fennix-elite-s/#buy