Surfski IndexAn index of surfskis
Feedback
263craft

Fenn · Surfski

Fenn Fennix Elite S

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.

Length
6.37 m
Beam
43 cm
Deck
31 cm
Lightest
10.5 kg
Source image flipped
Source image flipped
Fenn Fennix Elite S, studio side profile
studio side profile · fennkayaks.com

Specifications

Length
6.37 m
Beam
43 cm
Deck height
31 cm
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
Racers
New price
A$4,350

Layup weights

Hybrid12.5 kg
Carbon10.5 kg

On-water profile

Stability
5
Traced hullMedium confidence
Speed
9

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. 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 based on a trace of this hull’s geometry. Qualitative context includes 4 paddler reports and 6 linked sources.

Speed is also checked against the traced hull. Measured from this boat's side and plan photos, the shape alone rates 9, and the score shown is moved a third of the way toward that. What that means.

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.

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 71–82 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 58–85 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

~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).

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • 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 (AUD 5,450 carbon)

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 forumReported experience
"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)Reported experience
"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 forumReported experience
"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 forumReported 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 is the Hybrid layup (12.5kg) at A$4,350 (Paddleshop and Pro Kayaks, 2026); Carbon (10.5kg) A$5,450. No Vac Glass layup is offered on this model. No confirmed USD price.

Sources

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 Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.