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
Specifications
- Length
- 6.37 m
- Beam
- 43 cm
- Deck height
- 31 cm
- Category
- Surfski
- Skill level
- elite
- New price
- A$5,450
Layup weights
On-water profile
Both scores are rated at the hull's own design weight. How these are derived.
Speed here also has a traced hull behind it: measured off this boat's own side and plan photographs, the shape alone rates it 9.1, and the published score moves 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
This hull is built around a paddler of about 80 kg. It stays workable from 70 kg to 85 kg, and sits at its best between 74 kg and 82 kg.
Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.
Generations
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 works, and what it costs you
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 (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
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers in the markets we have mapped:
Oceanpaddler (Fenn's Australian distributor), 2026: Hybrid AUD 4,350 (12.5kg), Carbon AUD 5,450 (10.5kg). An ~8kg honeycomb layup has been offered in some markets per dealer chatter (surfski.info).
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