# Fenn Swordfish S

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

## Specifications
- Length: 6.2 m
- Beam: 45 cm
- Deck height: 33 cm
- Layup weights: Glass 14 kg, Vacuum 12.5 kg, Carbon 10.5 kg
- Usually paddled by: Paddlers in chop

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability rated 6 out of 10 (traced hull, medium confidence).
- Speed rated 8 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 2 paddler reports and 8 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 78–90 kg, broader estimated guide 63–94 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
Best in ocean swell/downwind (its signature strength per every review); competent on flat water and upwind too, making it a genuine one-ski option for club/social racing.

## Hull
Medium-volume, low-profile intermediate hull with a tapered, higher-volume bow, moderate bow rocker and stern rocker beginning mid-ship. Forward-mounted rudder (~89cm from the stern) gives precise tracking; a lowered hump and reshaped bucket improve leg drive versus the original Swordfish.

## What works
- Genuine do-it-all intermediate ski: stable enough for rough water, fast enough to race
- Outstanding downwind surfing and wave-catching
- Forward rudder placement gives precise steering
- Rock-solid Fenn build quality
- Widely regarded as the benchmark intermediate ski

## Trade-offs
- Cable steering (not click-stop pedals) - less convenient to adjust than some rivals
- Rear-set venturi bailers drain less effectively than older Fenn designs, per one long-term reviewer
- No bow/midship/stern carry handles as standard on some markets' units
- At 12-14kg (non-carbon) heavier than equivalent Think/Stellar competitors

## Generations
- 2016-present (Fennix update ~2024-25): Replaced the original Swordfish in 2016 with a tapered/lowered bow deck, more front-end volume, revised seat and a rudder repositioned forward; current stock is the 'Fennix' generation refresh.

## What paddlers say
- "My experience suggests the [Stellar] SR is the most stable intermediate ski followed by the V10 Sport, SFS [Swordfish S], SEI, Evo, Nelo 550... It is rock solid in the big stuff" - SurfskiRacing.com owner review
- "I put off trying the Swordfish S despite its following among worldwide paddlers... I raced [East Coast Champs] on my Ion Elite and Ray Fusco paddling his Swordfish S beat me by over 2 minutes" - SurfskiRacing.com

## Sources
- https://www.fennkayaks.com/products/surfskis/single/fennix-swordfish/
- https://oceanpaddler.com/surf-skis/fennix-swordfish-s/
- https://surfski.info/forum/19-boats/8455-fenn-swordfish-review.html
- https://surfskiracing.org/2019/08/fenn-swordfish-s-review/
- https://www.geartrade.com.au/category/305/Ocean-Racing-Skis/listings/23784/Fenn-Swordfish-S.html
- https://www.paddleshop.com.au/products/fenn-swordfish/
- https://shop.prokayaks.com.au/products/fenn-swordfish
- https://oceanflight.com/products/fennix-swordfish

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