Surfski IndexAn index of surfskis
Feedback
263craft

Fenn · Surfski

Fenn Swordfish S

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.

Length
6.2 m
Beam
45 cm
Deck
33 cm
Lightest
10.5 kg
Source image flipped
Source image flipped
Fenn Swordfish S, side profile product shot
side profile product shot · paddleshop.com.au (AU dealer)

Specifications

Length
6.2 m
Beam
45 cm
Deck height
33 cm
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
Paddlers in chop
New price
A$3,350

Layup weights

Glass14 kg
Vacuum12.5 kg
Carbon10.5 kg

On-water profile

Stability
6
Traced hullMedium confidence
Speed
8

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 2 paddler reports and 8 linked sources.

Speed is also checked against the traced hull. Measured from this boat's side and plan photos, the shape alone rates 8, and the score shown is moved a third of the way toward that. What that means.

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.

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 78–90 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 63–94 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

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.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • 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

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 reviewReported experience
"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.comReported 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 Vac Glass layup (14.5kg) at A$3,350 (Paddleshop and Pro Kayaks, 2026); Hybrid (12.5kg) A$4,350 and Carbon (10.5kg) A$5,450. No confirmed USD price.

Sources

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 Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.