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
Specifications
- Length
- 6.2 m
- Beam
- 45 cm
- Deck height
- 33 cm
- Category
- Surfski
- Skill level
- intermediate
- New price
- A$4,350
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 8.4, and the published score moves 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
This hull is built around a paddler of about 88 kg. It stays workable from 77 kg to 93 kg, and sits at its best between 82 kg and 90 kg.
Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.
Generations
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 works, and what it costs you
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
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
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers in the markets we have mapped:
Oceanpaddler (Fenn's Australian distributor), 2026: Glass Vac AUD 3,350 (14.0kg), Hybrid AUD 4,350 (12.5kg), Carbon AUD 5,450 (10.5kg). Minor spec drift between SA factory page and AU distributor page, both current.
Similar craft
Closest in stability, speed and paddler weight across the whole index.
Huki
S1-XL
Nelo
57
Kai Wa'a
Vega
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