# Fenn Swordfish

> Surfski by Fenn, out of production. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/fenn-swordfish/
> Cite as: Fenn Swordfish, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/fenn-swordfish/ (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 band 5–7 out of 10 (inherited trace, low confidence).
- Speed rated 7 out of 10.

Modelled from the Fenn Swordfish S trace, not this generation itself. Low 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 uses a related hull trace rather than a trace of this generation. Qualitative context includes 2 paddler reports and 6 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
Choppy ocean and downwind swell; forgiving enough for building-confidence paddlers moving up from a beginner ski, capable enough to race socially.

## Hull
Higher-volume, higher-hump predecessor to the Swordfish S with a fuller bow deck and more upright seating position. Fenn marketed it as splitting the difference between the stable XT and the fast Elite: a medium-high-volume, low-moderate rocker hull built to be forgiving in chop while still surfing runs well.

## What works
- Very stable for an ocean ski, confidence-inspiring in chop
- Excellent downwind surfing and wave-catching
- Fenn build quality/durability reputation
- Cheaper second-hand entry into a well-regarded SA brand

## Trade-offs
- Discontinued - no warranty/current-model support, parts sourced as spares
- Higher hump and older seat design vs the S update, less comfortable leg drive
- Slower than an Elite on flat/upwind sections
- Harder to find second-hand in AU than the newer Swordfish S

## Generations
- ~2010-2016: Original Fenn Swordfish, South Africa's most popular intermediate ski of its era. Discontinued and superseded by the Swordfish S from 2016. No longer sold new by Fenn or its AU distributor - second-hand market only. Wears the original green-and-black Fenn livery: black SWORDFISH and FENN wordmarks over a green chevron, on white, with a black waterline pinstripe. The Swordfish S that replaced it is branded in orange, which is the quickest way to tell the two apart in a second-hand listing.

## What paddlers say
- "The advertisement claimed a stability close to the XT and speed close to an Elite... I could pack a cut lunch and eat it on the deck... Downwind, the Swordfish is by far the best ski I've ever paddled" - chriswalkeralive, surfski.info forum review
- "Stable! no more bracing! I now go out in conditions that would have made me apprehensive on a more extreme ski... Fast - obviously not as fast as a top Elite but I can really pull in the Swordfish" - mario, surfski.info forum reply

## Sources
- https://oceanpaddler.com/surf-skis/previous-fenn-elite-models/
- https://surfski.info/forum/19-boats/8455-fenn-swordfish-review.html
- https://surfskiracing.org/2019/08/fenn-swordfish-s-review/
- https://www.fennkayaks.com/products/surfskis/single/fennix-swordfish/
- https://surfskipnw.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/swordfish.jpg
- https://www.expeditionkayaks.com/fenn.htm

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