# Kai Wa'a Ares

> OC1 outrigger by Kai Wa'a. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/kai-wa-a-ares/
> Cite as: Kai Wa'a Ares, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/kai-wa-a-ares/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 6.33 m
- Beam: 41 cm
- Deck height: 33.5 cm (estimated)
- Layup weights: Standard 8.4 kg, Pro 7.6 kg
- Usually paddled by: Confident ocean paddlers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 7–10 out of 10 (editorial estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 7 out of 10.

Our estimate from published descriptions and reviews. 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 is a cautious editorial estimate; it is not backed by a hull trace. Qualitative context includes 2 paddler reports and 3 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 75–87 kg, broader estimated guide 61–91 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
All conditions - upwind, downwind and flat water; a performance OC1 rather than a beginner barge.

## Hull
Compact all-conditions OC1 hull, a smaller Antares with reworked nose and mid-section for effortless surf control and smooth, consistent upwind runs with flat-water acceleration. Seamless aerospace-grade prepreg carbon, heat-cured. Paddled with an outrigger ama, not a bare ski hull.

## What works
- Effortless, controllable in surf
- Smooth consistent upwind with good flat-section acceleration
- Light seamless carbon build (Pro hull ~7.6kg)
- Ama provides high effective stability

## Trade-offs
- Not a surfski - requires OC1 rigging/ama and different technique
- Narrow hull suits experienced OC1 paddlers
- No confirmed AU pricing/availability

## Generations
- 2010s-: NOT a surfski - single-hull OC1 outrigger canoe (with ama). Smaller sibling of the Antares; modified nose/mid-section. Standard and Pro layups.

## What paddlers say
- Reviewed as a responsive, well-built all-conditions performance OC1 (k2nonlinepaddleschool.com Ares review)
- Retailer positions it for all conditions - upwind, downwind, flat (riverboundsports.com)

## Sources
- https://www.kaiwaa.com/ares-oc1
- https://www.riverboundsports.com/kai-waa-ares-oc1-outrigger-canoe/
- https://www.k2nonlinepaddleschool.com/post/outrigger-gear-review-kai-wa-a-ares-ozone

## Prices
Current new prices and dealers: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/kai-wa-a-ares/#buy