Kai Wa'a · OC1 outrigger
Kai Wa'a Ares
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.
- Length
- 6.33 m
- Beam
- 41 cm
- Deck
- 33.5 cm
- Lightest
- 7.6 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 6.33 m
- Beam
- 41 cm
- Deck height
- 33.5 cm (est.)
- Category
- OC1 outrigger
- Usually paddled by
- Confident ocean paddlers
- New price
- US$4,980
Layup weights
On-water profile
Our estimate from published descriptions and reviews. Low confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight.
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
Suits: All conditions - upwind, downwind and flat water; a performance OC1 rather than a beginner barge.
Paddler weight
The estimated sweet spot is 75–87 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 61–91 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
NOT a surfski - single-hull OC1 outrigger canoe (with ama). Smaller sibling of the Antares; modified nose/mid-section. Standard and Pro layups.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Not a surfski - requires OC1 rigging/ama and different technique
- Narrow hull suits experienced OC1 paddlers
- No confirmed AU pricing/availability
What paddlers say
Reviewed as a responsive, well-built all-conditions performance OC1 (k2nonlinepaddleschool.com Ares review)Reported experience
Retailer positions it for all conditions - upwind, downwind, flat (riverboundsports.com)Reported experience
Gallery
Where to buy
Check the dealer directory above for contacts and ask about model availability.
USD $4,980 standard / $5,680 Pro (Riverbound Sports/Ozone). No AUD dealer price confirmed. This is an OC1, not a surfski.