# Kai Wa'a Scorpius

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

## Specifications
- Length: 6.4 m
- Beam: 38 cm
- Deck height: 33.5 cm (estimated)
- Layup weights: Common 9 kg
- Usually paddled by: Paddlers in chop

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 7–10 out of 10 (editorial estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 6 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 69–80 kg, broader estimated guide 56–83 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
Versatile - strong flat water plus playful, maneuverable surf; forgiving enough as a starter OC1, roomy for bigger paddlers.

## Hull
High-volume classic OC1 hull known for great flat-water speed with superior, maneuverable surfing performance. The full-volume original suits larger paddlers or beginners; XM trims volume for medium paddlers, XS for smaller. Paddled with an ama, not a bare ski hull. Dimensions shown are the XM.

## What works
- Very stable, forgiving high-volume OC1; good first outrigger
- Great flat-water glide and superior, maneuverable surfing
- Size range (Scorpius/XM/XS) fits different paddler weights
- Well-built, light, stiff Kai Wa'a construction

## Trade-offs
- Not a surfski - OC1 with ama and different technique
- Older/legacy design, superseded by newer Kai Wa'a OC1s; new stock scarce
- Lower top-end speed than modern race OC1s

## Generations
- 2008-c.2018: NOT a surfski - Kai Bartlett's classic single-hull OC1 outrigger canoe. Family: Scorpius (large volume), Scorpius XM (medium), Scorpius XS (small); 'Scorpius X' refers to the XM/XS variants. Not in Kai Wa'a's current designs: the live range is the Vela, Ares, Draco and Antares, with the Scorpius surviving only as a footer thumbnail (checked 27 Aug 2026).

## What paddlers say
- Scorpius XM described as great in flat water with superior, very maneuverable surfing, aimed at medium-to-larger builds (oc1blogger.wordpress.com)
- Full Scorpius noted as high-volume and an excellent starter OC1 or larger-paddler boat (surfski.info / OCPaddler)

## Sources
- https://oc1blogger.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/scorpius-xm-maui-made-extended-footwells/
- https://0c-1-collection-blog.tumblr.com/post/23660714990/kai-waa-scorpius-xm-great-in-the-flat-water
- https://www.kaiwaa.com/

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