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Kai Wa'a · OC1 outrigger · Out of production

Kai Wa'a Scorpius

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.

Length
6.4 m
Beam
38 cm
Deck
33.5 cm
Lightest
9 kg
Side view unavailable
Top view unavailable
Kai Wa'a Scorpius, Outline drawn to scale from published length and deck height
Outline drawn to scale from published length and deck height · Surfski Index

Specifications

Length
6.4 m
Beam
38 cm
Deck height
33.5 cm (est.)
Category
OC1 outrigger
Usually paddled by
Paddlers in chop
New price
Not listed new

Layup weights

Common9 kg

On-water profile

Stability
7–10
Editorial estimateLow confidence
Speed
6

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. How we rate.

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

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.

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

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 69–80 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 56–83 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

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).

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • 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

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)Reported experience
Full Scorpius noted as high-volume and an excellent starter OC1 or larger-paddler boat (surfski.info / OCPaddler)Reported experience

Where to buy

The Scorpius is out of production. You can only buy it second-hand.

Kai Wa'a ↗ Find a dealer ↗

Check the dealer directory above for contacts and ask about model availability.

Legacy model with no current price on kaiwaa.com, whose page 404s. This is an OC1, not a surfski.

Sources

BetaRatings are estimatesRatings are estimates. How we get the numbers. Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.