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
Specifications
- Length
- 6.4 m
- Beam
- 38 cm
- Deck height
- 33.5 cm (est.)
- Category
- OC1 outrigger
- Skill level
- intermediate
- New price
- Not listed new
Layup weights
On-water profile
Both scores are rated at the hull's own design weight. How these are derived.
Suits: Versatile - strong flat water plus playful, maneuverable surf; forgiving enough as a starter OC1, roomy for bigger paddlers.
Paddler weight
This hull is built around a paddler of about 78 kg. It stays workable from 68 kg to 82 kg, and sits at its best between 72 kg and 79 kg.
Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.
Generations
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 works, and what it costs you
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- Older/legacy design, superseded by newer Kai Wa'a OC1s; new stock scarce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
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. It turns up on the second-hand market; there is no new-boat channel for it.
No mapped dealer for Kai Wa'a yet. Every maker and market we cover.
Legacy model with no current price on kaiwaa.com, whose page 404s. This is an OC1, not a surfski.
Similar craft
Closest in stability, speed and paddler weight across the whole index.
