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Kai Wa'a · Surfski

Kai Wa'a Vega Flex

Modified Vega with added width for stability, plumb bow, sharp entry and bold rocker for swell and downwind. Good primary and secondary stability that lets you sit side-saddle easily. Same single-piece prepreg carbon, triple-reinforced center.

Length
6.25 m
Beam
46.35 cm
Deck
33.5 cm
Lightest
8 kg
 
 
Kai Wa'a Vega Flex, manufacturer side elevation, cropped from official three-view drawing
manufacturer side elevation, cropped from official three-view drawing · kaiwaa.com

Specifications

Length
6.25 m
Beam
46.35 cm
Deck height
33.5 cm (est.)
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
Paddlers in chop
New price
A$6,950 · US$4,450

Layup weights

Standard9.2 kg
Pro8 kg

On-water profile

Stability
6–8
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
7

Modelled from published beam, length and deck height. 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 estimated from published dimensions. Qualitative context includes 2 paddler reports and 5 linked sources.

Suits: All-round ocean swell, up/downwind and flat water; confidence-inspiring in chop and for remounts.

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 84–98 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 69–102 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

2020-

Kai Bartlett + Mike Giblin. Wider, more stable sibling of the Vega keeping the same DNA; Standard and Pro layups. Maker lists overall length 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m rounded), confirmed against current Flex artwork.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Excellent primary and secondary stability; easy remounts in sloppy chop
  • Punches through waves confidently
  • Same fast Vega hull family with a wider, friendlier platform
  • Light, stiff carbon build; Pro ~8kg

Cons

  • Slightly slower/less lively at the very top end than the Vega
  • Not a boat to win flat-water races on ('don't expect to race with it')
  • Premium price, limited AU used stock

What paddlers say

1,400-mile long-term test: highly stable, versatile everyday ski, minimal drawbacks, but not a racer (thepaddlechannel.com Vega Flex review)Reported experience
In-depth vs Fenn Swordfish S: more stable, especially punching waves; comfortable side-saddle and remounts (surfski.info)Reported experience

Where to buy

Kai Wa'a ↗ Find a dealer ↗

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

AUD standard layup from South Coast Paddler (QLD); Pro ~A$8,000+. USD ~$4,450 base.

Sources

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