# Mazu (Elio) 55

> Surfski by Mazu (Elio). Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/mazu-elio-55/
> Cite as: Mazu (Elio) 55, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/mazu-elio-55/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 5 m
- Beam: 55 cm
- Deck height: 33.5 cm (estimated)
- Layup weights: Light 11 kg, Standard 15 kg
- Usually paddled by: New paddlers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 9–10 out of 10 (dimension estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 3 out of 10.

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. Method: https://surfskiindex.com/how-it-works/#limits

Evidence note: This band is estimated from published dimensions. Qualitative context includes 1 paddler report and 4 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 77–90 kg, broader estimated guide 63–93 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
Flat water, sheltered coast and first sessions.

## Hull
5.0m x 55cm beginner hull, the widest and shortest Mazu, built for a paddler who wants to stay dry and upright rather than to race.

## What works
- Very stable platform for a first surfski
- Short enough to car-top and carry without help
- Composite construction rather than plastic at this end of the market

## Trade-offs
- 5.0m x 55cm is slow next to anything raceable
- Heaviest layups in the Mazu range
- No published price

## Generations
- 2016-present: Mazu is the surfski line of Elio Kayaks of Oporto, Portugal, who have built sprint and marathon K1s since the 1970s. The skis are shorter and lighter than most of the market by design, aimed at manoeuvring through waves rather than at flat-water top speed.

## What paddlers say
- Discussed on surfski.info as a light, short, manoeuvrable alternative to the mainstream 6.4m hulls; the K1 pedigree of the Elio factory is the recurring point in its favour.

## Sources
- http://www.eliokayaks.com/?page_id=1831&lang=en
- https://www.surfskiwarehouse.com/pages/mazu-surfskis
- https://surfski.info/forum/26-other/18589-mazu-surfskis.html
- https://surfski.info/media/kunena/attachments/1589/WidthxlengthsurfskisFeb2025.pdf

## Prices
Current new prices and dealers: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/mazu-elio-55/#buy