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Nordic Kayaks · Surfski

Nordic Kayaks Nitro 640

Full-length 6.40m elite flagship on a 43cm race beam; Nordic states it is as fast as a K1 on flatwater. Very low stability with a long waterline for top-end speed, and strong wave-linking/climbing manners in downwind.

Length
6.4 m
Beam
43 cm
Deck
33.5 cm
Lightest
8.5 kg
Source image flipped
Source image flipped
Nordic Kayaks Nitro 640, studio side profile, naked CarbonX / green nose
studio side profile, naked CarbonX / green nose · nordickayaksnsw.com.au

Specifications

Length
6.4 m
Beam
43 cm
Deck height
33.5 cm (est.)
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
Racers
New price
A$5,095

Layup weights

CarbonX8.5 kg
CarbonLite9.5 kg
CarbonComp11.5 kg

On-water profile

Stability
4–6
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
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. 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 1 paddler report and 5 linked sources.

Suits: Elite flatwater racing (K1-fast) and open-ocean downwind for paddlers ~65-105kg

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 79–92 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 65–96 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-present (2025 refresh)

Full-length Nitro flagship on the 43cm race beam; 2025 update added CarbonX and Carbon Light S layups. Longer cockpit fits paddlers 165-200cm+.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • K1-fast flatwater speed; the range's top-end hull
  • Excellent at connecting and climbing runners downwind
  • Very light pre-preg carbon (~8.5-11.5kg)

Cons

  • Lowest stability in the range; elite only
  • Long hull is less agile than the 600 in tight swell
  • Thin second-hand market in Australia

What paddlers say

Nordic Kayaks copy: the 640 is the longer-cockpit Nitro, a 'top elite surfski designed for maximum speed... as fast as a K1', excelling at connecting and climbing waves downwind (nordickayaks.com / nordickayaksusa.com).Reported experience

Where to buy

Nordic Kayaks ↗

We don't have a dealer listed for Nordic Kayaks yet. All makers and dealers.

AUD is the Carbon Composite layup at A$5,095 (Nordic Kayaks NSW and Pro Kayaks, 2026). CarbonLite A$6,095, CarbonLite-S A$6,395 (Nordic Kayaks NSW) and Carbon X A$6,695. Direct from nordickayaks.com: CarbonComp EUR 3,595 up to Carbon X EUR 4,595. No official USD price.

Sources

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 Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.