Surfski IndexAn index of surfskis
Feedback
263craft

Red7 · Surfski · Out of production

Red7 Surf70

Flat-underhull design (flattest ahead of cockpit) giving very high stability but hull-slap upwind in chop; nose digs into oncoming waves at speed. Wide flat-water turning circle but easy to chase runs downwind. Early 'venturi bulb' drain, precursor to the bullet scupper.

Length
6.6 m
Beam
44 cm
Deck
33.5 cm
Lightest
13 kg
Side view unavailable
Top view unavailable
Red7 Surf70, side profile on the beach
side profile on the beach · surfski.info

Specifications

Length
6.6 m
Beam
44 cm
Deck height
33.5 cm (est.)
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
New paddlers
New price
Not listed new

Layup weights

Glass17.5 kg
Carbon kevlar13 kg

On-water profile

Stability
5–7
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
5

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 3 paddler reports and 2 linked sources.

Suits: Strong downwind (picks up runs easily, low wake hard to draft) and in rough chop where stability shines; less composed punching upwind into steep waves where the flat hull slaps and takes spray.

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 80–93 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 65–97 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

2006-2007

First-gen of Red7's CAD-redesigned range, superseded within ~a year by the Surf70 Pro (a distinct later hull). Out of production/support since; occasional SA/AU/NZ used-market finds.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Very high stability, near dedicated beginner boats
  • Solid, strong construction per original review
  • Good downwind speed and easy run-chasing
  • Innovative venturi 'bulb' drain improved low-speed draining

Cons

  • Hull slaps and takes spray upwind
  • Wide flat-water turning circle - weak for buoy racing
  • Brand defunct - no parts/service/support
  • Early demo units had rudder-post leaks and inconsistent finish

What paddlers say

Rob Mousley (surfski.info, 2006): 'extraordinary stability combined with speed... attractive to a wide range of ability', but criticized wide turning circle and flimsy demo footplate.Reported experience
'Craig M' (surfski.info, 2020): offered one at AU$450, decided worth it as a cheap learner/flat-water boat.Reported experience
'MCImes' (surfski.info, 2020): 'if it's that cheap, get it now... at worst sell for a profit.'Reported experience

Where to buy

The Surf70 is out of production. You can only buy it second-hand.

Maker closed Red7 is no longer trading. Dormant since the factory fire around 2011-2012. Nothing has been built since and there is no manufacturer support.

Red7 is no longer made, so second-hand is the only option.

No manufacturer/dealer support; oldest, rarest Red7 still occasionally seen. Some demo units weighed up to 21kg - verify actual weight/condition.

Sources

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