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Spirit · Surfski · Out of production

Spirit Racing Ski (entry-level)

Rotomoulded LDPE hull with a built-in wave deflector, carry straps, storage ports, padded seat, aluminium pedals and stainless rudder system (toughened-polymer rudder optional for surf).

Length
4.96 m
Beam
51 cm
Deck
33.5 cm
Lightest
18 kg
Side view unavailable
Top view unavailable
Spirit Racing Ski (entry-level), product shot, Racing Ski on white background
product shot, Racing Ski on white background · spiritpaddle.com.au (Wayback archive)

Specifications

Length
4.96 m
Beam
51 cm
Deck height
33.5 cm (est.)
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
New paddlers
New price
A$1,399

Layup weights

Polyethylene18 kg

On-water profile

Stability
8–10
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
4

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 1 linked source.

Suits: Entry-level ocean/surf and river paddling; founded Spirit's Avon Descent presence, aimed at first-time racers.

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 64–74 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 52–77 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

~2008-2018 (WA-made)

The boat that 'kickstarted' Spirit's racing range - marketed as the world's first PE racing ski with a built-in wave deflector. Beginner-oriented, sits alongside the PRS. Spec unchanged across archived listings.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Designed as a beginner-friendly first ocean/racing ski
  • Built-in wave deflector adds stability/dryness
  • Multiple Avon Descent podiums cited by the brand
  • Near-indestructible PE hull

Cons

  • Slower than PRS/Fury (shorter, beginner shape)
  • Very little independent review coverage
  • Brand-discontinuation/parts risk
  • Aluminium pedal/rudder hardware a step below the PRS

What paddlers say

No independent (non-manufacturer) reviews of this specific model found - flagged as a gap. Forum mentions of 'Spirit' Avon Descent skis generally don't distinguish this from the PRS by name.Reported experience

Where to buy

The Racing Ski (entry-level) is out of production. You can only buy it second-hand.

Maker closed Spirit is no longer trading. spiritpaddle.com.au is a parked domain that redirects to a lander page. Retailer listings read "no longer available".

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

AUD 1,399 new per Spirit's 2017-2018 shop archive - the value entry point into the range.

Sources

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