Star Kayaks · Flatwater trainer
Star Kayaks RS52
5.18m x 52cm junior racing hull in vacuum-formed plastic, with a fine kayak-style bow and an open ski cockpit for easy entry. Options include a cockpit fairing for a spray skirt, a venturi, a ski footplate or T-bar, and an under-hull rudder.
- Length
- 5.18 m
- Beam
- 52 cm
- Deck
- 33.5 cm
- Lightest
- 15 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 5.18 m
- Beam
- 52 cm
- Deck height
- 33.5 cm (est.)
- Category
- Flatwater trainer
- Usually paddled by
- New paddlers
- New price
- NZD 3,599
Layup weights
On-water profile
Our estimate from published descriptions and reviews. Low confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight. 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
Suits: Junior flatwater learning and racing; Star offers a ski cockpit and optional venturi and understern rudder.
Paddler weight
The estimated sweet spot is 72–84 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 59–87 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
Star's first racing hull, developed with Canoe Racing New Zealand for junior paddlers. Thermoformed plastic, built in New Zealand.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Developed with Canoe Racing New Zealand for juniors
- Plastic hull tolerates club and school handling
- Published price and specifications
Cons
- 15kg is heavy for a junior racing hull
- Short 5.18m waterline limits top speed
- New Zealand only in practice
Gallery
Where to buy
We don't have a dealer listed for Star Kayaks yet. All makers and dealers.
NZ$3,599 from Star Kayaks for the vacuum-formed plastic build, checked 11 October 2026. No Australian or US retail price found; converted prices are indicative.
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