# Think Ace

> Surfski by Think. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/think-ace/
> Cite as: Think Ace, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/think-ace/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 5.5 m
- Beam: 56 cm
- Deck height: 33.5 cm (estimated)
- Layup weights: Performance 15.5 kg, Elite 12.5 kg
- Usually paddled by: New paddlers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 9–10 out of 10 (dimension estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 6 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 2 paddler reports and 5 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Think rates this hull for paddlers from 60 kg to 110 kg.

## Suits
Coastal cruising, open-ocean chop, moderate downwind and wave-linking near shore; capable but not a dedicated flat-water race weapon. A strong Gold Coast first-ski option.

## Hull
Sleek swede-form hull combining beginner-friendly stability with performance-ski speed. Low gunwale beside the seat for easy remounts, integrated carry handle, roomy bucket/footwell and in-hull storage.

## What works
- Most stable ski in the current Think range, confidence-building for newer paddlers
- Still has 'the speed of a performance ski', room to grow into it
- Easy remounts via low gunwale, practical storage and carry handle
- Widely regarded (with the Epic V8) as one of the best beginner-friendly skis on the market

## Trade-offs
- Not a race-focused hull; outpaced by narrower Think models (Six, Ion, Evo) as skill grows
- Elite carbon/Kevlar layup nearly doubles Performance price for ~3kg saving
- Patchy availability at some dealers

## Generations
- ~2011-2019 (original): Earlier 55cm-wide entry ski, 75-110kg range; Expedition Kayaks called it 'an entry-level ski that is also a proper surfing surf ski'.
- Gen 3, current: Widened slightly to 56cm/22in, marketed as the most stable ski in the Think lineup with 'the speed of a performance ski'; Performance and Elite layups.

## What paddlers say
- The Paddle Channel: "stable without feeling sluggish, comfortable without needing tweaks", good downwind manners for the 'stable surfski that still behaves like a surfski' buyer.
- Surfski.info thread 'Epic V8 vs Think Ace' treats the two as direct beginner/intermediate competitors.

## Sources
- https://thinkkayak.com/think-ace
- https://expeditionkayaks.com/products/think-ace
- https://www.coastoutdoors.ca/ace-performance-gen-3.html
- https://thepaddlechannel.com/think-ace-surfski-review-real-world-impressions-for-the-everyday-paddler/
- https://surfski.info/forum/19-boats/19971-epic-v8-vs-think-ace.html

## Prices
Current new prices and dealers: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/think-ace/#buy