Think · Surfski
Think Ace
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.
- Length
- 5.5 m
- Beam
- 56 cm
- Deck
- 33.5 cm
- Lightest
- 12.5 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 5.5 m
- Beam
- 56 cm
- Deck height
- 33.5 cm (est.)
- Category
- Surfski
- Skill level
- beginner
- New price
- A$3,990 · US$3,995
Layup weights
On-water profile
Both scores are rated at the hull's own design weight. How these are derived.
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.
Paddler weight
This hull is built around a paddler of about 110 kg. It stays workable from 97 kg to 117 kg, and sits at its best between 102 kg and 112 kg.
Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.
Generations
Earlier 55cm-wide entry ski, 75-110kg range; Expedition Kayaks called it 'an entry-level ski that is also a proper surfing surf ski'.
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 works, and what it costs you
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
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.Reported experience
Surfski.info thread 'Epic V8 vs Think Ace' treats the two as direct beginner/intermediate competitors.Reported experience
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers in the markets we have mapped:
AU (Expedition Kayaks): Performance A$3,990, Elite A$4,990. Canada (Coast Outdoors, Gen 3): Performance C$3,995 (rising to C$4,395), Elite C$5,695.
Similar craft
Closest in stability, speed and paddler weight across the whole index.
Carbonology
Cruze X
Nordic Kayaks
Exrcize
Point
Horizon X
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