# Think Evo II

> Surfski by Think, out of production. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/think-evo-ii/
> Cite as: Think Evo II, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/think-evo-ii/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 6.25 m
- Beam: 48 cm
- Deck height: 33.5 cm (estimated)
- Layup weights: Performance 15.5 kg, Elite 12.5 kg, Ultimate 11.5 kg
- Usually paddled by: Paddlers in chop

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 6–8 out of 10 (dimension estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 7 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 3 paddler reports and 3 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Think rates this hull for paddlers from 75 kg to 110 kg.

## Suits
All-rounder; shines downwind linking runs, competent on flat water, can feel bouncy/twitchy in short confused chop until swell organises into defined runs.

## Hull
Relatively high bucket with cutouts forward of the cockpit for a comfortable seating position; hull flattens radically toward the tail for stability while carrying a rocker line tuned for downwind run-chasing. Shallow cockpit and low rails make it one of the easier skis to remount.

## What works
- Very comfortable high bucket with forward cutouts, all-day comfort
- Easy to remount (shallow cockpit, low rails)
- Excellent downwind run-linking and glide
- No flat-water speed penalty vs rival intermediate skis
- Stable enough to hold stroke rate upwind/crosswind

## Trade-offs
- Feels bouncy/twitchy in short confused chop before runs form
- Rudder can pop out on steep short wake/wave faces
- Footplate lacks a solid feel against the footwell floor on early units
- Discontinued: parts/support rely on the used market

## Generations
- 2011-2016: 2nd-gen Evo. Small rocker/tail changes vs the original Evo: more volume removed from the tail for freer direction change, increased rocker for run-chasing. Built in China (standard) and South Africa (Carbonology hybrid layup, ~13kg). Superseded by the Evo Gen 3.

## What paddlers say
- "It's a stable, comfortable ski that goes like a rocket downwind... well worth checking out if you're in the market for an intermediate boat" (Rob Mousley, surfski.info).
- "I find the ski very stable, perhaps a touch more tippy than the Swordfish, but of a similar order of stability" (Rob Mousley, surfski.info).
- "If you're on the way up from beginner boats, or if you're finding an elite ski a little too much to handle, have a go on the Evo II" (Rob Mousley, surfski.info).

## Sources
- https://surfski.info/latest-news/story/1498/surfski-info-review-think-evo-ii.html
- https://expeditionkayaks.com/products/think-evo-ii
- https://www.kayaktrader.com/think-evo-ii

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