Think · Surfski
Think Eze
Short (17ft), boxy hull with a flattish bottom, near-vertical sides and little flare, giving solid but fairly flat primary stability that doesn't build much on edge. Narrow catch and fine bow, with a fat flat stern that can get pushed around and broach in steep confused chop until the paddler adapts.
- Length
- 5.2 m
- Beam
- 51 cm
- Deck
- 33.5 cm
- Lightest
- 12.5 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 5.2 m
- Beam
- 51 cm
- Deck height
- 33.5 cm (est.)
- Category
- Surfski
- Skill level
- beginner
- New price
- A$3,990
Layup weights
On-water profile
Both scores are rated at the hull's own design weight. How these are derived.
Suits: Short steep wind chop and small lake/harbour conditions where its short length shines; good beach-launch ski. Less composed in confused rebound/clapotis and can ship water if broached. Suits paddlers up to ~85-90kg; heavier paddlers should look at the Big Eze.
Paddler weight
This hull is built around a paddler of about 85 kg. It stays workable from 75 kg to 90 kg, and sits at its best between 79 kg and 87 kg.
Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.
Generations
Launched late 2011 as Think's entry-level ski. Companion 'Big Eze' (18ft x 22in) exists for heavier paddlers (60-110kg) alongside the standard Eze (45-85kg). No confirmed separate redesign; layup options updated over time (current listing offers Performance/Elite only, no Ultimate).
What works, and what it costs you
What works
- Widely regarded as the benchmark true entry-level ski for smaller paddlers
- Short (17ft) length is easy to transport, store and car-top
- Light for the class
- Narrow catch and low rocker make it comparatively quick for a stable ski
- Comfortable, well-regarded Think ergonomic seat and adjustable footplate
Trade-offs
- Build quality criticised by at least one long-term owner (wavy seams, uneven gelcoat, soft foam stringers)
- Deep cockpit slow to drain if swamped
- Compact cockpit snug for tall/heavy paddlers
- Flat stern broaches easily in following chop until technique adapts
- Only comfortable up to ~85-90kg; heavier paddlers need the Big Eze
What paddlers say
"Unquestionably the best entry level ski on the market for smaller framed paddlers" — Think/dealer copy, expeditionkayaks.comReported experience
"It is very stable, but... it also catches the runs really well... SHOCKED at how well it went" downwind — thebigadski, surfski.info forumReported experience
"Felt overall a bit more stable than the intermediate skis like the Epic V10 Sport... considerably less stable than a V8" — Kocho, surfski.info forum (2013 fiberglass owner)Reported experience
"The construction quality is below the quality of my Epic V10... pink construction insulation foam is used as a stringer" — Kocho, surfski.info forumReported experience
Where to buy
Dealers in the markets we have mapped:
AUD current: Performance (15kg) $3,990, Elite (12.5kg) $4,990 (Expedition Kayaks AU; no Ultimate offered).
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