Think · Surfski · Out of production
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
- Usually paddled by
- New paddlers
- New price
- A$3,990
Layup weights
On-water profile
Modelled from published beam, length and deck height. Low confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight.
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: 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
Think rates this hull for paddlers from 50 kg to 85 kg.
The maker’s published range. How this is worked out.
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).
Pros and cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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.com)Reported experience
"It is very stable, but... it also catches the runs really well... SHOCKED at how well it went" downwind (thebigadski, surfski.info forum)Reported 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 forum)Reported experience
Gallery
Where to buy
The Eze is out of production. You can only buy it second-hand.
Dealers:
AUD current: Performance (15kg) $3,990, Elite (12.5kg) $4,990 (Expedition Kayaks AU; no Ultimate offered).
Sources
- https://expeditionkayaks.com/products/think-eze
- https://surfski.info/forum/24-think-kayaks-evo/9799-think-eze-reviews.html
- https://sydneysurfski.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/thinks-new-entry-level-ski/
- https://thinkkayak.com
- https://thinkkayak.com/think-eze
- https://www.coastoutdoors.ca/paddling/surfskis/think-surfskis/