# Think Ion

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

## Specifications
- Length: 6.42 m
- Beam: 44 cm
- Deck height: 33.5 cm (estimated)
- Layup weights: Performance 15 kg, Elite 12.5 kg
- Usually paddled by: Confident ocean paddlers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability rated 5 out of 10 (traced hull, medium confidence).
- Speed rated 8 out of 10.

Modelled from this hull's traced beam and depth at its design weight. Medium 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 based on a trace of this hull’s geometry. Qualitative context includes 3 paddler reports and 4 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Think rates this hull for paddlers from 55 kg to 105 kg.

## Suits
Downwind runs and big water: one of the best wave-catching, best-turning skis on the market; copes with flat water and moderate chop once the paddler adapts to its initial tippy feel. Not a first surfski for a total beginner.

## Hull
Long (642cm), narrow (44cm) hull with a redesigned moderate rocker profile, V-shaped bow and high-volume nose that resists nosediving on steep drops; dry ride with a fine narrow catch. Buoyant and dynamic, sitting just below true elite skis in outright stability and speed.

## What works
- Best-turning ski in its class (gains multiple boat-lengths per turn per reviewers)
- Superb wave-catching downwind and in beach surf; high-volume nose resists nosediving
- Very dry ride, among the driest of any surfski tested
- Excellent Evo-2-derived cockpit and precise steering
- Feels progressively more stable at speed, relaxing on long downwind runs

## Trade-offs
- Tippy/twitchy at rest and on flat water until the paddler adapts: not beginner-friendly despite Think's positioning
- Steep learning curve; one reviewer recommends 2x weekly ocean practice
- Some flat-water speed sacrificed to rocker versus a pure elite hull
- Earlier 1G/2G versions had excessive rocker/rolliness: confirm you're getting the 3G (2017+)

## Generations
- 2015-2016 (1G/2G): Original Ion launched 2015 to fill the gap between the Evo 2 and Uno Max; had excessive rocker causing too much roll, with a stability profile too close to the twitchy Uno Max.
- 2017-present (3G): Complete redesign late 2016: reduced rocker, new hull, seat/footwell borrowed from the well-regarded Evo 2, low-profile deck. Marketed as 'almost as stable as the Evo, as fast as the Uno Max'. Current listing reflects this 3G.

## What paddlers say
- "It has quite a roll on it... but once you get used to it, it is actually very forgiving... at speed downwind it feels VERY stable, much more so than the [Fenn] Elite" (Orman, surfski.info).
- "Down wind it feels like a rocket ship, it will catch the smallest of runs... the perfect compromise between hull speed and stability" (Orman, surfski.info).
- "When still, it's like sitting on a ball trying to hold your feet in the air... Stability improves quite a bit when moving at a good clip" (Fath2o, surfski.info).

## Sources
- https://expeditionkayaks.com/products/think-ion
- https://thinkkayak.com/think-ion
- https://surfskiracing.org/2017/05/2017-think-ion-3g-elite-surfski-review/
- https://surfski.info/forum/19-boats/18515-think-ion-review-from-an-intermediate-paddler.html

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