# Think Nitro

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

## Specifications
- Length: 5.39 m
- Beam: 53 cm
- Deck height: 33.5 cm (estimated)
- Layup weights: Standard (PE) 23.5 kg
- Usually paddled by: New paddlers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 8–10 out of 10 (dimension estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 6 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 2 paddler reports and 3 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 70–81 kg, broader estimated guide 57–84 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
Flat water, learning surf, moderate chop and downwind for less experienced paddlers; PE tolerates rock/reef launches the composite skis can't.

## Hull
Rotomoulded PE hull, narrow-ish beam for a plastic ski, with lateral chines running nearly full length, a slight V-bow, gently rounded flat mid-section and increasing rocker toward the stern for surf catching. High-volume bow, high-sided self-bailing cockpit.

## What works
- Durable PE construction, tolerant of beach/rock launches
- Near composite-race-ski speed for a plastic boat
- Much cheaper entry point than composite Think skis
- Good primary/secondary stability for learning

## Trade-offs
- Heavy (~23-24kg vs 10.5-15.5kg for composite)
- Discontinued and hard to find; no current AUD stock
- Awkward carry handles
- Limited storage

## Generations
- 2015-2016 (discontinued; not in current thinkkayak.com lineup as of Jul 2026): Co-developed with UK's Pyranha Kayaks and rotomoulded there; sold as both 'Pyranha Octane' and 'Think Nitro' (same boat). A rotomoulded (PE) answer to the Epic V7, NOT a composite race ski.

## What paddlers say
- seakayakphoto.com: on flat water 'proved remarkably stable while moving', hitting 97.6% of a friend's Epic V8 Pro's top speed.
- seakayakphoto.com: 'challenging in steep surf zones compared to shorter decked kayaks'; remounting needs practice.

## Sources
- https://seakayakphoto.blogspot.com/2016/07/pyranha-octane-think-nitro-pe-surfski.html
- https://paddlingmag.com/boats/kayaks/boat-review-pyrahnas-high-octane-surfski/
- https://surfski.info/forum/2-announcements/18485-thinks-answer-to-the-epic-v7-the-nitro.html

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