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Vajda · Surfski · Out of production

Vajda Hawx 46

Intermediate evolution of the Hawx 43 hull: same soft-chined, semi-flat planing bottom widened to 46cm for more primary stability, with an evolved higher/flatter bucket. Moderate rocker, medium volume - forgiving but still efficient at cruising pace.

Length
5.88 m
Beam
46 cm
Deck
33.5 cm
Lightest
11 kg
Side view unavailable
Top view unavailable
Vajda Hawx 46, studio side profile
studio side profile · surfskiracing.org

Specifications

Length
5.88 m
Beam
46 cm
Deck height
33.5 cm (est.)
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
Paddlers in chop
New price
Not listed new

Layup weights

Elite Pro11 kg
Elite13 kg
Racing15.5 kg

On-water profile

Stability
6–8
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
7

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. How we rate.

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

This band is estimated from published dimensions. Qualitative context includes 2 paddler reports and 4 linked sources.

Suits: Bread-and-butter intermediate ski: bays, coastal paddling, moderate downwind and chop; a confident step-up boat for the Gold Coast Broadwater/open beaches.

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 76–88 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 62–92 kg. This estimate is a guide, not a limit. Seat fit, conditions and paddling style matter. Lighter paddlers can still enjoy a larger hull, especially downwind. A test paddle is the best check.

Estimated from hull dimensions using a formula fitted to makers’ own paddler limits. It does not establish the designer’s intended paddler weight. How this is worked out.

Generations

2013-2021

The intermediate Hawx, launched alongside the Hawx 52 as Vajda's two-model intermediate/beginner refresh. Same Elite Pro / Elite / Racing layups. Discontinued, replaced by Makai 48.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Very stable for its speed - punches above its class in messy downwind
  • Comfortable, upright Vajda bucket
  • Short length aids control in chop
  • Good self-bailing and build quality

Cons

  • Discontinued - dealer/warranty support limited
  • Heavier Racing layup is noticeably porky
  • Not fast enough for elite flatwater racing

What paddlers say

'Sits between a V10S and the new V10 stability-wise... speed and fun factor way ahead of where a ski this stable usually is' - surfski.info first impressionsReported experience
Reviewers praise the shorter length for punching into chop and handling solid messy downwind - surfski.infoReported experience

Where to buy

The Hawx 46 is out of production. You can only buy it second-hand.

Vajda Group ↗

Dealers:

Australian Paddle Sports · AU ↗

Discontinued; new RRP was ~AUD 3,800-4,500 circa 2015-2019.

Sources

BetaRatings are estimatesRatings are estimates. How we get the numbers. Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.