# Vajda Hawx 52

> Surfski by Vajda, out of production. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/vajda-hawx-52/
> Cite as: Vajda Hawx 52, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/vajda-hawx-52/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 5.54 m
- Beam: 50.8 cm
- Deck height: 33.5 cm (estimated)
- Layup weights: Elite Pro 11.5 kg, Elite 13.5 kg, Racing 16 kg
- Usually paddled by: New paddlers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 8–10 out of 10 (dimension estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 5 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 4 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 79–92 kg, broader estimated guide 64–95 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
Beginners and heavier paddlers, flatwater and small-to-moderate ocean chop; garage-friendly length. Great Broadwater/first-ocean-ski boat.

## Hull
Short (5.5m), wide, high-volume stable ski. Flatter, fuller planing hull with pronounced primary stability and a generous bucket; more rocker forward keeps the short bow dry and easy to steer. Designed to be a confidence-builder that still surfs runners.

## What works
- Very stable - excellent first ocean ski
- Short length is easy to store, transport and control
- Surfs small runners better than most beginner barges
- Comfortable Vajda bucket and footplate

## Trade-offs
- Slow relative to narrower skis
- Wide beam can feel like hard work for lighter/faster paddlers
- Discontinued - limited support
- Heavy in Racing layup

## Generations
- 2013-2021: The wide, stable Hawx (actual beam ~50.8cm despite the '52' name) - this is the boat sometimes loosely called the 'Hawx 51'. Beginner/intermediate. Same Elite Pro / Elite / Racing layups. Discontinued, replaced by Makai 50/53.

## What paddlers say
- Positioned by Vajda/dealers and forum users as the stable intermediate/beginner counterpart to the Hawx 46 - surfski.info
- Marketed as the beginner-friendly wide Hawx alongside the intermediate Hawx 46 - Next Level Kayaking

## Sources
- https://surfski.info/forum/1-general/18007-vajda-hawx-52.html
- https://www.vajdagroup.com/gen_page.php?menu=1&catalog_item_id=101
- https://geartrade.com.au/category/305/Ocean-Racing-Skis/listings/23812/Hawx-52-Vajda-Ocean-Ski.html
- https://australianpaddlesports.com.au/vajda-kayaks/

## Prices
Current new prices and dealers: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/vajda-hawx-52/#buy