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Vajda · Surfski · Out of production

Vajda Hawx 52

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.

Length
5.54 m
Beam
50.8 cm
Deck
33.5 cm
Lightest
11.5 kg
Side view unavailable
Top view unavailable
Vajda Hawx 52, cockpit
cockpit · surfskiracing.org

Specifications

Length
5.54 m
Beam
50.8 cm
Deck height
33.5 cm (est.)
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
New paddlers
New price
Not listed new

Layup weights

Elite Pro11.5 kg
Elite13.5 kg
Racing16 kg

On-water profile

Stability
8–10
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
5

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

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 79–92 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 64–95 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 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.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 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

Cons

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

What paddlers say

Positioned by Vajda/dealers and forum users as the stable intermediate/beginner counterpart to the Hawx 46 - surfski.infoReported experience
Marketed as the beginner-friendly wide Hawx alongside the intermediate Hawx 46 - Next Level KayakingReported experience

Where to buy

The Hawx 52 is out of production. You can only buy it second-hand.

Vajda Group ↗

Dealers:

Australian Paddle Sports · AU ↗

Discontinued; new RRP ~AUD 3,500-4,200 circa 2015-2019.

Sources

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 Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.