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263craft

Vajda · Surfski

Vajda Makai Mini

Short, flat-bottomed sit-on-top hull vacuum-formed from Styrolight plastic with an acrylic UV/scratch layer. Seat-on-top layout removes the fear of a closed cockpit; wide, forgiving, barge-stable cross-section built for children and first-timers.

Length
4.15 m
Beam
49.5 cm
Deck
33.5 cm
Lightest
12.8 kg
 
 
Vajda Makai Mini, manufacturer product render
manufacturer product render · vajdagroup.com

Specifications

Length
4.15 m
Beam
49.5 cm
Deck height
33.5 cm (est.)
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
New paddlers
New price
A$1,550

Layup weights

Styrolight12.8 kg

On-water profile

Stability
8
Traced hullMedium confidence
Speed
2

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. 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 based on a trace of this hull’s geometry. Qualitative context includes 1 paddler report and 2 linked sources.

Speed is also checked against the traced hull. Measured from this boat's side and plan photos, the shape alone rates 2, and the score shown is moved a third of the way toward that. What that means.

Suits: Kids learning to paddle; flatwater and mild sea, first sit-on-top experience

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 53–62 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 43–64 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

2018-present

Billed as the world's first thermo-moulded plastic (Styrolight) sit-on-top surfski; POWERGLIDE no-screw footbrace, kids/learn-to-paddle ski

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Extremely stable seat-on-top for kids and beginners
  • Tough UV-stable thermoformed plastic
  • Light (~12.8kg) and inexpensive

Cons

  • Very slow, short hull
  • Outgrown quickly by larger paddlers
  • Plastic layup heavier and slower than composite skis

What paddlers say

Vajda/APS product copy: 'the new Surfski model for children to learn paddle in the sea... the seat on top eliminates the initial fear of sitting in a standard kayak with the cockpit' (australianpaddlesports.com.au)Reported experience

Where to buy

Vajda Group ↗

Dealers:

Australian Paddle Sports · AU ↗

AUD $1,550 Styrolight (thermoformed plastic), Australian Paddle Sports 2026. Only layup offered.

Sources

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 Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.