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FENN SURFSKIS

Introduction

Before we start it’s important to know that the perfect surfski does not exist. If it did every manufacturer would only be making one ski, namely the perfect ski.

Every ski from every manufacturer is a compromise. It might be perfect for a certain paddler in certain conditions, but no good for another paddler in the same conditions. Similarly a paddler would love a ski in one set of conditions, but not like it at all if the conditions change.

For this reason all manufactures produce more than one ski. Fenn makes many different models, each optimised for a certain level of paddler and for a certain set of conditions.

A bit of history

Fenn started manufacturing surfskis is the 80’s and produce about 1500 surfskis every year. In June 2019 the factory burnt down and was rebuilt, most mould were lost in the fire and had to be remade. The skis from the new moulds have been rebranded as Fennix, all skis with a Fennix sticker were thus manufactured after the factory fire.

The Fenn/Fennix model range

The Bluefin S is Fenn’s entry level ski. Anyone should be able to just jump in and paddle, very much like a plastic sit on top kayak. The big advantages over the plastic boats are much lighter weight, a very efficient built in rudder, and of course higher speed because they are much longer than plastic sit on tops.

The XT S falls into the same category as an intermediate multisport boat. About half of absolute beginners can stay in an XT S (although very wobbly), the other half will go for a few swims before getting the hang of it. 

The Swordfish S is probably the best ski for many competitive paddlers. It feels like a top end ski but has lots of secondary stability. It’s a bit like having trainer wheels, not much inherent stability when level but becoming more stable when it starts to lean.

 

The top end consists of the Elite S, Surge and Spark S. The Elite S and Spark S are classic Fenn skis that surf beautifully, the Surge is a shorter ski.

 

Then there are the LS surf lifesaving skis designed and manufactured to meet NZ surf lifesaving standards.

 

On the double ski front there are three options, the Elite S for top end paddlers, the Flying Fish for intermediate paddlers and the XT S for beginner/intermediate paddlers.

Construction

After deciding on the model of the ski, the next step is to decide on the construction. Fenn has stopped production of basic glass and polyvac skis, all new skis from the factory will now be one of:

 

Glass Vac: Vacuum bagged fibreglass, vinylester resin.​

Fenn vacuum bag all layups which give a consistent weight and even spread of resin throughout the ski. The glass vac layup offers the customer an affordable ski.

Hybrid: Vacuum bagged fibreglass/carbon, epoxy resin.

The Hybrid layup uses a special layer of carbon and fibreglass interwoven fabric along with another layer of fibreglass. This layup creates strength while reducing weight enabling a more affordable product. There is very little difference between full carbon and hybrid layups in ​weight making this layup a first-class racing product.

Carbon: Vacuum bagged carbon, epoxy resin.

This is the premium layup, carbon and epoxy are used and vacuum bagged to create a light and stiff racing craft. 

Actual average weights for the different constructions are:

Vacuum glass (white gelcoat finish): ~14.5kg.

Hybrid (grey epoxy finish): ~12.5kg

Full carbon (grey epoxy finish): ~9.5 to 11kg (depending on model)

Bluefin S

Entry Level Ski

Length: 5.9 m | Width: 53 cm | Seat Width:  44 cm

The Fennix Blue-Fin S is the most stable Fennix surf ski. Ideal for those new to ocean paddling or making a transition from sea kayaks.

The Fennix Blue-Fin S is by far the most manoeuvrable entry-level craft and surfs like no other while still offering great flatwater speed and stability.

It is designed to get the new paddler out on the water without having to spend a lot of time learning to balance. The Fennix Blue-Fin S comes with three easy to carry handles and a safety leash attachment.

XT S

Beginner to Intermediate Ski

Length: 5.81 m | Width: 49 cm | Seat Width:  40.5cm

The Fennix XT S is the perfect ski for those that want to paddle at a slightly more advanced level whilst still retaining good balance. Like all the new Fennix boats the XT S has the response and feel of elite-level skis while offering a very stable platform for ocean paddling. We think this is the perfect skis for those seeking ultimate surf ability, solid stability and good flatwater speed. The Fennix XT S sits between the Fennix Blue-Fin S and Fennix Swordfish S range of skis in terms of speed and stability.

Swordfish S

 

Intermediate Ski

 

Length: 6.1 m | Width: 45 cm | Seat Width:  40.5cm

 

The all-new Fennix version of the Swordfish S has seen the countries most popular ski go one step further. The Fennix Swordfish S has finer lines and new front half of the ski, which makes for an extremely responsive craft while maintaining the stability and feel of the older model. The Fennix Swordfish S offers the amazing downwind surfing ability and is the next step up from the XT  range or for those looking for greater speed and a new challenge. The Fennix Swordfish S has a smaller bump and will accommodate paddlers shorter than 5’5. 

 

So what’s different to the previous model?  

 

Elite S

Advanced Ski with stability

Length: 6.44 m | Width: 43 cm | Seat Width:  38.5cm

The Fennix Elite S continues on the same path as its predecessors the Elite and Elite S. Both of those were the leaders in the racing category. The Fennix version brings in slightly more rocker with some movements of volume to different parts of the ski. It is even more maneuverable and maintains that flatwater speed of the Elite S. The seat is slightly different from the previous Elite S seats. The Fennix Elite S has a smaller bump and will accommodate paddlers shorter than 5’5.

So what’s different to the previous model? 

·       The shape of the bow deck (nose) is tapered down in line with the new Fennix models

·       More rocker in the hull, however, maintains great flatwater speed

·       Narrower through the front and slightly higher deck

·       The seat is slightly more forward

·       Less hump under your legs

·       Greater maneuverability – the ski is extremely responsive allowing you to move the ski quickly into the desired position to pick up runs

Spark S

Advanced low-volume Ski

Length: 6.44 m | Width: 42 cm | Seat Width:  37.5cm

The Fennix Spark S is the upgraded model of the first-ever competitive low volume ski the Fenn Spark. The Fennix Spark S is truly unique in its design and performance. The most noticeable change when you sit in the Fennix Spark S is extra wide in the seat and the reduction of the hump under your legs.

The Fennix Spark S is best suited to the smaller paddler up to 80kg and 6’ft in height.to maximise the best performance on the water. The Fennix Spark S is extremely comfortable and stable for an elite ski, is fast, manoeuvrable, responsive and surfs with ease.

So what’s different to the previous model?  

·       Internal seat width is wider through the whole depth of the seat

·       The rudder is 6cm more forward allowing for greater control when surfing

·       The seat is a little deeper which adds stability

·       The hump under your legs has been redesigned and is noticeably lower and does not interfere with your leg drive

·       The cockpit length is longer

·       The shape of the bow deck (nose) is tapered down in line with all Fennix models

Fennix Double Elite S

Advanced Double Ski

Length: 7.5 m | Width: 46.5 cm

Manoeuvrability and surf ability are the key features of the Fennix Double Elite S. A very comfortable seating position with the new S seat. A little wetter on the back due to the lower volume but extremely fast in the flater conditions.

So what’s different to the previous model? 

·       A new fitted seat design, with the positions, moved forward on the ski

·       Reduced hump under legs

·       The rudder has been moved forward allowing for greater control in downwind conditions

·       The footwells are slightly lower allowing for a more comfortable seating position

·       Inclusion of leg leash attachment in both seats

·       Cutaways at the paddle entry

Fennix Double Flying Fish

Intermediate Double Ski

Length: 7.45 m | Width: 48 cm | Seat Width:  41.5cm

Concerned about the Elite S being unstable or the XT S not being fast enough then the Fennix Double Flying Fish is your ski. Now we have something that splits the difference.

Surge

The Surge is a new top end, low volume ski designed mainly for flatish conditions. At 5.8m long it is shorter than the other top end skis, making it manoeuvrable without much rocker. The Surge is available in wide and narrow seat versions, the narrow seat is 8mm lower improving stability while the wide seat is suitable for advanced paddlers only.

Length: 5.82 metres

Width: 425 mm

Bonito

Beginner/Entry Level Ski - perfect for Kids or smaller paddlers!

Length: 4.2 m | Width: 50 cm

The Fennix Bonito is a small fun surf ski, ideal for youngsters but also accommodates adults up to 75 kg & 175 cm tall.

With the same surf ski characteristics as the rest of the Fennix range, this ski will prove to be popular amongst the kids and smaller adults looking to get into surf ski paddling. 

Fennix LS Deep Seat

 

Surf Live Saving Ski

Length: 5.8 m | Width: 48 cm

The Fennix version of the very popular LS skis maintains the previous model’s main attributes. Speed, manoeuvrability, stability and surf ability. The majority of the hull is the same with some drastic changes to the deck to deflect water away from the ski. The high seat provides maximum paddling efficiency for the serious paddler. It comes fully adjustable and at a price point that is very attractive to paddlers and clubs. The Fennix LS comes with front black tip and red FENN stickers. 

 Adjustability

All new Fenn surfskis have adjustable footrests, the doubles are even adjustable both front and rear. Most skis will accommodate paddlers from about 5’5 up to 6’6. The Swordfish S and Elite S have a smaller bump and will accommodate paddlers shorter than 5’5.

 

The Spark S is designed especially for shorter and lighter paddlers.