The Western Seaboard
Kai Wa'a Vega Flex
Testing a surfski designed by Kai Wa'a and built by Ozone.
Story/Photos/Videos by Marc Owerfeldt

Kai Wa'a is a new entrant to the surfski scene and I had a chance to test one of their first designs, the Vega Flex.

Posted on September 5, 2020

On my way to testing the Ares outrigger canoe I had an opportunity to paddle Kai Wa'a's recent foray into the surfski market, the Vega and her slightly more approachable sister, the Vega Flex. The construction of these surfskis is very similar to the Ares and other recent outrigger designs from Kai Wa'a.

Mike Lee setting up the Vega Flex.

I paddled the Vega Flex for a bit. It's dimensions are similar to Fenn's Swordfish S and both these skis fit my current skillset very well. There are no seamlines on the Vega Flex as she's molded in one piece, and with that the Vega Flex weighs several pounds less than the Swordfish S at around 20 pounds.

This boat moves! Great ride in a high-end surfski.

The Vega model is built in the same way but narrower and longer and with a much deeper seat pan. She's a truly elite level ski. The depth of the seat would make it difficult to re-enter the Vega, and generally she's out of my range, and for that reason I passed on a test.

Checking out the stern & rudder system.

Kai Wa'a Vega Flex Dimensions
LOA: 20’6”
Beam: 18.25”

Another great test in the books and it was time to move on to the main purpose of my visit, see next story.