Swordfish

I just purchased the Fenn Swordfish after trying several others, (Epic V-8, V-10 sport, Fenn Mako XT). There was definitely a feel and stability difference between them all. To start with, the Epics are heavier and built for larger paddlers. I am 5'8", 160 pounds a very fit. When I sit in the Epics there is way to much extra space, (look at the size of the company owners, they are large guys and they make Surfski's to fit people their size), and I would require lots of padding to make them fit right.

The Swordfish fit me with no padding required. It's a little less stable but a lot faster on both flat water and the ocean and it turns much better than the other Surfskis. The more I paddle it the more stable it is becoming and for an intermediate paddler it is a great Surfski to grow into, versus growing out of.

The build quality is excellent, these boats are made in South Africa. As far as looks go the Swordfish is beautiful, I wouldn't want to see the guys wife who stated below that it's ugly, he really needs to see the optometrist.

I just paddled the new Swordfish from Fenn at the US surf Ski championships in San Francisco Demo day. I currently am Paddling an Epic V10 sport as a newcommer to the sport (9 years into sea kayaking)and was happy to discover that the move to a Ski wasn't as intimidating as I thought. The v10 sport has plenty of secondary stability in calm and even slightly chopy waters. I was amazed at how quickly I felt at home. I am 6' 215 lbs guy and I don't consider myself as having any exceptional balance skills (never a Gymnast)

When I bought My v10 sport the Swordfish was not on the Market yet and anyway I wanted to go with a known brand that had the proper dealer support in my Area (sf bay).After trying out the Swordfish and having a few months of Experience it seems like I would be ready to take the plunge. I actualy paddled the boat for about 20 minutes in the calm Berkley lagoon and took it out into the wind waves of the bay for a Half a mile or so.on the way back I was really enjoying the feeling of one of my first "Highs" as a down wind Surf Skier, almost without any Intimidation... Almost :-) In fact I felt so good on the Ski I started to do some dumb stuff like cutting a sharper than I can handle left turn back into the Lagoon and being tossed out into the water. A little help from a fellow Skier and climbing on the right side of the ski (Butt to the wind)and I was on my way.

The things I liked about it:
1) it has an Amazing secondary stability for an 18" wide boat.
2) it has the right catch area recess and I don't have to think twice about not hitting the shears (sides) of my boat like you would (and hit) a non recessed ski.
3) it has a double ventury drain which after a couple of strokes actualy clears the cockpit of water.
4) it has a strong and stardy (non squeeking) foot plate.
5) it has just like the Epic v8 a bottle recess in between your legs and a seperate leash attachment close by it.
6) it's suppose to weigh 2 pounds less than the price comparable Epic Performance layup.

The things I don't like:
1) the Layup is less durable than Epic's performance layup.
2) Comparable Layup from Epic costs $400 less (but heavier)
3) it looks Awfull compared to my Epic.

To sum up my short experience both as a surf skier and even more on the Swordfish, and After trying out about 8 different skis it felt like this boat was exactly chalenging enough for me without making me scared. (like the speedy V12 for example) Fenn actualy made an 18" wide boat that makes you feel like a champion. it gives the novice skier enough comfort and security to push himself a little bit further and Enjoy this fantastic sport even more. My rating is 9.5 due to a first time experience only and the "uncharming" looks of the boat.