Downwind 5.1m Fitness Ski

Lightweight, Durable, and Built for Adventure

The Downwind Surf Ski combines the perfect blend of lightweight construction, stability, and high-quality fittings, offering paddlers a top-tier experience on various water conditions. Weighing in at just 25 kg, this surf ski is crafted for efficiency, durability, and ease of handling, making it an ideal choice for both recreational and performance paddlers alike. It's a whole lot of performance at a fraction of the price for a composite ski such as carbon fibre/fibreglass.

The Downwind is two surf skis for the price of one. Unloaded it is a fast and highly manoeuvrable surf ski for fitness and racing; with a touring load, it becomes a calm and stable ski for light and fast touring. Its fully equipped with all the high-tech details such as carbon footrests, carbon rudder, Super Shute 60 self bailer, a carbon carry handle in the side of the cockpit, and a drink bottle holder.

Compared to the Breeze V5, the Downwind has an extra storage area at the front for carrying more gear (perfect for an overnight or multi day adventure). The advantages of the Breeze V5 is a deeper recessed seating area, padded EVA Foam footrests, and a foot-controlled bailer compared to a hand-controlled one on the Downwind. Between the two, the Downwind is the best value and perfect for beginners getting into fitness kayak or surf ski paddling.

Why choose the Downwind ski

1. Lightweight & Durable Design

• Crafted from robust polyethylene, the Downwind Surf Ski provides enhanced durability compared to traditional composite surf skis, making it exceptionally tough against underwater hazards like rocks and sandbanks. This added strength allows you to paddle confidently in diverse environments, from open waters to shallow rivers.

2. Premium Quality Fittings

• Outfitted with fittings typically reserved for high-end fiberglass or carbon surf skis, the Downwind offers premium features like a carbon fiber footboard and responsive pedals, delivering a smooth and efficient paddling experience. Additionally, it includes the popular self-draining bailer to keep you dry, even in challenging conditions.

3. Aft Storage for Your Gear

• This surf ski features an aft storage compartment with a lightweight, waterproof hatch, providing ample space to store essential gear safely and conveniently for longer adventures.

4. Enhanced Stability and Control

• Known for its stability, the Downwind is a solid choice for paddlers of all skill levels. The optional kick-up rudder (no modification required) enhances control and maneuverability, allowing you to navigate areas that composite surf skis typically can’t handle.

Key Features

• The Downwind surf ski is a durable, polyethylene constructed entry-level surf ski that is easy to handle even with no experience from kayaking before. 
• V-shaped bow slices through the chop, allowing this surf ski's streamlined design to glide effortlessly through the water, assisted further its sturdy rudder system.
• When it is unloaded, it's your perfect craft for fitness paddling or for playing in the waves. 
• When loaded, the hatches can store packing for touring for relaxed long-distance paddling.
• Fully equipped with all high-tech details such as carbon footrest, carbon rudder, Super Shute 60 self bailer, carbon handle in the side of the cockpit, and a drink bottle holder.
• An extra 80cm of length and 5cm narrower width makes this a faster surf ski over its roto-molded compared the Epic V5.

The use of High-Quality HDPE polyethylene – a tough and durable construction that is perfect in places where you wouldn't take a composite surf ski, is lightweight and will last for years to come. 

What's Included

• Hand-controlled Super Shute 60 bailer
• Full carbon fibre footrest and self-adjusting lines
• Anchor point for leash
• Handles in front and back
• Handles inside of the cockpit
• Bike bottle holder in the cockpit
• Kajaksport lightweight hatch cover
• Carbon Fibre skeg
• Packing net on the aft deck
• …option to add a SmartTrack kick-up rudder ($200)

Don't have a paddle? Click here to find the perfect one for you

Recommended Accessories

• Kayak Car Cradles Kit - Transport your ski with these protective padded cradle kits, secure and padded protection for your hull.
• Kayak Cover - protect your craft and keep it looking its best from dirty and grime building upon it
• Dry Bag - Keep your gear dry
• Life Jacket PFD - For your safety and required by law
• Paddle Leash - attaches to your ski so your paddle doesn't float away
• Kayaking Gloves - Prevents getting blisters and gives you better paddle grip
• Kayak Trolley Cart - If you'd like to transport your ski with ease
• Full Fibreglass 2-Piece Adjustable (Offset & Adjustable)
• Full Carbon Fibre 2-Piece Paddle (Offset & Adjustable)

5 Year Warranty

Bay Sports are a trusted kayak brand with years of research and development, so assurance of quality is of absolute importance. We are so confident in the build quality that all our surf skis come with a full 5 year warranty & 5 year UV resistance rating. 

30 Day Money Back Policy 

There are few kayaks on the market that can match the quality of our kayaks. Therefore at Bay Sports we paddle what we preach; We offer a 30-day money back guarantee on all our kayaks so long as it's returned in ‘as new' condition.

Specifications

Length: 5.07m 
Beam (width): 0.55m 
Height: 0.30m
Weight: 25 kgs  
Maximum weight capacity: 135kgs
Front Storage Hatch: 20cm diameter with rubber hatch lid
Rear Storage Hatch: 52L with 44x25cm (inner) and 47.4x28.8cm (outer) rubber hatch lid
Paddler fit: 4'9 - 6'7
Cockpit Seating Area: 42cm wide  X 55cm long (from bottle holder to back of bucket seat) X 17cm seat depth
Colours available: See above. Please note: Colours and unique mix may vary due to the process of producing rotomolded kayaks, mixing the powder colours by hand into the cast iron mould.
Cockpit length: 155 - 205 cm
Recommended paddler weight range: 50 kgs to 120 kgs
Length from back of seat to footrest position: 126cm.  

Delivery Pricing & Information

Please refer directly to our page about Pick up, Shipping & Delivery.

User Guide

Click here to download the Bay Sports Kayak User Guide

Video of how to install carbon fibre skeg