1,407 Mile Review: Kai Wa'a Vega Flex -- Who should buy one?

[@tomiday66]

I don't know what my next ski will be, but thanks for this great report on the Vega Flex. I currently paddle an Epic V10 Sport here in Carlsbad, CA. We have a nice lagoon that feeds into the ocean. Our normal paddle is to launch in the lagoon and head out to the ocean jetties where we get 150 yard rides on the incoming surf. You make the turn under the coast highway bridge and go out for another. Great fun, and I do fall out at least once a day. Down at my place in the East Cape of Baja Sur I paddle a Stellar S18Sx. Here we have a beach launch right out to the point break where I can catch wave after wave out on the shoulder on smaller days. When the surf is up I bust out the waveski. There is great down wind potential here, but I've been afraid to push it as there is nobody to paddle with. Anyhow, at 70 years old it is great to have found this new sport a little more than a year ago. After surfing my whole life on all kinds of boards, SUPs, Waveskis and now surfskis, I'm having as much fun as ever. It's all about the glide! So now you got me thinking about the Flex.... Can this old dog learn a new trick? Or am I more likely to just start the long decline to gentler rides? I'm planning to do the Gorge in July and hope to try some demo surfskis there. Time will tell I guess. Ain't life grand!

[@ThePaddleChannel]

We saw your video of a jetty ride -- looks like a lot of fun, for sure. Sounds like you've got life dialed in, Tom -- thanks for sharing your stoke with us. It is all about the glide -- life is grand!

[@Rcstables]

Super stoked you're enjoying this dude!

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Definitely, Jeff! Thanks for lining it all up!

[@sw1ft1esx]

@@ThePaddleChannel I love my Vega Flex. I only have 370 miles on mine so far. It is the fastest boat of the 10 surfskis i have owned. I bought mine from Jeff@ Paddle Dynamics as well. I loved the Flex so much, i just ordered a Vega Pro from Jeff. He has great customer service and thanks to The Paddle Channel for another great review.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Jeff does a great job for his customers, no doubt! Very cool that you've ordered the Vega Pro -- Barry loves his. You'll have to let us know what you think of the Vega Pro vs. the Flex after you get it. When will your Vega Pro arrive?

[@Rcstables]

@@ThePaddleChannel late April

[@glnsk8ter]

I have had my flex since 9/2020 had been on other skis like epic v10 sport black tip older one for few years and others before. I feel I am improving on the flex, but a little concerned, i am 5'6"

[@ThePaddleChannel]

@glnsk8ter, how's does the ski feel without the padding you sit on? Is that an option - we've found that even a little bit of padding makes a big difference in stability. 'Hope you get to do some nice long downwind runs this summer -- it's pretty special to be able to get into 'the zone' and let the miles slide by... :)

[@markgibbons1261]

Hi Rob, great review, a question. You say at the end it may not be for racing, can I ask why you say that. I’m considering a Flex for DW racing as where I live we get a lot of cross winds and chop so the added stability would probably keep me on the power more. Does it feel slow, let’s say compared to a V10 V12? Appreciate the advice

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Hey Mark, Rod here. Sorry I missed your comment earlier. I should clarify --- the Flex might not be someone's first choice for flatwater racing (though it's definitely no slouch). But for downwind racing, I would turn to the Flex every time, personally. I don't have enough experience in the V10 or V12 to really compare, but I wouldn't hesitate to race my Flex downwind on any day. Let us know what you decide!

[@markgibbons1261]

@@ThePaddleChannel thanks for a great reply!!! Look forward to more videos

[@russidan6548]

Rod. Love the color combo on your Flex. Is it a naia grey deck and white bottom or a light grey bottom?

[@ThePaddleChannel]

The bottom is white. They made a really nice-looking boat in this one!

[@russidan6548]

Thanks so much for the fast reply! Just put my order in! 👌

[@darrellgray349]

My wife and I recently purchased a home in Lockwood Folly and I am eager to spend my summer on the water learning to surf ski (we both work in education and have the summers free). I've paddled whitewater and sea kayaks over the years and am looking for advice on where to start. Any suggestions for demoing a surf ski in April?

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Cool, Darrell! You're going to love it (the area and the surfski). Not sure if there will be demo skis at the Carolina Cup in April, but that might be a possibility. Maybe contact Jeff at Paddle Dynamics and see if he has anything planned, or perhaps Surfski Charleston.

[@darrellgray349]

@@ThePaddleChannel Thanks!

[@jeffgerke323]

Would this ski be ok for someone who is fairly new to Surfski? I paddled a Fenn Bluefin for a couple months then switched to an OC1, Kai Waa Ares. I have paddled the OC1 for the past 6 months but am thinking about going back to a ski. Just wondering if I might need more experience before trying the Vega Flex out.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

It really depends on the individual paddler. If you're okay with falling a fair bit at first and having a craft you can "grow into", the Flex might be okay. If you prefer a more conservative approach, the Flex might be a little "lively" for now. We recommend just being really honest with yourself in thinking about whether you're okay with many remounts in the early stages. Many, many coaches recommend "stability before ability"...we kind of straddle the fence on the issue. It really just depends. 'Wish we had a more definitive answer for you!

[@elieuncle]

What is the difference between the Vega Flex and the regular Vega ? Layup or are these different models altogether ?

[@ThePaddleChannel]

The Vega is 6 inches longer than the Flex, and about 1.44" narrower, so it has a little more run and is a bit more unstable than the Flex. The most noticeable difference for us might be the depth of the bucket -- remounts are a bit more challenging in the Vega than in the Flex because of the deeper depth. We would characterize the Flex as an intermediate boat (maybe "high intermediate"?), and the Vega as a stable elite surfski. Other than that, they're pretty similar. 'Hope that helps.

[@jodyodell6159]

Sold I will get one

[@Rcstables]

Where are you located LOL, I have five more coming into stock in April.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Did you NOT pay attention at all, Jody? If we're going to end up racing each other, DON'T get one! Don't. :)

[@jodyodell6159]

@@ThePaddleChannel hah I gotta long way to get to catch you

[@jodyodell6159]

@@Rcstables I check your inventory out. Are they posted. I am thinking Vega Flex