Kai Waa Vega Arc

Kai Bartlett has a new Vega ski out. It is the Arc, which is their beginner model. 19’6” x 20.25” puts it in between a fenn bluefin and a Carbonology boost. It is a good deal longer and bit narrower than most v8 class boats. To me it looks like it has low rails, low volume tip and tail, and lots of rocker. I bet it surfs great. Scroll down the website to see it:

www.kaiwaa.com/vega-surfski-series

Zach, would you say that Kai Wa'a and Nordic Kayaks build quality are comparable ? Was the cost of getting your Vega delivered from Hawaii inordinate ?

As far as I can tell kai waa and NK are equivalent quality. I have owned both. In my opinion they set the standards as far as prepreg ski construction.

I got my vega in the mainland usa through paddle dynamics, which is now based in Tennessee. The skis are made in china so I would assume they come in containers from china direct to the mainland US. There was no shipping fee attached that i paid. Lighter stiffer and cheaper than other carbon skis. So if the design works for you they are a bargain.

Here I thought all their skis and outriggers were made in Hawaii. A little disappointing and misleading.

And Nordic kayaks are not made Sweden!

The only company still making boats in hawaii is Kamanu composites. But their OCs end up costing $6300 instead of $4700 for a Kai Wa’a boat made in the Ozone factory in china. I think all the other boat makers left Hawaii not to get rich but just to survive.