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The Squall is best described as a stable intermediate ski. Quick and fun with superb control in waves. With a tight catch, this competitive surfski has an extraordinary ratio between stability and speed. Easier to remount than most and with a wide comfortable seat that is designed to fit also more narrow hips.
Compared to the previous models, the 580 and 540 versions have a redesigned footplate with a more relaxed angle and a more solid feel. The footstrap is more solid than ever with a leash attachment point to free up space around the bailer. The constructions...well they have gone to another level.
The construction process- all NK skis are now made with autoclave and prepreg technique, a process often reserved for the aerospace industry and F1 cars. The high pressure (up to 4 x atmospheric pressure) and heat from the autoclave ensure the pre-impregnated fibres bond perfectly with the composite core creating a extra ordinary light but strong construction. This process is far superior to other techniques normally used for kayaks such as vacuum infusion or other hand lay up processes.
Some of the benefits of carbon fibre prepreg autoclaved composites are:
- zero voids - reduce possibility of delaminations and air bubble related issues
- improved ability to conform cores and fabrics to tight curvatures in-mold; again less chance of voids and weak spots
- excellent fatigue resistance
- controlled laminate thickness
In short our skis are lighter, stiffer and stronger than ever. With a polyurethane painted seamless finish to match, the line between sports equipment and a work of art may have been crossed.
Why two lengths?
We want to be sure that we can provide you with the best surfski for the type of paddling you are doing. Generally, if you are a lighter person you can benefit from a shorter hull and if you are a bigger person you can benefit from a longer hull. But it also comes down to a personal preference; you can decide what what characteristics you prefer? How you want your ski to behave in different conditions? If you are 95kg in weight and 200cm tall, yes your natural option would be the longer hull and if you are 60kg in weight and 160cm tall, you are likely to choose the shorter option. But if you are anywhere in-between then you can make a choice depending on what characteristics you like. Of course, if you are the bigger person choosing the shorter option, the hull will sit slightly deeper in the water and the opposite applies for the lighter person, choosing the longer hull will cause the ski to float slightly higher.
Nordic Kayaks Squall surfskis are available in these prepreg heat cured autoclave constructions:
- CarbonX: Weight max 9.0 kg (540 lighter) - 100% UD prepreg carbon construction. Clear carbon (UV exposure can harm epoxy, needs to be stored out of direct sunlight)
- CarbonLite: Weight max 9.8 kg (540 lighter) - 100% UD prepreg carbon construction with a high quality foam core. Ice White, Dolphin Grey or Stealth Black (matte) 2 pack paint finish
- CarbonHybrid: Weight max 13 kg - Composite combination of UD prepreg carbon and UD fibreglass with a high quality foam core. Ice White 2 pack paint finish
Nordic Kayaks Squall 580 & Squall 540
Features include:
- The new foot-controlled deBrito bailer, the most efficient and sought after bailer on the market
- Carbon fibre footrest and self adjusting lines
- Anchor point for leash on footstrap
- Carbon fibre side carry handles
- Handles on bow and tail
- Race rudder (as standard)
- Packing net on aft deck
- Bottle holder with NK sports bottle in cockpit
- NK/deBrito rudder yoke for a wheel type feel when steering
Squall 580
- Stability factor: 6/10 (1 = elite sprint kayak, 10 = stable sea kayak)
- Length: 580 cm
- Beam: 49 cm
- Cockpit width: 41 cm
- Cockpit length: 165 - 200 cm
- Recommended paddler weight: > 65 kg
Squall 540
- Stability factor: 6/10 (1 = elite sprint kayak, 10 = stable sea kayak)
- Length: 540 cm
- Beam: 49 cm
- Cockpit width: 41 cm
- Cockpit length: 155 - 195 cm
- Recommended paddler weight: > 50 kg