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01 / CONSTRUCTION
Unmatched stiffness and strength.
The strongest and stiffest construction ever introduced to the surf lifesaving world.
Nordic Kayaks / Spec Ski
Nordic Kayaks Spec Ski
Your ski. Your finish. Your colours.
Side view
Top view
THE NK SPEC SKI ADVANTAGE
Built to stand apart.
02 / FIT
Unmatched adjustability and customisation.
An adjustable ski that holds no more water than a fixed-length ski, with flexibility in both leg length and calf support.
03 / LONG-TERM VALUE
Unmatched future-proofing.
An integrated weight system that can be upgraded, without purchasing a new craft or cutting into your ski.
PRICING
Check out our introductory pricing
For a limited time, the Nordic Kayaks Spec Ski is available from $5,595 AUD, including GST.
Raw carbon finish – $5,895 (AUD inc. GST)
Sanded grey finish – $5,595 (AUD inc. GST)
The concept
Adjust the fit. Reduce the free space.
An adjustable Spec Ski built around a simple idea: accommodate different leg lengths while reducing the cockpit space where water can collect.
More than a moving footplate
Adjustable skis offer flexibility, but a larger open cockpit can hold more water than a fixed-length cockpit. The NK Spec Ski combines a movable footplate with a movable EVA calf section and movable/removable EVA spacers to address that trade-off.
As the paddler’s leg length changes, the calf section and spacers move with the footplate. The aim is to retain the close-fitting feel of a fixed-length setup while making one ski adaptable to different paddlers.
Built for long-term value
The project began with value for surf lifesaving members in mind. An adaptable fit allows a ski to grow with a paddler or be set up for its next owner. The construction prioritises stiffness and durability, while an integrated weight system is designed to accommodate changes to SLSA weight requirements without cutting into the ski or replacing it.
How the cockpit adjusts
For longer legs
Move the footplate forward and reposition the calf section. Transfer EVA spacers from in front of the footplate to behind the calf section to fill the space created by the adjustment.
For shorter legs
Bring the footplate back and reposition the calf section. Transfer EVA spacers from behind the calf section to in front of the footplate, reducing the hump and filling the unused space towards the bow.
The system adjusts without tools. Once familiar with the process, a paddler can make the change in around a minute.
Hull and ergonomics
A considered balance on the water.
Drawing on more than 20 years of Nordic Kayaks design experience, the ski balances speed, stability, manoeuvrability and paddling position. Every surfski design involves compromises; the aim is to manage these carefully and minimise their impact.
Predictable hull response
The hull is designed within SLSA specifications, with smooth, continuous contours rather than abrupt chines or profile changes. The aim is a consistent feel as the ski rolls onto an edge, helping the paddler manage waves, wash and turns with confidence.
A bow that cuts before it lifts
The X-bow-inspired profile is designed to enter a wave before the fuller sections of the bow provide lift. A compact deflector helps shed chop and spray while limiting excessive bow lift. The intended result is a more neutral running position when punching through waves or coming down a wave face.
Volume where it is useful
Volume behind the seat helps lift the stern and carry the ski through chop and onto runs. Towards the end of the tail, the profile and volume reduce quickly to limit the area that sideways-moving water can push against.
Together with the smooth hull, this low-profile tail is designed to assist tracking on broken waves and allow the stern to release during tighter turns.
The seat and hull designed together
A higher seat position relative to the footwell supports a more kayak-like paddling posture. The seat combines room to move with supportive contours for edge control, and a supportive back encourages an effective paddling position.
The deck deflector directs water to either side, helping shed water without throwing it upwards.
Materials overview
Two finishes. Your choice.
Both finishes can be paired with your chosen bow and tail design. Painted areas use a high-quality two-pack paint system.
Raw carbon
The raw unidirectional carbon finish provides a distinctive satin appearance. A light grey sanded seat area contrasts with the carbon body and helps reduce heat build-up in the seat.
Should I choose the raw carbon finish?
The raw carbon finish has a hard epoxy surface that resists scratching and makes scratches less noticeable. It can get hot in the sun; the laminate is cured in an autoclave at approximately 130°C for heat resistance. Minimise unnecessary UV exposure to help prolong the life of the ski. If repairs are needed, they can be harder to conceal on the exposed carbon finish.
Sanded grey
Light grey paint is lightly sanded to reveal subtle carbon character beneath, then protected with a matt two-pack clear coat. This design conceals scratches while providing protection for the underlying laminate.
Should I choose the sanded grey finish?
The sanded grey finish uses two-pack paint that is lightly sanded before a matt clear coat is applied. It provides excellent UV resistance and is relatively easy to match when repairs are needed. The painted surface can scratch and chip more easily than the raw carbon finish. Both finishes use a laminate cured at approximately 130°C for heat resistance.
Find your next ski
Two coasts. One place to start.
Browse available designs by coast. Select a listed ski to enlarge it and rotate the design before contacting ZSS.
Stock available
Australian East Coast
Contact ZSS for current East Coast availability. Available designs will appear here.
Stock available
Australian West Coast
Contact ZSS for current West Coast availability. Available designs will appear here.
Free collection by arrangement from Fingal Head, NSW (East Coast), or Kingsley, WA (West Coast). Delivery can be arranged — call 0411 394 277 for pricing.
Make it yours
Configure your NK Spec Ski.
Choose your body finish, angled band or contrasting tip design, and colours. Rotate the ski to see your design from every angle.
Body finish*:
Raw unidirectional carbon finish
Sanded light grey finish
Body finish
Paint design*:
Nose tip
Angled band
Paint design
Main paint colour*:
NK Pink
NK Green
Traffic yellow (RAL 1023)
Pure orange (RAL 2004)
Traffic red (RAL 3020)
Ultramarine blue (RAL 5002)
Signal violet (RAL 4008)
Jet black (RAL 9005)
NK White
NK Grey
Anthracite grey (RAL 7016)
Blue lilac (RAL 4005)
Sky blue (RAL 5015)
Turquoise blue (RAL 5018)
Water blue (RAL 5021)
Light green (RAL 6027)
May green (RAL 6017)
Signal green (RAL 6032)
Moss green (RAL 6005)
Khaki grey (RAL 7008)
Rose (RAL 3017)
Red violet (RAL 4002)
Ivory (RAL 1014)
Pastel yellow orange (RAL 1034)
Light pink (RAL 3015)
Pastel blue (RAL 5024)
Pastel green (RAL 6019)
Pastel violet (RAL 4009)
Main paint colour
Tip / band colour*:
NK Pink
NK Green
Traffic yellow (RAL 1023)
Pure orange (RAL 2004)
Traffic red (RAL 3020)
Ultramarine blue (RAL 5002)
Signal violet (RAL 4008)
Jet black (RAL 9005)
NK White
NK Grey
Anthracite grey (RAL 7016)
Blue lilac (RAL 4005)
Sky blue (RAL 5015)
Turquoise blue (RAL 5018)
Water blue (RAL 5021)
Light green (RAL 6027)
May green (RAL 6017)
Signal green (RAL 6032)
Moss green (RAL 6005)
Khaki grey (RAL 7008)
Rose (RAL 3017)
Red violet (RAL 4002)
Ivory (RAL 1014)
Pastel yellow orange (RAL 1034)
Light pink (RAL 3015)
Pastel blue (RAL 5024)
Pastel green (RAL 6019)
Pastel violet (RAL 4009)
Tip / band colour
Logo colour*:
White
Black
Logo colour
$5,895 AUD · inc. GST · introductory price
Enquire about this design ↗Colours are screen previews and may vary from the finished ski. Contact ZSS to confirm your design and purchase arrangements.
Construction
Prepreg carbon. Autoclave cured.
Prepreg carbon skins surround a high-density aerospace-grade foam core. The structure is cured under controlled heat and pressure in an autoclave, with unidirectional glass reinforcement in selected areas to improve impact resistance.
01 / CONTROLLED MATERIALS
What is prepreg?
“Prepreg” means pre-impregnated: the reinforcing fibres already contain a controlled amount of resin before layup. This helps maintain consistent material distribution throughout the laminate.
02 / HEAT AND PRESSURE
Why an autoclave?
An autoclave is a pressurised curing vessel. The NK process uses approximately three to four atmospheres of pressure and a carefully controlled temperature of around 130°C to compact and cure the layers. This process helps the Spec Ski laminate tolerate elevated temperatures.
The autoclave process helps reduce voids and supports consistent bonding, dimensional accuracy, strength and stiffness.
03 / FIBRE DIRECTION
Why unidirectional carbon?
Unidirectional fibres can be aligned with the loads a part needs to carry. By selecting the orientation of each layer, the laminate can place strength and stiffness where they are needed while using material efficiently.
The goal is a stiff, durable structure with a controlled, repeatable manufacturing process. The ski’s rigidity, strength and durability are unmatched.
Features
Considered details. Everywhere.
Practical details support the way you set up, carry and paddle the ski. Explore the cockpit, bow and rear deck in the 3D configurator above.
01
Footplate and pedals
A thick carbon footplate offers a broad drive surface, supporting more of the foot than the heel alone. Adjustment in 10 mm steps helps fine-tune leg position. Carbon pedals and traction pads provide secure contact.
02
Responsive steering
Synthetic steering line is chosen for a responsive, low-friction feel and resistance to corrosion. Its use also helps reduce wear inside the steering tubes.
03
Calf section and EVA spacers
The movable EVA calf section and removable spacers adapt the cockpit to different leg lengths. Webbing secures the spacers without tools, helping keep them in place in demanding conditions while reducing unused water-holding space.
04
Drainage with a protected profile
A carbon scupper and integrated bullet are designed to drain the cockpit efficiently while limiting drag. The integrated profile also helps reduce the exposure of the venturi system to accidental contact when sliding past an object.
05
A closer paddle catch
Pronounced paddle cut-outs allow the blade to enter closer to the ski, supporting a more vertical catch. Grip contours beside the seat help when holding the ski and paddle together at the start.
06
A single footstrap with central release
The single footstrap allows the feet, and therefore the leg drive, to stay closer to the ski’s centreline. A central pull-release system is designed to be easy to locate and operate when the paddler needs to release the strap.
07
Pressure equalisation
A self-regulating breather helps equalise internal and external air pressure as temperatures change. The carbon structure supplies the ski’s strength and rigidity without inflation.
08
An adaptable weight system
The built-in weight system is designed to allow straightforward weight adjustment as SLSA requirements change, eliminating the need to cut into the hull/deck or purchase a new ski.
NK Spec Ski rudder
Made for control.
The rudder’s steering travel is limited to help prevent excessive rotation, where additional rudder angle can create drag rather than useful turning force. Its shape is shown here from the supplied design model.
Dimensions
Blade length: 225 mm. Fore–aft extent: 152.3 mm.
Your next ski starts with a conversation
Let’s make it your Spec Ski.
Talk to ZSS about available stock, your preferred finish and your custom design.
Contact ZSS ↗