Think’s latest ski is called the Jet. It fits those who find most skis are too big for them. Paddlers as light as 35kg will be right at home paddling the Jet.

Who will this ski suit?

The Think Jet will suit:

• Smaller and lighter intermediate paddlers, especially ladies, who find most skis feel too big
• Kids who are starting out
• Clubs wanting to add a ski to their fleet to attract kids into the sport

What makes this ski special?

The Jet isn’t a ‘cut-down’ ski, where a manufacturer takes a standard sized ski and reduces the deck height. Instead, the Jet has been scaled down in all dimensions to suit smaller paddlers.

• The cockpit is shorter and narrower, reducing the flooded space. This also helps to ensure a good fit for smaller paddlers. The Jet fits anyone approximately 1.35m and taller. The hump under the knees is reduced in height too. And even the foot board has been made smaller. Those with smaller sized feet will find they can get good connection to the foot board and still be able to use the rudder.
• The deck height has been kept low to reduce windage. This has the advantage of the ski being easier to remount and it allows for a good paddle technique.
• The volume of the ski is matched to the intended paddler’s weight. It doesn’t take a lot of weight to settle the Jet into the water. The ski won’t be bounce around and be hard to control. Paddlers at the lower end of the weight range will find the Jet looks after them and has plenty of secondary stability. While paddlers who are a bit heavier will find the Jet sporty and responsive.
• It’s fair to say that a lighter paddler will not be as strong as a heavier paddler. In the Jet there’s not as much boat to push around. A lighter paddler can get the Jet up and moving more easily that they would in a longer craft. The added benefit of the Jet’s shorter length and scaled down size is a reduction in weight. We put an Elite construction Jet on the scales and it came in at 11kg.

Why would a club consider this ski?

Not only do the dimensions of the Jet suit a smaller paddler, but it is the same length as a sprint kayak. The Jet can be used as both a training K1 as well as a surfski.

The Jet comes fitted with Think’s Quick Adjust foot board. Leg length can be adjusted within seconds, making swapping the ski between paddlers a breeze.

For more info on the Jet, head over to our Think Jet page.