For many years, the XT has been the de-facto standard in beginners' skis.  Even today, there are few entry-level skis to compare for comfort, strength and stability.  Dawid Mocke should know - the founder of the first Surfski School in South Africa chose Fenn XTs when it came time to replace the school's fleet in 2008.

"I've had years of experience teaching and watching beginner paddlers," says Dawid, "and I can tell you - there is nothing to touch the XT."

The design of the XT has not stood still however: Keith recently improved the cockpit area and moved the rudder forward slightly to improve downwind performace.

The Mako6 proved a revelation for Fenn fans when it was launched early in 2006.  With its superior stability, it was far easier to paddle than the Fenn Millenium, which up to then was the reigning top-end ski.

With no sacrifice in hull speed and although aimed at the intermediate market, it proved an instant hit with top paddlers too with Dawid Mocke winning the US Champs, the Dubai Shamaal and New Zealand King of the Harbour in the ski.  Paddling a ‘6', Lewis Laughlin took the US Champs in 2007 as well the Molokai Challenge.

The Mako Elite is the current top-of-the-range ski in the Fenn stable.  Paddled by Dawid Mocke (#2 in the world, two years running) and Hank McGregor, the ski has featured at the top of the results in almost every race where one or other of the two paddlers has competed.  These races include:

• 2007 Dragon Run in Hong Kong (Dawid Mocke)

• 2007 Dubai Shamaal (Dawid Mocke)

• 2008 Plett Easter Race (Hank McGregor)

• 2008 Durban World Cup (Hank McGregor)

• 2008 Molokai Challenge (Lewis Laughlin)

Although designed to be narrower and faster (and consequently slightly less stable), the ski has proved to have very similar stability to the Mako6 and is extremely popular with intermediate level paddlers.  Compared with the Mako6, the Elite's cockpit is slightly further aft, while the rudder has been moved forward - to improve handling in downwind conditions.  With less rocker than the ‘6', the ski is faster on flat water and, according to Dawid Mocke, handles better in waves.  "It seems to be less effort to maintain high speed in this ski," he said.