Kai Waa Vega Arc

I weigh the same as you (70kg) and got to try an Arc in breezy and confused conditions. Your assumption about the Arc being corky and reacting too much - with a lighter paddler onboard - in rough conditions is correct. The fit and finish of the ski is excellent and it has an awesome pedigree, but I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner weighing less than 75-80kg. I've paddled mid-weight layups of the Fenn Bluefin, Epic V8 & V9, Carbonology Boost LV & Cruze LV, and NK Squall 540 in similar conditions and consider the Arc the least manageable of the lot. However, I'm a small, old guy, someone bigger shouldn't have the same issues.

I fabricated a wave deflector from a section of paddle shaft.

The miter is joined with cyanoacrylate (CA) glue, a gel type used in woodworking.



I fastened the deflector (semi-permanently) with Sikaflex construction sealer. I would not recommend using Sikaflex construction adhesive. The bond may be too strong and damage the paint if the deflector ever needs to come off. Sealer is very flexible. It only takes a tiny bead.

You could tape it on like most people do. The shaft beds down in the bungee tray - in the radius that curves back up to the hull.

The miter cut was done with a track saw. It was the first cut. The shaft can be held on a table between pieces of 3/4" and another layer of 1/2" plywood
The full shaft is held in place as the plywood creates a new table surface. Then layout the angle, lay the track on top and drop the saw in. Safe, crisp and clean.


Taking out a section of the shaft longitudinally can also be done by holding the shaft with the plywood on each side.


The water curls around and shoots down as it exits.

There is room under the cover for a deflector that is at least 1/2" taller - with room to spare.


I like the low profile, I've never hit it.
A wave has come over it once, but it hit the foam and the bungee. It shot the water up about waist high and it didn't fill the bucket.

Here's how I carry the wing, it's held with bungees and rests on EVA foam from NSI. I alter the feather to about zero and it holds firm.
That lumbar pad is a fantastic addition. Perfect for grip when leaning back. Attached with 2" velcro.



Here's the bungee up front and an extra bolt I put in the track. It's a flanged (stainless) bolt, a flanged nut and some vinyl washers to grip the track teeth.
The track teeth slipped a few times on me, I probably had it crooked by one tooth or something. It won't move anymore.


End plugs are high density polyurethane foam. I get spare small chunks from a shaper that uses it. It's about as solid as wood. I put some gray primer on, for color.


Super nice boat.

This is the rail saver tape I use. It's spendy, but super high quality. It was developed back when Sup's started. It has a textured surface that skips the paddle off the boat and helps prevent damage. Amazing stuff.

northshoreinc.com/shop/rspro/rspro-jumbo-sup-rail-saver-tape/

I use hexatraction to help grip the boat or protect the paint where it rests on the cross bars.

northshoreinc.com/shop/rspro/rspro-hexat...on-basic-board-grip/

Super fun boat.

Here's a recent review with good visuals.