Fenn Elite S Double

I just took delivery of my new Elite S Double, and paddled a 26km downwind in light 10-15 knot conditions over the weekend.

Compared with the Fenn Elite, the major differences are the paddle cutouts, less nose volume, lower seat humps, leash attachment points and the seats have been moved forward.(See photos)

The ski handled very nicely in the downwind, although conditions were quite light, and the lower nose volume was never a problem. The moving of the seats forward improves the ability to catch runs, although the rear paddle cutout allows water to get into the bucket more easily.

I'm now looking forward to trying it out in a big downwind.

Do you still feel like you are paddling "uphill"?Was never a problem until I bought a Carbonology single and is now very noticable when switching between the two boats,my double being an Elite.

I've never really had the "uphill" feeling on my previous Fenn Elite double, but I did often get the feeling that my butt was slipping forward in the bucket, and I wasn't that happy with the seating position in the Double.

In any event, the S model skis have a lower seat hump and the seating position is much improved over the previous Elites, on both single and double skis.

My partner and I tried the normal Fenn Elite double and he found (sitting at the back) that the rail position and hump did not really allow his legs to work very well. Do you feel the S would suite the shorter legged paddler more than the original craft? Thanks for your post.

Interesting you should ask that, because I went for a paddle with a short friend in the back yesterday afternoon.

He said its the most comfortable Fenn he's been in, and for the first time he was able to sit without his calves pressing against the hump, and drive with his legs. He also enjoyed the paddle cutouts.

So yes, from a short paddler's perspective its a big improvement.

How does the stability compare to the original Elite double? Similar?

Yes, the stability is pretty much the same as the Elite

This boat sounds like a winner. I loved the way the old elite double surfed but agree with many that the seat position was not ideal.