Waka Stuxx – Review

The Waka Stuxx enters the scene as a half slice that defies easy categorisation. It’s essentially where a short, rockered creek boat meets a sporty half-slice. It comes in two sizes the Skuxx and the Skuxx Deluxe. With the Deluxe being the larger of the two.

While it may not take the crown for the fastest boat on the river, it makes a very strong case for being the most fun. It offers a “Steez-style” bow with a tail that is thinned out specifically for the dipping the stern.

The Skuxx is the addition to the Waka range that we have all been waiting for. It is a fast, flowy and fun short half slice that is dynamic and nimble. Named with some hard out kiwi slang with a versatile meaning, this kayak is also Waka’s most versatile boat. Down-river freestyle, wave moves and surfing, river running, and flat water tricks this kayak is an all-rounder. 

The Skuxx design draws from the Steeze with width and volume around the cockpit. It has a more specific surf hull that is super loose and responsive. The tail is stable, making flat water moves and stern squirts easy. What sets the Skuxx apart though is that despite its shorter length it is still fast, floaty and comfortable in class 4-5 water, an amazing combination. 

The Skuxx suits a wide weight range. It is easy to roll, and great for beginners through to the pros. 

The Skuxx Deluxe is the same as the Skuxx but is the “puffy” version with extra volume in the stern. This makes it ideal for harder runs where the extra volume is needed, or to help with extra pop off waves for kick flips and down river freestyle. The Skuxx Deluxe will also provide that extra volume needed for heavier paddlers to stay floating. 

This latest edition to the Waka fleet is Skuxx!

Waka Kayaks

Performance and Handling

The Stuxx is defined by its stability and its “hit and lift” behavior when navigating features.

• Stability: This is arguably the most stable half-slice on the market. Waka achieved this by widening the hull behind the cockpit, providing a massive amount of primary stability that makes it feel less twitchy than the Firecracker or Hot Whip.
• The Waka Lift: True to the brand’s DNA, the bow hits waves and instantly lifts the paddler over the water rather than cutting through it. This predictable down-river performance provides immense confidence in whitewater.
• Tracking and Edges: The boat features an aggressive, sharp rail and a stepped chine. When you engage your hips and drop an edge, the boat locks into the turn. At the same time stability remains good. The rail runs all the way to the back, allowing for precise carving in and out of eddies and excellent control while surfing.
• Verticality: Despite the stability, the tail is remarkably sporty. It is thinned out enough to get vertical on flat water with ease and remains incredibly balanced while in a stall.

Pros

• Exceptional Balance: Unlike smaller half-slices that can feel instable side-to-side when vertical, the Stuxx locks in and stays there.
• Class V Capable: It has enough creek boat DNA to handle serious whitewater while remaining playful on easier runs. This is a pretty design problem to crack. Waka have.
• Surf Performance: The long rail allows it to track beautifully on a wave face.

Cons

• Bulkhead Size: The internal foot space can feel a bit cramped.

Length:	245cm; 8 ft
Width:	68cm; 26.8 inches
Weight:	20kg; 44 lbs
Paddler weight:	50-90kg (60-120kg deluxe); 110-198lbs (132-265lbs deluxe)
Volume:	265 litres (275 litres deluxe); 70 US gallon (73 US gallons deluxe)
Style:	half slice, river play

Who is it for?

What paddler weight range is something that manufacturers have to grapple with. You can see the detail in the table above.

The boat that fits me well is the Deluxe. At 200lbs I am far too heavy for the standard version. That said the deluxe still feels more like a large medium than a true large. If you can get a demo before committing.