Discover the Spirit of surfing...
Spirit
226cm long x 62.7cm wide Volume 182 litres 92kgs approximate maximum paddler weight Experience the ultimate in performance with the Spirit kayak!
This high-performance kayak is designed to push the limits of what you thought was possible on the water.
Based on the proven design of the Enigma, the Spirit combines many of the same features to provide you with an unparalleled surfing experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, the Spirit's forgiving design ensures that you'll enjoy every ride.
With sharp rails for drive and speed, a gently rolled hull for looseness when going rail to rail, and a bevelled rail to increase your ability to change direction, the Spirit offers control and poise when turning off the bottom and top. The concave sides also provide exceptional hold in critical sections, while the gentle "V" tail adds a little extra directional stability and confidence on bigger waves.
Key design features of the Spirit include:
- a rounded pin tail, tight bevelled rails
- a "V" hull tail
- a comfort and performance-oriented seating position.
- The deck is also designed to provide additional strengthening and aesthetic appeal.
- The thruster fin setup adds to the Spirit's stability and control, making it the perfect choice for surfers of all levels.
Designed in collaboration with Jem Howe, the Spirit is the ultimate high-performance kayak for surfing enthusiasts who want to take their skills to the next level.
All of our kayaks are available for worldwide shipping. Contact us today for a quote!
chris@hobsonkayaks.com
POST BREXIT SHIPPING NOTE:
- The EU customer then pays tax at the point of delivery rather than at the point of sale. This is around 19%-23% depending on their country
- The EU customer might also be charged a small handling fee by their local courier
- Hobson Kayaks LTD will ship the goods with the relevant customs documents but is not responsible for any customs clearance charges that might apply.
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Reviews
I’ve paddled the Hobson Spirit since October 2022 and now own two: one in Competition construction without thigh braces, and one in Hobson’s Choice construction with thigh braces.
Over nearly four years I’ve surfed the Spirit 50–100 days a year in a huge range of conditions, mainly on the north coast of Cornwall, but also in Ireland, California, Lanzarote, the Basque Country and on artificial waves. From one-foot shorebreak to triple-overhead surf in California, it has always felt like an incredibly well-rounded and confidence-inspiring boat.
For me, that versatility is its biggest strength. It has enough volume to feel comfortable and forgiving in bigger, more powerful surf, while still being radical enough for airs, re-entries and Pan Ams. It carries speed well from the bottom of the wave back towards the lip, while still having the rail-to-rail performance for roundhouse cutbacks and manoeuvres through flatter sections.
I came into surf kayaking from a freestyle background, having kayaked since I was a kid, so I can’t meaningfully compare the Spirit with lots of other surf kayaks. What I can say is that I’ve never felt the boat was limiting my progression. There has always seemed to be more performance available from it, with my own wave reading, finesse and ability being the limiting factors.
That has made it a great boat to progress in. I think it could suit someone relatively new to surf kayaking while still having the performance for advanced paddlers competing nationally and internationally. Its forgiveness, predictability and ability to perform across a wide range of conditions have played a big part in my own progression.
At around 83–85 kg I feel very comfortable in the Spirit. The extra volume also makes it, in my view, well suited to slightly heavier paddlers than the Hobson Prodigy, especially those wanting a little more stability and confidence.
Both of my boats have proved extremely tough, taking plenty of abuse in rocky conditions and holding up exceptionally well. The Hobson’s Choice construction is noticeably lighter and stiffer than the Competition construction, while both have been similarly durable.
I definitely prefer the boat with thigh braces. They give me a stronger feeling of connection and control without needing lap belts or other restraining devices. I feel locked into the boat without being strapped in, which for me is an important safety feature. Even in very large, powerful surf, I’ve never been sucked out of the boat or felt that it was going to come away from me.
Only now, as I’m starting to push towards the top end of international competition, am I wondering whether I might eventually want something a little more radical, with even more speed and drive. The fact that it has taken nearly four years to reach that point says a lot about the Spirit.
Overall, I’d describe it as a genuine do-everything surf kayak: high performance, confidence-inspiring, durable, forgiving and versatile.
Remember when I first jumped in it and I literally felt my surf kayaking skills went up a level. Positioning on waves, aggressive but forgiving, don’t even know how that works but it does!! Super fun, fast round sections, holds a line, comfortable which for me at 6”2 is tough. Just an unreal craft, can put it where you want it and it will just excel if you let it! Love it, easy 5/5 stars, easy!
The spirit has been a game changer for my surf kayaking. After struggling with all sorts of second hand boats that were too big, too slow or just horrible to paddle. The spirit is fast and predictable. With a lower volume than previous boats it’s easier to move, easier to punch out and easier to roll. I love how much grip it has on the rail and will still flat spin 360 when I want. It’s a cut back beast!
What an awesome boat...I was made up with my enigma but when I paddled the spirit I couldn't believe how much faster down the wave it was...and how forgiving!Handles everything from the south coast slop I regularly paddle to the bigger steeper stronger waves of croyde and just seems to take it all in its stride...love it,awesome boat!👍
Choosing a surfkayak has always been a trade off, a compromise.
Until the Spirit.
The Spirit has ultimate down the line speed on large or small waves, tremendous agility and turning capability, and huge performance above the lip.