The Vela High-Performance OC1, Designed for All Conditions
A Perfect Balance of Surf and Flatwater Performance
The Vela OC1 canoe offers an ideal blend of surf and flatwater capabilities, giving paddlers the best of both worlds. By integrating design elements from both the Ares and Draco models, the Vela provides ease in catching bumps and extending glide, no matter the conditions. Whether you’re a beginner looking for stability or a seasoned paddler seeking speed, the Vela’s optimized design is suited for all skill levels. This streamlined, efficient canoe makes it easier to stay in motion with minimal effort, delivering smooth, satisfying performance on flat water while retaining the agility needed for surf.
Precision-Tuned for Unmatched Glide
Crafted by Kai, a leader in canoe design, the Vela embodies refined craftsmanship for peak performance. Inspired by the flatwater success of the Draco and Kai’s well-known surf prowess, the Vela features a uniquely blunt nose and pinched bow, with a lower volume than the Ares. This combination reduces drag, allowing for an effortless glide on flat water without sacrificing surf handling. The Vela’s carefully balanced design delivers a responsive paddling experience that can adapt to changing water conditions, so paddlers can tackle both serene and challenging waters with confidence.
Enhanced Comfort and Connection for Every Paddler
Designed for superior comfort and control, the Vela features a deeper footwell and slightly raised gunnels, keeping water out and creating a more secure feel. The ergonomic seating position and wider seat well provide optimal support, accommodating a wide range of paddler heights. With its longer cockpit and enhanced connection to the canoe, the Vela allows paddlers to maintain powerful strokes and enjoy a comfortable, balanced ride, even on long-distance outings. The Vela’s thoughtful design ensures every paddler feels locked in and ready to take on any water.
Rudder Options
It has a covered self-centering rudder mechanism that keeps the canoe moving straight when the paddler stops pressing the pedals – especially important in the unlikely case that your cable breaks mid-paddle. And you can choose from 6 prepreg carbon-titanium rudders to fit conditions: from a 4″ for minimal drag in the flat to an 11″ for grip in the biggest conditions, plus swept-back options to keep weeds off.
Outriggerzone Construction: Kai Wa’a
The Vela, built by Outriggerzone is crafted as a single, seamless piece, eliminating weak points like glue lines and significantly reducing weight.
Built with aerospace-grade prepreg carbon fiber, this advanced construction method uses resin that’s heat-cured directly into the material. This precise process ensures optimal weight control, eliminates unnecessary fillers, and delivers a canoe that retains its shape and rigidity over time, offering unmatched durability and performance.
Standard Model and Pro Model
Technology:
Standard: Average Weight:
| Bare Hull | 16.9 lbs 7.67 kg |
| Hull Weight | 18.2 lbs 8.27 kg |
| Rigged Weight | 24 lbs 10.87 kg |
Description:
When designing a Standard Vela OC1, you can choose from 16 color options for the hull, ama, and logos, allowing for any color combination you’d like. You also have the option to add customizations, including a deck-hull split, a colored cockpit, and graphics—either from our catalog or your unique designs.
Each Standard comes equipped with fitted dust covers for the hull, ama, and iakos.
Pro: Average Weight:
| Bare Hull | 15.1 lbs 6.85 kg |
| Hull Weight | 16.4 lbs 7.45 kg |
| Rigged Weight | 22.2 lbs 10.05 kg |
Description:
Vela Pro models are on average 1.8lbs|0.82kg lighter than Standard models. The layups are nearly identical, with most of the weight reduction achieved by applying minimal paint and sanding it down to a thin layer, giving the Pro its distinctive “sanded-through” appearance. As a result, Pro hulls are available in only five colors: Pro Grey, Pro White, Pro Blue, Pro Green, and Pro Yellow, and customization options are limited to the cockpit and logo colors. However, the ama and iakos can be customized in any color, unlike standard models.
Each Vela Pro also includes an extra rudder and UV-resistant, fitted marine canvas covers for long-term outdoor protection.
Technical Information
| Brand | Kai Wa’a Outrigger Canoes |
| Intended Use | All Condition Paddling |
| Paddling Level | All Levels |
| Type | OC1 |
| Material(s) | See Technology |
| Length | 20′ 11″ 6.394 m |
| Width/Beam | 16.25″ 410 mm |
| Nose Width | 7.75″ 199 mm |
| Tail Width | 8.75″ 222 mm |
| Paddler Size | NA |
| Rudder Design | Optional |
| Ama | 3.0 |
| Ama Setup Options | Single Left Side |
| Available Colors | Standard 16 colors / Pro 5 colors |
Kai Wa’a 3.0 Ama
The Vela is equipped with the popular Kai Wa’a 3.0 ama, first introduced with the Draco in late 2021 and included with all Ares models produced since. Designed with less rocker and a more balanced volume distribution than its predecessor, this ama offers additional stability when needed, all while maintaining a lightweight profile.
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