First Look: Stellar S18S Crossover Surfski

Stellar S18R surfski

In the surfski arena the biggest barrier to growth of the sport at the bottom end is the inherent instability of ocean skis. A few brands have started to address this with surfskis featuring hull shapes with kayak-like width and stability, opening up the market and helping new paddlers try the sport for the first time, and I’m excited to see that Stellar has joined the fray with their new design, the Stellar S18S.

Stellar S18R cockpit

The Stellar S18S is wider than my Stellar SR, a touch shorter, and features a number of additional features not always found on other surfskis (an in-seat drink bottle holder plus front and rear storage hatches for starters). By all accounts it looks like a great beginners boat or crossover boat for kayakers wanting  a little more speed and downwind ability.

I’ve yet to see one but they have officially landed in Sydney. Gavin from Slipstream Surf has just done a good ocean-side test off Malabar, written a review of the S18S’s performance, and made the video below. I’m looking forward to testing the ski in some surf as soon as I can, and will report back once I do. In the meantime, here’s Gav’s video teaser for you. Cheers, FP

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