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.
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
There are already plenty of Epic and Stellar boats here in RI. I’d be most interested in how this boat compares speed-wise to the Epic V8.
Thanks for the review FP, trying one of these out next week. As a beginner, it ticks a lot of boxes.
Hi i have this S18S and would recommend to anyone fantastic for play at beach or river long paddles ie Winter Murray Marathon 208 klms over 3 days as I competed in this and fatigue wise I felt pretty good each day very comfortable and as for speed past the Epic V8 each day and left in my wake but all in all it depends on whose paddling have had the Epic at beach along with my S18S and both really much of a much except the S18S has two hatches and can carry a lot of gear that stays dry abd a bit easier to get back into