Last saturday at the Balmoral Blast in Sydney I had the exciting task of covering the Australian launch of the new Stellar SEI surfski. Slipstream Surf owner and paddler Gav Clark brought down a still-wrapped SEI for people to try out whilst Wet Fitness coach and Team Stellar paddler Matt O’Garey had travelled down from Coffs Harbour to be at the launch and to give a free paddling skills session to the Blast paddling crew.
On a beautiful Winter’s morning all the paddlers attending had a chance to get a good look at the new Stellar SEI, compare it to the rest of the Stellar range and then watch as Gav pushed it through it’s paces during the Blast time trial. The SEI has already gathered considerable interest as it’s been added to the Stellar range to fill the gap between the stable Stellar SR and the performance range of the SE, SEL & SES. This will put the SEI squarely up against the Think Evo II, the Fenn Swordfish and the Epic V10 Sport.
It’s too early to make a call on the SEI but it certainly looks the goods. After his paddle Gav was as excited as a kid with a handful of chocolates, claiming it ran beautifully on runners but had ample stability for rougher conditions. It certainly looks like it’s going to excel in the rougher conditions and with that in mind I’m very much looking forward to my own test paddle & surf in the coming weeks.
Until then, enjoy the photos and keep your eyes out for the Stellar SEI on a waterway near you. Cheers, FP
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Shame there is no Stellar distributor over this part of the world. Fenn is almost completely monopolising the market in the Middle East.
Hi
Just came across this website.
Iam interested in the SEI to replace my Evo1. The Evo 1 has been dissapointing only by it’s construction, which is weak. Paddling in the sea (where it belongs) is developing soft spots and sounds like it will break paddling out over the waves (not the breaking waves). So Im looking for a stronger ski.
Any idea how strong the Stellars are for real ocean paddling? Not just down wind.
Also I saw the review on the Hayden Fat Boy. Would you have any insight on the difference between these skis? Handling speed, stability,dryness and strength.
Word is we should not carry a ski on the shoulder, I think that is a bit lame. There hard enough to carry as they are.
I look forward to you response.
Cheers
Paul
Hi ,
I am interested in your assistance if you can.
I have a Stellar SR Sport layup and would like to transition into another level.
The Boats that I have to consider are the Think Ion which I have paddled and the Stellar SEI which is what I am writing to you about.
Have you got any insights into the SEI as a transition from the SR, I currently paddle 12 to 20 Kilometers twice per week mostly in the open waters of the Bramble Bay near Sandgate Brisbane Queensland.
I am normally quite good in the choppy conditions and have a reasonable level of ability however the Think Ion did dispatch me in some slight chop and winds.
My Paddle mate has the SEI and I like it but will have to paddle it for my own assessment of course. Maybe the Think EVO 2 is much of what I already have.
What do you think of the EVO 2 / ION / SEI?