The Mystery Behind The 2022 Stellar S-16 G2

[@rickquist3992]

Folks like you are the front line ambassadors of our sport. You represent the activity and equipment in an easy to understand manner. I appreciate the time and effort that you put into this channel. Thanks Dude!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

🙏 thanks Rick.

[@jeepzj2.0]

Absolutely great introduction to me with the brand!

[@pabloenriquetirabassi7060]

Beautiful and illustrative video. You show that not only in the sea can you enjoy kayaking. Here in Buenos Aires, Argentina, we have a large delta with a wide variety of landscapes and situations for kayaking and there is always something new to enjoy and learn! Thank you!!

[@themopedman2011]

You essentially got me into kayaking! I watched a lot of your videos several times before deciding to pull the trigger on a used boat. Now I have my Tsunami 145 and it was one of the best decisions I've made.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That’s awesome!! Tsunami is a great boat.

[@burple65]

Yeah, Dan's videos influenced my buying decisions for my wife and I. When we first wanted to get into kayaking, I decided on the Eddyline Skylark for myself and the Sky 10 for her, mostly based on Dan't KZbin videos. But we couldn't find any Eddylines... So after watching his video on $500 kayaks from Dick's Sporting goods, we bought two Pelican Mustangs just so we could get on the water until the Eddylines were available. Then it was the Eddyline Sitka, and wife and I now have one of each.

[@keithmoriyama5421]

@@burple65 The Pelican's were a blessing in disguise. It gave you the experience and knowledge to find exactly what you wanted.

[@gearhed79]

I love how every time I start looking into a new kayak- boom, you've already got a video on the exact one I'm looking at! Thank you for the educational, and high-quality content!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You must have good taste. There are so many awesome kayaks that I’ve yet to try. The S-16 is still one of my favorites.

[@stevekuehnle8250]

Great video! I started using a Dagger Stratos 14.5S this year. I've learned to roll and several other advanced stroke techniques this season (I use a drysuit so there isn't really a season anymore). Always enjoy your videos.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That’s a fun kayak for sure.

[@billmilstead1473]

Just started paddling less than 6 months ago. Your website and videos were the first that helped introduce my family to the sport, specifically your box store kayak reviews. Fast forward and now we have 3 kayaks. Keep up the great work and the great channel! :) Almost forgot, I REALLY liked the different camera angles in this video! Good job!

[@arthudson81]

Great video Dan. Was feeling that stoke like I was right there with you. I've been looking forward to this review. Sweet kayak! Ive been wanting a S16 for awhile. Thanks!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

They are a blast. I’m a fan for sure

[@peteaberg1459]

Wow! Awesome video! Surfing standing waves with a 16' sea kayak, really shows the speed of the Stellar! Impressive and motivating. Thanks for showing us the Stellar S16 G2!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

My pleasure! I love this kayak.

[@justib1138]

Hi Dan, Richard and I just discovered you on KZbin and are enjoying all the new additions to kayaking. You are a great ambassador for the sport . Justine

[@HeadwatersKayak]

So nice to hear from you! Much love to you both. I’d love to see you guys!

[@arf2184]

Love watching your videos. My family and I paddle recreational kayaks. We usually take 3 dogs and a cat when we go out on flat water. I'm looking to add a touring kayak in the future to hit some of the larger lakes and rivers in eastern Washington/north Idaho. I lived in Stockton as a kid and used to boat and fish the Delta and other lakes/rivers with Dad as a kid. It's fun to hear him say "Hey we used to fish there" or "hey, I know where that is" when he walks in while I'm watching your videos.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That’s awesome. Your in a great area now.

[@garyhakala5168]

I used to keep my kayak on my truck 24/7 and would paddle ( inland ) several nights a week after work. Those were good times. Inspiring video!

[@davefields2881]

Been watching your channel for a long time ... absolutely love it. Having fished kayak tournaments for a couple years, I've graduated to a trailer and a spotlock motor. While those things are useful, I miss paddling. My goal in '23 is to get back to basics. I'll be watching your channel closely to choose the right boat to cartop, paddle and fish. Thanks for the great content !!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Right on. Paddling is the real deal. No better way to get a workout that I know of.

[@swimrski]

I am in my first year in a kayak and totally loving it. Your channel has given me tons of good info, but equally importantly tons of inspiration. Next up for me is a dry suit so I can comfortably paddle around in the cold, wet PNW fall/winter/spring.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Right on! Thanks for the comment. Enjoy your first winter of paddling.

[@justib1138]

Hey Dan, Richard and I just discovered you on You Tube and we are so happy to see you there and with Eben too. Great info and we can’t believe how the sport of Kayaking had

[@tranquility9325]

I can't take the grin from of my face lol! So cool, thanks Dan!

[@chantallabelle8571]

I am a beginner padler. I rented kayaks few times last summer and i felt in love with the sport. Your channel inspired me a lot, even if unfortunately I am not in your area ( Quebec, Canada). I am looking to buy my first Kayak next summer. Following your video, I took a look of the Stellar website. The lightweight of these kayaks is very interesting for me. The compass 11 and the Stellar 12' Touring Kayak ( S12 ) seem both very interesting! Thank you for your excellent channel!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I like the ass 12 a lot. I think it’s one of the most well rounded recreational kayaks

[@chantallabelle8571]

What I also like about this kayak it’s the 2 hatches and 2 bulkheads. Few recreational kayaks have that. I must find a place to try the kayaks that I have on my list. There is so many interesting kayaks!! The Old Town Loon 120, The Old Town Sorrento 126SK and the Wilderness System Pungo were the first on my list. But after watching reviews, I added other interesting brands. The Eddyline Sandpiper 12, The Delta 12AR and now the Stellar ones. The weight of the Kayak is an important criterion for me. I must be able to put the kayak on the top of my car and easily move it from the parking lot to the water.

[@timgarland1414]

We found some nice kayaks on Facebook Marketplace and tried kayaking. Then we found your channel. Thanks for all of the information and sharing your joy. It's been helpful, and I'm sure I'm not alone in being inspired to enjoy what we have near our house. Thanks!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Most welcome to the sport. Where are you from?

[@timgarland1414]

Hah, Well I missed this for a while... We live in Connecticut near the Connecticut River. My wife did hop on the river with a friend late in the season.I think we'll try some river kayaking later this year!

[@timgarland1414]

@@HeadwatersKayak That reply sat for quite a while... Thanks and I'm from central Connecticut. It was a hard year for having time to kayak, but we're looking forward to much more paddle time in 2025!

[@wannabetraveler6595]

Dude, you make kayaking, like that, way easier than it is. I was brought to kayaking on a pedal kayak through you. I love getting out on the water, exercising and taking pictures. Keep up the great work.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I would say it’s not as hard as it looks. I love introducing people to sea kayaking, and showing them what’s possible in this long fast boats.

[@derekhanson9915]

You are a great teacher and reviewer. I gotta check this thing out! Thank you.

[@TerryW5379]

That was great to watch you showing your skills. Your face lit up afterwards with excitement. After your recommendation last year I bought a Pungo Wilderness 120.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’ve really been enjoying getting back into my long boats.

[@LifeisGood-ye8rl]

That is so cool. Am so jealous that you’re able to get a stellar in the US nowadays. My dream kayak would be the the s18 multi sport

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Nice. They are trying really hard to build stock. I have an S-18S I get to review soon. Very cool craft.

[@EddieJavierpr]

@@HeadwatersKayak I would really like to see you reviewing the Stellar S16S

[@steveprinty5674]

Thanks for taking us along for the ride Dan. I think I had better stick to the calmer waters of Lodi Lake/Moke River areas but I would love to demo the S14S sit-on-top if you bring some boats here!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I hope to have a fleet for demo next summer.

[@agmood]

Cool video and awesome paddling! Fun to watch from over here in the southeast...mostly tidal marshes and blackwater river kayaking for us. Haven't braved the ocean swells yet. Mainly commenting to say that your enthusiasm for the sport has definitely prompted me to get my son (7) involved. We have a tandem kayak now and he's the captain at the front of the ship. Maybe one day he'll be out there surfing, too. So - thanks for the content. We like it here in SC.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Stoked to hear about more young folks getting involved.

[@mikecoglione1308]

I tried the S16 a few years ago but BOY was it tippy, crazy tippy. Couldn't even get into it without flipping the boat I said no thanks. Even the S14 was a handful, had one for a couple years, tried to enjoy it but it was too scary. You could never stop or take a drink or a picture especially in any kind of wind. S12 is nice but kind of slow. Glad to have the 14 G2 (kayak) it's just right, not the most stable boat out there but stable enough that some chop won't make you feel like you will flip and die at any moment. Kudos to your skill level you really know what you're doing. Been paddling for 20 years, took all kinds of lessons, been told "you'll get better" but no balance never came. I think you're that good.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I think I was lucky to start as a kid and develop a natural intuition for being in a kayak.

[@mikecoglione1308]

@@HeadwatersKayak It definitely shows!

[@audreyryan3719]

Great video, Dan! Love your enthusiasm and skills and seeing back in your “roots”!

[@malachimontroy5962]

Sweet video! Thanks, Dan! I’ve got an S16G2 being delivered in March! Jazzed! This is the best video I’ve seen describing and showing the boat! Thank you! I’ve been paddling an Epic GPX Ultra, but wanted “more boat,” and Jeff Schnelle with Paddle Dynamics had helped me pick the S16! Can’t wait! Thank you for this overview; I am even more stoked now!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You should be. You’re gonna have a blast in that thing. Congrats!!🎉

[@paddlefaster]

I hope your got your boat from stellar. I'm still waiting for a carbon-fiber falcon I ordered 8 months ago. I was promised the end of January and here we are in June. I've been impressed with their products so I'm willing to wait. Still a little frustrating.

[@jdarms27]

Great video and highly informative and friendly. I've been away from the Central Valley for a few weeks and really miss home and while I've never seen that specific stretch of river, it looks like home, right down to the grey heron lifting off. We recreation paddle the Sacramento and the American and even up in Boise, and I've been jonesing for a new boat too...much to MY wife's dismay. 10:56....I saw that.

[@dsmt8703]

Awesome kayak and very talented paddling.

[@HurtCow]

This makes me want to learn the skills to deserve a boat like this. I love my Eddyline S-18 (that you met last week), but I really hope to expand my abilities so I can get out there and have fun beyond flat water, and not feel nervous about waves and current. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I suggest starting my paddling up currents in the river. I learned all my skills on the Lower American paddling upstream. Eventually you start to feel the eddylines catch you and learn how to work with them and you’ll gain a ton of boat control. There use to be a great wave just up from Watt Ave to the left of the island. I taught a ton of new paddlers to surf at that spot back in the day.

[@tantrictami]

I just brought home the same one in grey yesterday! I'm so excited to get on the water with it.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Enjoy!

[@nearperfecthome1043]

Great video as always mate. Your enthusiasm is very infectious indeed! I hope to pop over the pond and meet you one day. Stay safe and please take care!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Let’s do it! Paddlers Rendezvous next July in Bend Oregon. Come hang!

[@1789ep]

Such a great channel. Looking for a boat for my wife and i am learning so much here!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Love hearing that!

[@Em44mag]

That was AWESOME! That wave looks nasty. I think about the 3-4 little waves I’ll see on the weekend all week while at work. Doesn’t always work out but it’s my very favorite thing to try do on the river. lol

[@tedgraves6366]

You're a great teacher. . . Good Times!

[@alangross2277]

Awesome video, like usual! I can't wait to pick up the two Aventura 125's, I bought from your shop, so I can get back into paddling the awesome Sierra Lakes we have around the Reno, Lake Tahoe area. Hopefully we'll have plenty of water and no fires this coming Spring and Summer.

[@locomotivebreth1910]

I have the Stellar S16S multisport for several years now and I love it.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thats fantastic. It's been a great kayak for me.

[@keithirtenkauf5563]

Great adventure, great video! Looks like a beautiful boat. Thanks for continuing to produce great kayaking content!

[@suegary6993]

Really nice review helping me find the right boat and this is a contender

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Right on. What other kayaks are you looking at?

[@suegary6993]

@@HeadwatersKayak Epic 16x, a discontinued model and Swift Saranac 15 LC

[@suegary6993]

@@HeadwatersKayak Epic 16x a discontinued model, and Swift Saranac 15 LC

[@MrMmiguel13]

Great job and love your videos! Really made me and my fiancé want to get into kayaking. We’ll be seeing you soon for a couple of boats!

[@roadrunnerfirebird]

Greetings from Germany. Nice Weekend. Thx for the Checkout. 👍

[@vidiot9000]

You inspired me to buy this kayak! I’ve never owned one, so I’m so excited to get one

[@katiebethhughes7688]

You’re so impressive to watch Dan! Nice boat ❤️

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@shawneetree1440]

Bought this boat largely because of this vid. Mostly upstream paddling on a semi bony local river. Love it! Thanks!!! A little more toe room for size 11 bottles would be cool. No REAL complaints though. Killer boat!!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Right on I’m glad we steered you right.

[@pgson8929]

What a fantastic finish and presentation on the boat. Would be cool if they had a bit more volume in the bow. Seems to bury too much. Maybe this would be a challenging boat in rough open water applications. Esp following sea. On another note I love watching you paddle. Very graceful and smooth transitions between different bow rudder positions and paddle strokes. I try to do this and fail. I make it very clunky some how.

[@auggiekp1]

i've been kayaking for about 2 years now, i started with your general 12 foot Pelican, recently picked up a clearwater design Algonquin, and while it is a great boat, it's quite heavy to carry. that said i've just put down a deposit on the high Volume sit in Stellar 14' Touring Kayak (S14 G2) - Advantage. getting it with the black hull, a bright green deck and orange stripe. very much looking forward to it, especially after seeing your two videos on the boat.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You’ll love the 14’ it’s a great all around kayak.

[@auggiekp1]

@@HeadwatersKayak thanks, I mostly kayak calmer rivers and lakes in the kawartha region

[@danerik.westerlind]

So awesome great video, just started a little kayaking, but been exploring my backyard for many years with sup. Multisport seems like a perfect material for rivers where I paddle but the stellar s16 is really expensive!

[@TheRiehlThing42]

Love watching your videos. Always very informative. I've been looking at a couple different kayaks, and think I've narrowed it down to a couple sit on tops, and one of those is the CK1. Turns out, you're the closest Crescent dealer for me. Thinking I'll need to do a trip from Portland down there and try out a CK1 in the Spring, and hopefully buy one from your shop And get a nifty sticker too.

[@ianrobinson4501]

That was a very entertaining video

[@bgphillips4239]

I really want to try this boat out, Dan! Let me know next time you have a chance to allow a demo on Lodi lake or in Folsom.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Will definitely have some for demo next spring in Lodi

[@burple65]

​@@HeadwatersKayak Thanks, Dan. Glad to see you back to making kayaking videos again.

[@billb3374]

Love the videos. I bought a used little Pelican 10 footer last July on a whim best money I ever spent. I've had it on every little lake in northwest Missouri.

[@timmclean5153]

Love your Videos you have inspired me to join the sport I have been a rafter for 30 + years and now I am going to move to rec Kayaking

[@HeadwatersKayak]

If you have experience on the water I encourage you to skip the rec category and look at light touring. The boats are much more enjoyable to use.

[@virginiabeachpaddlesports5034]

Great video! Thanks for posting this review! I love this boat too!

[@PascalSmyth]

They're sick kayaks. Great video.

[@EJ-ht9oh]

Great review indeed. These Stellar are really appealing. Have you tried the S16 G2 in open ocean conditions with swell and windy conditions ? Have you compared it with SI18 ?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I have used it in the wind and waves a ton. My favorite thing to do is go out in a storm and catch a surf downwind. It’s incredible. My only small complaint is when the surf gets really steep the rudder comes out of the water making it a bit for of a handful to control down a wave. I have not paddled the SI18 much, but I have spent most my life paddling more traditional style British kayaks. I still own a few like the Valley Aquanaut, and an Impex Assateague, but the 16’ is what lives on my truck.

[@wolfkayakingclubbahamasadv619]

Excellent review bro! I was wondering about how this boat really performs.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Nice glad it was helpful. Still one of my favorites.

[@adminadmin2753]

Got the same along with an Epic V8 Don't have your rapids here in Buffalo (except near Niagara Falls!) so its Lake Erie, the NIagara and other creek and river paddling but no action water unless the wind picks up or a boat conveniently passes with a nice wake. I agree the 16s is really fast. Maybe faster than my v8. Surfs whatever I can find around here nicely and keeps me dry when the water is still too cold for the surf ski.

[@derekhanson9915]

Can I ask you an important question on this boat? Stability ratings. How do you describe its primary and secondary? Thank you!

[@theoutdoordad7395]

Nice review! How does the composite material compare to thermoformed plastic in terms of performance and durability? Thanks!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’ll be doing a video soon! Great question. Lots to talk about but composites are more stuff, can be molded into more complex shapes, and are typically lighter. However thermoform is the best light weight to durability to value ratio. At Least Eddyline. Not all thermoform kayaks are created equal. Riot is very low quality, hurricane is also pretty flexy, and Delta is pretty good. Eddyline is the top of the heap though.

[@snowleopard1918]

Dan, How is the tracking with the rudder up? A salesperson at a local kayak shop, who says he’s paddled the Stellar 16 quite a bit told me the back end is all over the place with the rudder up. He’s smaller and lighter than you and I. We are about the same size and weight.

[@Merciuh]

A modular version of this would be absolutely fantastic like they have for the S14. Do you know if they're going to make one?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I hope so!

[@gadgets_and_gear]

Great video as always! I know you have tons of experience with the Eddyline series. How is the Sitka LT compared to the Stellar 16 aside from of course being a bit longer and lighter? Is the Stellar noticeably more efficient and faster for lake paddling in a straight line and how is stability compared between the two? Thinking about the Eddyline for flat water distance paddles (20 mi or so) but I also want a boat that will serve me well for a while and the weight/efficiency points seem important, but if it is not night and day perhaps not that important. Thanks!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Great question and maybe should be a future video. I've spent a lot of time in both kayaks, and recently paddled them back to back. The S-16 is noticeably faster in all ways. Faster to get to speed, and more efficient when it gets there. The Fathom would be a better comparison when it comes to speed. The Sitka is a more playful kayak. Easier to paddle without a skeg or rudder. Responsive to body English and loves to be edged. The Stellar is rudder dependent and if you don't have the rudder in the water it will wonder. If I was doing distances of 15+ miles I'd 100% take my stellar. If I was doing 5-10 miles with my local paddling club that averages 3-4MPH on a tour, I'd take the Eddyline. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@gadgets_and_gear]

@@HeadwatersKayak Awesome, thanks for the fast reply Dan. That addresses another question I was wondering as well - how much faster is the Fathom over the Sitka. It sounds like enough to make a difference over longer miles. Eddyline reps said it's mostly about better tracking, but it sounds like the waterline length adds speed as well. Much appreciated and yes, if you do decide to produce a comparison video that would be a treat. Thanks!

[@gadgets_and_gear]

Hey there again Dan - also curious on your 16 vs an 18. I know you said the 18 would be too big to surf, but have you done any side to side tests between the two sizes in regards to efficiency and hull speed (is the 18 really more noticeable in speed over a long paddle race)? I just wrapped 32 miles on my EL Sitka XT but would like a more efficient craft if I run that event again next year. Considering the S16 and may 18 based on your great experience so far.

[@PaulGPhotography]

Hi there, been looking at Surfskis but your video may just sway my decision. Great looking kayak too. Just out of interest roughly what average speed can you get on flat water medium effort. Cheers.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You know I don’t run a GPS. I have a S-18S that is faster no doubt, but I have more fun in the s-16

[@KP5264]

Hi, I am looking for a light weight kayak and the stellar 18 looks good. I notice that the nose of the boat spends a bit of time underwater on those waves. Where I paddle the waves get steeper and a bit higher. Can the 18 handle the steeper waves. How "delicate" is the Excel layup in terms of normal use?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Stellar kayaks in general will ride a bit lower in the nose for speed. An 18 will go deeper into a wave, but that doesn’t mean a 16 or 18 won’t handle waves. These boats handle conditions very well.

[@windsup2day]

Dan - How fast can the 16' go (mph)with great paddle and multisport hull? Is it a lot faster than the Eddyline Sitka LT?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I paddle both a ton. If you’re buying a Kayak just for speed the Stellar is a significantly faster boat. However the Sitka is a more traditional and versatile kayak. The best thing to do is to demo them both if it all possible. They are very different craft. The s-16 as a runner specific boat. You can’t really paddle it with a the rudder up. The Sitka paddles like a traditional kayak, and if you need better tracking down wind you have the Skeg.

[@windsup2day]

@HeadwatersKayak hi Dan, I am looking for the speed, but I also am trying to go lighter than Eddylines now. I actually am trying to stay out of that 40+ pound category. I have three Eddylines... my Fathom is about 50 pounds...love it ... but don't love the weight as I get older. The Sitka doesn't save a lot of weight. Any other suggestions? I would like to keep up with my partners Fathom (he doesn't mind the weight, and I often paddle without him.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

@@windsup2day check out the S-16 or the Intrepid. Both can come in well under 40lbs.

[@markgandy3270]

You will only grow to love this boat. I have a stellar s14s sit on top. The lightweight transporting and performance of these boats will make this your last boat. Enjoy.

[@JensHousley]

How does the haul hold up if you hit a rock? I see there isn't any gell coat to worry about, which is good

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It’s held up great. This kayak is going on 4 years old and it’s been paddled hard by myself and now a good friend. It’s lived its entire life on the Sacramento River near rocks. A couple of small spot repairs but all in all no damage to the layup itself.

[@scottburkhardt6859]

Great stuff. Cheers.

[@HectorColon45]

have you ever try the necky manitou 146R . i like to now your thoughts on it I just purchased one .is my first , kayak and it need a bit of tlc . like i just order the foot pegs . it has some niples in the inside and i will like to know more about it thanks for any info .

[@jeffcrews1213]

Great video. I’d like to know what length your BB angler navigator is. From what I’ve seen the shortest they come is 230cm. Is that what you’re using, or did you get a shorter one? Thanks

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I’m using a custom made 205cm

[@codycody792]

Love the channel! I just sold my boats before moving from Wa to the tx gulf coast and im searching for a new daily paddler. Very interested in the s16 and s14. My old reliable was an old dagger Atlantis and I’m looking for something lighter/faster/more maneuverable. I grew up paddling the Columbia River and Yakima river and will now be exploring the Colorado rv, bays and coastal waters of the Texas gulf coast. I’m 6’3 275lbs so mostly wondering if I could fit in an s16 or should I go with something wider. My dagger had a very accommodating cockpit 😂

[@fergusonto-2032]

Awesome video , I’ve just recently took a renewed interest in kayaking , My goal is speed , there’s several lakes around me here in south west Virginia & north east Tennessee , what kayak would you recommend ? Thanks for sharing

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Lots of good options out there. I prefer going as long, narrow, and light as possible for lakes. The S-16 is awesome for lakes. If you want to go even faster check out the 18!

[@snowleopard1918]

Looks like a fun boat, I’m 6’2” 235lbs, do you think I’d find it tippy, my current boat is a rounded chine P&H boat 23” wide. Do you find it tippy? Would size 13 booties fit in it? Thx Kevin

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You’re gonna be snug. You’re at the upper end of the boat. I’m 220 with size 12 and I fit it but it’s a performance fit.

[@jeepzj2.0]

Definitely inspiring!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Just did the same trip in the Stellar 14’ G-2. I’ll be sharing that review soon.

[@kirkmuffie7542]

Man that thing looks like a top fuel drag car. It just looks fast.

[@DrTommyDDS]

Any comparison between the surfski and the kayak? Namely, does the kayak resist capsizing more, because it's a sit-inside? I presume the surf ski doesn't edge as well, because it doesn't allow you to control the boat laterally, since you can't lock your legs to it.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Excellent question. For me it’s all about control. A ski will allow you to paddle more efficiently due to body position, but a kayak allows you to lock in and really become the boat. My most recent video compares a ski vs sea kayak in a indirect way, but you may find it helpful.

[@danijeldjukovic2156]

I am in the market for a sit-in kayak that is very stable on large mountain lakes. I paddle in the Pacific North West and take multi-day backpacking trips, so I carry 80-100 lbs of backpacking gear, so do you think this boat would be a good choice? Currently I have an older Easy Rider Dolphin (15ft w/ rudder), but my Dolphin has only rear dry hatch, so when I paddle it about 1/3 of my gear I have to put on the deck. The most important aspect for me is stability in windy condition. Here is WA large lakes (e.g. Ross and Chalen Lakes) tend to get windy in the afternoon. On my trips, I generally paddle 10-15 miles per day.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Sounds like you need to check out a big North American style kayak. So many good ones up there on the used market. Northwest Kayaks, Seaward, Current Designs Solstice GT to name a few.

[@danijeldjukovic2156]

@@HeadwatersKayak My problem is that I live in an apartment in Seattle and keep my kayak in a kayak locker located on Lake Union (Lake Union is a lake near the downtown Seattle), and my kayak locker is 17ft long. Thus, I need a boat that is under 17ft. Most great sea kayaks made here in our area are 17ft or longer (do not forget that rudder adds few additional inches of lengths. I found here in our area used in new-like condition Stellar 16 G2 at a great price, so was thinking about getting it.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

@@danijeldjukovic2156 maybe check out the Stellar kayaks S-14 high volume. It seems short but it’s a very fast kayak for its size. Fits large paddlers awesome.

[@danijeldjukovic2156]

@@HeadwatersKayak Thanks.

[@gradyrm237]

Enjoy. Great boat for a student of the sea. For 4K it better be the best.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

$4000 is middle of the road for composite kayaks. Real high end kayaks cost upwards of $6000 +

[@markmoreno7295]

There is a 15 footer and the intrepid. Any comparison?

[@dlburke1]

Thought about getting this boat,, just not to thrilled about where it’s made.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

China is making everything! I hear you for sure. Wish More folks could afford to make kayaks in the US.

[@flushot6513]

How you get out of that once you get in it so you seen that kayak thing on Netflix

[@antman3055]

I’m sold💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼🔥🔥🔥🔥 i love it and the upper body workout that you get amazing

[@hawjfamily321]

That was awesome.

[@matt4055]

What difference do you notice, if anything, about the more vertical bow entry of this boat vs. the more angled and aggressive bow entry like your progression.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Acceleration both on flat water or a wave. It’s a wetter ride, but carries its speed much better. Was worried how it would surf, but it did amazing. Like I said it’s opening my mind with each paddle.

[@matt4055]

All my kayaks have the more aggressive bow and was really wondering. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the intrepid when you get the chance to paddle it!

[@ibetrollintheybehatin6857]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but kayaking seems to be a lot like road biking-- the similarities are pretty comparable, like carbon road bikes are stiffer and have more control and are set up to slice air and get more power to the ground while aluminum roadies flex, much like a rotoplas yak and are more for beginner/mid-range users. I imagine, much like road bikes you can get a bike from REI for $500- or from Trek/Specialized for $12,000+ my only point is; they seem similar

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Very similar. Kayaks are way cheaper for top of the line.

[@joannewalker5395]

I couldn't wait for your formal video, and ordered an S-16 in August. Still waiting to hear from Ocean Flight if it has arrived.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Right on! He picked up a few boats last week, but I don’t think this S-16 was on that load. He has a bunch more coming in December. Where will you be paddling?

[@palicar]

🤙

[@firstnamelastname9013]

👏👏👍👍

[@tydengr]

stellar make best kayak boat.

[@WarthogARJ]

Nice video, but where's your helmet? Unless the rocks are so deep it's imposible to hit them, as well as zero chance of tipping over near shallower water, you should be wearing a helmet. Anytime you feel the need to put a skirt on in a sit-in, you NEED to put a helmet on. The two are linked together. Like you're wearing a vest, which implies you think you MIGHT fall in. And a skirt which implies you think water might come in. So if you fall over, then what? Can you imediately do a back-deck roll and get back up without evewn getting your hair wet? I don't think so. If you fall over, your head then goes from 1.5 m ABOVE the water to....1.5 meter's BELOW the water line. And you are held in, at least for a number of seconds by it being a sit-in complete with skirt. If this river is so unusual it's impossible to hit your head, then you should say that at the start. But it's still really bad form to show this to sea kayakers who decide to run some white-water, even just Class 1, in a sea kayak. Rather lose the knife (like why carry it? you don't have a throw rope from you or anyone else to get caught up in), and rather wear a helmet.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You suck.

[@johnpawlow]

Footrest is garbage