# Stellar S18S

> Surfski by Stellar. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/stellar-s18s/
> Cite as: Stellar S18S, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/stellar-s18s/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 5.48 m
- Beam: 51.2 cm
- Deck height: 33.7 cm
- Layup weights: Alpha 12.5 kg, Excel 13 kg, Multi-Sport 15.4 kg, Advantage 16.1 kg, Ultra 11 kg
- Usually paddled by: Paddlers in chop

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability rated 9 out of 10 (traced hull, medium confidence).
- Speed rated 6 out of 10.

Modelled from this hull's traced beam and depth at its design weight. Medium confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight.

These ratings are Surfski Index estimates, worked out from published dimensions, traced hull shapes where we have them, and reviews. They are not supplied by the maker or timed on the water. How a ski feels depends on your weight, skill, set-up and the conditions, so use them to shortlist skis and paddle one before you buy. Method: https://surfskiindex.com/how-it-works/#limits

Evidence note: This band is based on a trace of this hull’s geometry. Qualitative context includes 3 paddler reports and 10 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 79–92 kg, broader estimated guide 65–96 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
Flatwater to moderate ocean chop and downwind; ideal for sea-kayakers transitioning to ski. Stable enough for beginners, still fun for advanced in a blow.

## Hull
Long waterline with flat-ish hull edges and a broadly rectangular, high-volume mid-section giving strong primary stability. G2/G3 narrowed the bow and enlarged the cutaways for a cleaner catch; wide secondary rails (2-3") make it very forgiving. Two sealed hatches add expedition volume.

## What works
- Exceptional stability for its length/speed class
- Fast and long-running for a stable ski
- Expedition hatches = touring/overnight capable
- Spacious comfy cockpit, cushioned handles, easy rudder swaps
- Excellent remount

## Trade-offs
- Limited glide between strokes vs narrower race skis
- Wide turning radius
- Slower than sportier narrow skis (V8Pro beats it on flat TT)
- Fiddly pedal-tension system
- Heavy in Advantage layup (~16kg)

## Generations
- 2012-2018: G1: original 18' stable tourer-racer, flat hull edges + rectangular mid-section = huge primary stability but limited glide. 18'x21" (5.5m x ~53cm).
- 2018-2019: G2 (2G, Aug 2018): sleeker hull, enlarged cutaways, narrower/sharper bow for tighter catch, more forward CoG + optimised rocker for wave-catching. Faster, 'more lively' than G1, stability retained.
- 2019-: G3 / renamed 'Osprey' (S18S EXP): current expedition-spec with two hatches (~39L bow + 90L stern). 5.48m x 51.2cm. Marketed as flagship stable fast tourer-racer. Hatchless S18SX variant offers lighter Ultra layup ~11kg.

## What paddlers say
- 'One of the most stable surfskis of all time... will kick you back upright' but glide/pace trailed a narrower V8Pro (8:26 vs 8:05 mile) (Robert Norman, K2non Paddle School, G1 Excel)
- G2 'more lively than the 1G', very fast for class, ~6.4-6.9mph flat TT, tipped for sub-3hr Blackburn in light layup (SurfSkiRacing.org)
- 'Extremely well built, strong, durable, both fast and stable... forgiving for sea-kayak converts' (Paddling.com reviewers)

## Sources
- https://stellarkayaksusa.com/S18S-surf-ski
- https://surfskiracing.org/2018/08/new-2018-stellar-s18s-2g/
- https://www.k2nonlinepaddleschool.com/post/surfski-gear-review-stellar-s18s-gen-1-excel
- https://paddlingmag.com/boats/kayaks/stellar-18-kayak/
- https://www.paddleshop.com.au/products/stellar-18-surf-ski-s18s/
- https://paddle2fitness.com.au/shop/stellar-surf-skis/
- https://paddling.com/gear/stellar-18-surf-ski-s18s-g2
- https://stellarkayaks.com.au/S18S-surf-ski
- https://paddlezone.com.au/products/stellar-ski-s18s
- https://www.stellarkayaksusa.com/images/Stellar_Kayaks_Price_List_2026.pdf

## Prices
Current new prices and dealers: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/stellar-s18s/#buy