# Stellar SES

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

## Specifications
- Length: 6.2 m
- Beam: 41.6 cm
- Deck height: 35 cm
- Layup weights: Alpha 10.2 kg, Excel 11 kg, Advantage 14.2 kg, Multi-Sport 15.2 kg
- Usually paddled by: Racers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability rated 5 out of 10 (traced hull, medium confidence).
- Speed rated 9 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 2 paddler reports and 5 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 76–88 kg, broader estimated guide 62–92 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
Flatwater racing through ocean downwind for confident advanced/elite paddlers; rewards good balance in chop and runners, punishing for novices.

## Hull
Narrow elite hull (41.6cm beam) with a fine narrowed catch and low-volume cockpit; same fast below-waterline shape as Stellar's flagship elite but scaled down in volume and paddler position for lighter paddlers (90kg capacity). Low, sharp bow, minimal freeboard.

## What works
- Excellent speed-to-stability ratio for smaller/lighter paddlers
- Purpose-built low volume so light paddlers actually sit in it properly
- Full elite speed, tracks and glides well
- Wide layup range from 10.2kg Alpha to durable 14.2kg Advantage

## Trade-offs
- Tippy - genuinely elite/advanced only
- 90kg weight cap rules out heavier paddlers
- Elite pricing at top layups
- Low volume means wet ride in big water

## Generations
- 2010-2015: Gen1 (G1) - original Stellar Elite Small, released 2010 as first elite ski purpose-built for lighter/smaller paddlers
- 2016-: Gen2 (G2) - narrower rounded/tapered bucket, seat and rudder moved forward, reduced cockpit/footwell volume, lower gunwales for easier remount

## What paddlers say
- Wesley Echols: near-perfect speed/stability combo for small-to-mid paddlers, low hump, one of the best-performing skis on speed/stability ratio for an advanced paddler (surfskiracing.org)
- AU Gumtree seller: 'SES G1 excel layup, fast ski, very good condition' 6.1m/42cm/11.2kg (gumtree.com.au)

## Sources
- https://www.stellarkayaks.com/SES-surf-ski
- https://stellarkayaks.com.au/SES-surf-ski
- https://www.paddleshop.com.au/products/stellar-elite-small-ses/
- https://surfskiracing.org/2010/10/stellar-ses-review-by-wesley-echols/
- https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-kayaks-paddle/stellar+ski/k0c20025

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