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263craft

Stellar · Surfski

Stellar SES

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.

Length
6.2 m
Beam
41.6 cm
Deck
35 cm
Lightest
10.2 kg
 
 
Stellar SES, studio side profile
studio side profile · stellarkayaks.com

Specifications

Length
6.2 m
Beam
41.6 cm
Deck height
35 cm
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
Racers
New price
Not listed new

Layup weights

Alpha10.2 kg
Excel11 kg
Advantage14.2 kg
Multi-Sport15.2 kg

On-water profile

Stability
5
Traced hullMedium confidence
Speed
9

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. How we rate.

Stability here means how steady the ski feels sitting still on flat water. Where two craft have overlapping ranges, we can't say which is more stable. Downwind handling is a separate thing, covered in the evidence note below.

Evidence note

This band is based on a trace of this hull’s geometry. Qualitative context includes 2 paddler reports and 5 linked sources.

Speed is also checked against the traced hull. Measured from this boat's side and plan photos, the shape alone rates 9, and the score shown is moved a third of the way toward that. What that means.

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

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 76–88 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 62–92 kg. This estimate is a guide, not a limit. Seat fit, conditions and paddling style matter. Lighter paddlers can still enjoy a larger hull, especially downwind. A test paddle is the best check.

Estimated from hull dimensions using a formula fitted to makers’ own paddler limits. It does not establish the designer’s intended paddler weight. How this is worked out.

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

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • 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

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)Reported experience
AU Gumtree seller: 'SES G1 excel layup, fast ski, very good condition' 6.1m/42cm/11.2kg (gumtree.com.au)Reported experience

Where to buy

Stellar Kayaks ↗

Dealers:

Stellar Kayaks Australia · AU ↗

No current Australian or US entry-layup price is confirmed. Older figures remain in archived dealer material; ask a dealer for availability and a quote.

Sources

BetaRatings are estimatesRatings are estimates. How we get the numbers. Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.