Many paddlers first laid eyes on Stellars latest surfski, the (Stellar Elite Assassin) at the 2018 Downwind Championships (the Gorge). I saw the pictures taken at the Gorge of this ski paddled by Stellar team rider, and elite paddler Ian Black. Needless to say I was very intrigued. Dave Thomas came down for a local summer race and a few of us got to try it in the wavey conditions at the University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Coastal Institute, on Narragansett Bay.
After my 20 minute paddle, I came away thinking this ski was different from the rest of the Stellar line, namely the SES 2G, and I would enjoy paddling it so I ordered one two weeks later. Others gave the SEA a quick spin in the two foot seas that included Chris Quinn, Greg Lesher, and Dave Grainger. Chris was particularly impressed with the stability having raced his V12 and V14 this past season. Having paddled the Stellars more than any brand since I introduced the Stellar surfskis back in 2010, I was curious to see how this ski differed from the advanced skis SES and the SEL.
While the seating/ergonomics on this ski was poor, the hull shape was outstanding. This ski still rates as having the best stability/speed ratio of any ski on the market. Easy to remount too!
History and perspective
Over the years, I have been known to try and buy. This is a gross understatement. I bought, sold, paddled, raced, reviewed, many, many surfskis since 2003 as evidenced by my Surfski Comparison chart, soon to be updated for 2019. Last year, I became a Think Dealer for various reasons, so full disclosure here. Like my six years at Stellar, it does not preclude me from buying and reviewing other brand of skis. Currently in the garage/basement are (3) Ions, (3) Evos, (1) 560 ML, (2) Uno, (1) V10L, (2) Zens, and Nelo Viper 46. Paddling, racing, buying skis is all fun for me. It keeps me fit, engaged, and where I want to be; on the water paddling as fast as I can, or training to paddle fast as I can.
Mohican, Fenn Makos 6, Fenn XT, Right side: Huki S1R, Evo(1G original), Kayak Pro Jet, hanging in top right is stern of Prijon Fly.
The boats I train and race in, are important to note as a reference point for paddlers, because that translates into my perception of stability. If you paddle nothing but advanced skis, or drive nothing but sport cars, or run/race/train in cold weather or hills, that changes your perspective. Remember, Des Linden, 2018 Boston Marathon Champ. She lives and trains in the cold, windy winters of Michigan so when the those conditions presented itself in Boston from the start in Hopkinton to Boylston Street, she gritted it out like no other racer that day!
As I like to say “we are all products of the water we train in”. Since I have access to both flat water, small bay conditions, and ocean, I employ a mix of skis. Our New England races cover the above conditions so it is fun to mix and match my skis for the conditions and my skill level. I could get away with 3 skis I suppose, one for pure flat water, one intermediate ski, and a more stable advanced ski but how much fun would that be!
So over the past two and half years, I have spent most of my time in one of my Evos, Ions, Uno, and the two previous years prior to that, in my SEL 2G or SEI 2G. I have reviewed/owned others ski over the past two years: Think Zen, Stellar S18S 2G, Nelo 550L, Nelo 560ML, Nelo 560M, Ion 3G, V12 2G and demo the V10 3G.
We don’t have much smooth downwind, so much of my paddling is grinding it out on Narragansett Bay or enjoying the small bay conditions where I live on the Sakonnet. I spend six months in a drysuit and pogies so that should give you some idea of my seasonal conditions and my respect for not venturing out too much during the winter in the advanced skis, hence the title “SEA Flat Water Review”.
SEA, 60 miles and still going
Having said all that, my impression after 60 miles of flat water, very small bay conditions, paddling in the SEA is very similar to that 20 minute initial paddle: I really enjoyed it for the following reasons: redesigned/rounded and comfortable bucket, impressive primary stability, excellent tracking, virtually no side to side rocking upwind or downwind for someone at my skill level. All this in a ski with a 16.3 inch beam!
So let’s start with the specifications and description from the Stellar website: https://www.stellarkayaksusa.com/SEA-stellar-elite-assassin
The all new Stellar Elite Assassin (SEA) has raised the bar in the Stellar Elite Series. Designed from the ground with elite and advanced paddlers in mind, paying tribute to the original Elite skis, but modernizing some features to increase comfort and performance. The bow has the narrowest waterline profile in the Stellar line. The bow deck has been refined to shed water more actively and keep the Ski on the surface. The waterline length has been increased by plumbing, narrowing and changing the rocker profile of the bow compared to other Stellar skis.
As an advanced paddlers ski the depth of the cockpit and the freeboard behind the cockpit have been increased to provide a drier ride. Stern rocker profile and shape has been modified to increase control and maneuverability whilst surfing or tight turns. The rudder has been moved forward to improve functionality and performance in different conditions. The CofG (cockpit) has been moved forward allowing for a tighter catch, compared to other Stellar Elite skis, linking runs has never been so easy. The new ergonomics of the seat reduces chafing points for hours of comfortable paddling.
Length: 20′ 4″ / 6.195 m
Beam: 16.3″ / 41.4 cm
Depth: 13.8″ / 35.1 cm
Paddler: 5′-6’3″ / 1.5-1.9m
Capacity: 210 lbs / 95 kg
Adjustments
Shortly after I got my SEA home, I made my usual adjustments to virtually all my Stellars: I flipped the footplate bracket to increase the angle of the footplate for better leg drive, then I added a barrel adjuster for easier toe pedal adjustments. I also added some non slip padding on the footplate and toe pedals to decrease coldness on feet during my winter paddles. I tested the fit of some of my other Stellar rudders, namely my modified 6 inch Stellar rudder and my Stellar 4 inch. They fit with a very then rubber washer added. Lastly, I applied the first coat of wax to keep it scratch free loading it from the car to the water (no laying it on the beach).
What’s in a Name?
As I was making my personal adjustments to the SEA, I was thinking about the name. Why name a boat the Assassin? In today’s times of USA gun violence and no “common sense gun laws”, I would have come up with a different name like Stellar Elite “Glide”, “Smooth”, “Arrow”, “Buttermilk”, “Molasses”, all which would denote this ski as smooth, narrow, and a ski you want to paddle. Anyway, I could not write this review without addressing the name. I simply refer to it as the SEA. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching action thriller movies about CIA operatives (assassins) like Jason Bourne, Denzel Washington (Equalizer 1 & 2)and reading the series of Mitch Rapp books about the most feared CIA assassin in the world. These guys can get it done like no others. I suppose in this sense, the folks at Stellar were thinking the same thing about their newly designed ski. Maybe they too are Mitch Rapp fans? Who knew?
Fit
Like most of my reviews, I start with the fit and the bucket ergonomics. The SEA has a rounded bucket which is a departure from the semi rounded buckets on all Stellar skis. This bucket now is on par with many other skis as far as comfort and ergonomics. Leg drive is more intuitive with my hips moving nicely as apply pressure on the 3 point footplate.
I suggested for years that the buckets needed to be more comfortable. Not that the other buckets are uncomfortable, far from it. Only that the more comfortable and ergonomic a seat is whether it is a car seat, or office chair, the more you want you want to use it or in this case, paddle it. So the SEA is super comfy with a slightly higher seat to heel ratio than other Stellars. The seat is deeper so you feel you are “in” the bucket, but not so deep that you can’t get out or paddling uphill. Although, you need to practice your remounts to make sure you can get up and over the gunwale and find the reentry balance point on such a narrow ski.
I needed no padding for this review, but for summer paddling I may put a very thin piece of foam at the calf area. With such a narrow beam, there is little need to taper the footwell. The SEA has a more “relaxed fit” than my Ion and Uno. In my winter gear this can be a welcomed fit, kind of like changing from a relaxed fitted shirt(SEA) to a tapered shirt(Ion). Specifically, the calf area is not bumped out in the SEA like the Think skis, and the Think humps supports your thighs will maintaining a relatively low height. The hump as you can see from the comparative pictures is lower in the SEA. Both boats are extremely comfortable, just different.
The SEA has a narrow catch but not at the expense of stability. Sometimes brands including Stellar and others, get carried away with wanting to decrease the paddle entry at the expense of stability. While a narrow catch is ideal, it is often overstated by many paddlers. There are many skis that perform very well with a slightly wider catch. Adjust your paddle length by .5, 1, 2 centimeters and you will be fine. Truth be told, most paddlers are probably using a length too long for them without realizing it.
Sitting in the SEA cockpit, your view of the fore deck is one of a nicely shaped, rounded deck that flows effortlessly. This shape though subtle to most paddlers I imagined, adds a very elegant and relaxing touch. Also pleasing to the eye is the increase in bow depth from most skis. I took a comparison measurement to make sure. This plumb bow, not a V, like on most skis, is a departure in the Stellar line up.
Stability
My stability is pretty good so keep that in mind as you read this. I don’t want to over state the stability for intermediate paddlers. I have done this unintentionally in some reviews and some flat/ocean water paddlers realize the learning curve was too steep. Stability is relative with many factors as I have written about since 2010 so I am not going to belabor the finer points in the review.
So as you enjoy the fit, you are anticipating the roll/twitch of an advanced ski especially one so narrow. That anticipation is not forthcoming. The SEA has remarkable primary stability with little noticeable roll upwind or downwind. You can’t help but be impressed. A few more strokes and you begin to really believe it is true. As my title indicates, all my miles have been in flatter waters on the Sakonnet since air/water temps are in 30’s. I have used the 8 inch and my 6 inch modified Stellar rudders for my paddles. At least in the flatter conditions, to my surprise I did not notice significant decrease in stability when I used the 6 inch rudder. I could relax from the first stroke and enjoy the view. Going beam, quarter beam required more focus while learning how this ski reacts. Stability is still very good but you are now reminded that this is an advanced ski though the rocking motion is tamped down and the transition from side to side is predictable in beam conditions. On one Sakonnet paddled with little wind but with messy conditions from a previous storm, I was reminded of this, it requires attention in jobbly waters, like other advanced skis. Like most advanced skis, the margin of error for remounting is reduced compared to the intermediate and novice skis. So if you can paddle a ski in conditions but can’t remount it in 3 tries or less, you are living dangerously. A word to the wise!
Old Race Story Digression
As I write this I am reminded of a quote I am fond of saying “good intermediate paddlers and advanced paddlers can paddle most all skis on flat water. Ocean paddling is a whole different world.” Sounds obvious but many flat water paddlers struggle in the ocean and need a more stable ski.
I also am reminded that I am getting older, and my stability is not what it was, say in 2011 when I had my best year ever, racing surfskis. Perhaps my best race ever was the 2011 Double Beaver Race (12 miles), historically our toughest race, around the Beavertail Can (Mile 5) to Austin Hollow and back. Conditions were big and messy on the upwind leg and settled down on the back side and was sloppy downwind on the last return leg. I was even with the late Joe Glickman at the Beavertail Can(I had local knowledge, so better line) before Joe surfed away from me on the back side of the can and then opened up a substantial lead. I maintained my 2nd place and to this date, that was one of my best races ever in my slightly heavier Excel SES 1G at 27lbs. Those days are gone. Now on that same course, in similar conditions in the Stellar line up, I have been in a Stellar SR, or SEI. https://surfskiracing.org/2011/07/double-beaver-twice-as-hard-as-blackburn/
Speed
While the threshold for stability is subjected, speed can be measured and I have 15 years of GPS data on so many boats on the same course since 2003. For many of my previous full reviews, I would have the opportunity to extensively time trial, race, and do some interval work with paddling mates, but I received the SEA in late October at the end of our race season and winter is here. So I have only done some short time trials but enough that I am confident of the flat water speed. My time trials in October are almost identical to more recent time trials. So it will not come as a surprise that the SEA has advance speed, not the fastest ski in the class and not the slowest.
I did 2, back to back quarter mile (my pier to pier) intervals with my Ion 3G Ultimate (7 inch rudder) and the SEA (8 inch rudder). They were virtually identical under the same conditions and heart rate. Below is one of my Standard 1.63 time trials where I average 7.7 mph and was at near race heart rate. Since I have been paddling my Ion’s for the past 2.5 years, it is only natural that I would compare the SEA to it. Looking back on that Ion data, I had some excellent time trials, some in small (1-2ft) downwind summer conditions where the Ion shines. At this point in the winter, with less time to paddle, and cold temperatures, I will have to wait until spring for those conditions to fully test the SEA. Thus far, I have to work harder in the SEA to catch the small bumps. The overall glide and cruising speed of the SEA is noteworthy. I suspect it will be in the typical advanced speed range category for downwind, though it may need those bigger conditions to maximize its full potential.
With the rudder moved forward, turning is a breeze and it is very responsive with limited rudder input. You get the feeling that the stern is well planted and you are turning at that pivot point, the rudder, as the ski swings around. This is a slightly different feeling than other skis.
My Standard 1.63 Time Trial in SEA below.
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3111622013
SEA and Ion Pier to Pier Time trials back to back. You must look at the Splits to see they were not significantly different. See Below.
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3109218267
Summary
The SEA with the newly designed Stellar bucket is very comfortable and ergonomic by design. Orange is my favorite color so it checks that box too. The view from the cockpit looking over the nicely rounded top of the deck is soothing. It maneuvers very smoothly and without a hitch on flat water especially upwind and downwind in light conditions with superb primary stability for an advanced ski. Be mindful, it still is an advanced ski! I like skis that track well without much rudder input and the SEA certainly accomplishes that while feeling planted at all times. With more time in the bucket in the spring and summer, I am sure I will gain more confidence in bigger conditions without worrying about cold temps and reentry. The build quality on the my SEA is excellent which is no surprise. Speed on flat water is similar to other advance skis and I would place in squarely in the middle. I look forward to paddling it in my typical 1.5-3ft seas on the Sakonnet this spring to fully appreciate its downwind capabilities. So similar to my 1st impression of the SEA, I very much enjoy paddling it and many of you will too.
PS. My suggestion for Stellar would be to incorporate a SEA cockpit into the SEL 1G with lower gunwales for easier remounting, move the rudder forward by one inch, leave the hull alone and Shazam they would still have the best speed to stability ratio of any ski on the market with a great bucket. Who could argue with that?
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