Best Lightweight Touring Kayak For Small Paddlers

Comparing two of our most popular ultralight touring kayaks designed for smaller paddlers. These low volume 14' kayaks bridge the gap between rec kayaks and sea kayaks making them the perfect for choice for paddlers looking to tackle large lakes, bays, slow moving rivers or anywhere where speed and glide is the priority. These scaled down kayaks make it easy for someone of a small stature to paddle without clipping their hands on the deck, to straining to connect with the kayak. Which one is best for you? Thats for you to decide. Share your thoughts in the comments or by connecting with us on Social Media. @HeadwatersKayak on all platforms.

Length: 13' 9"/ 4.2 m
Beam: 22' 2"/ 56.4 cm
Depth: 11.4" / 29 cm
Paddler: 5' - 6' / 1.5-1.87m
Capacity: 250 lbs / 110kg
Cockpit W: 16.9"
Cockpit L: 32.7"

Full Specifications
Length: 13'9" / 419 cm Width/Beam: 22.5" / 57 cm Depth: 12.5" / 32 cm Weight: 43 lbs / 19.5 kg
Cockpit Size: 31.5 x 16.5 / 80 x 42 cm Weight Capacity: 300 lbs / 136 kg Hatches: 2 Paddler Size: S/M

=========================================

Thank for joining us today

Please do not forget to subscribe and drop us a like!

=========================================

=========================================

[boblacourse]

I was at the Riverside Kayak store in Tempe last week. The owner was very nice and helpful. I looked at the Edyline and Stellar Kayaks. I am leaning toward the Edyline because of the high back seat. Waiting for owner to contact me for a demo. She mentioned you to me and told me she enjoyed working with you.

[waynekosaka]

Finally a comparison for smaller paddlers. I am 5'7" 135lbs slim build and have owned several kayaks including the Sitka LV. I switched to a band backrest and added just a little more padding for my hips and it is a perfect fit and it handled exactly as you described. Eddyline make a super kayak. I wish I had a chance to try the Stellar.

[HappyPaddlin]

Enjoyed this vid for such concise explanations of many important aspects and differences of design that these two kayaks feature. Well done!

[puffyelvis]

I just demo’d these two kayaks and they do indeed feel very different on the water.

The Eddyline was much easier to paddle in the direction I chose without use of the skeg. When I tried the Stellar S14 LV I was literally paddling in large circles as I tried to go straight since I was stronger on one side than the other and I’m a new paddler and my form shows it. The Stellar is very sensitive to your paddling form.

Once I put the skeg on the Stellar down, then it went straight as an arrow. I also found it to feel much faster. It felt like I was skating on ice, compared to the Eddyline.

All said, I loved both but for different reasons. If I want to develop perfect stroke technique and go fast, the Stellar will give me the feedback and speed I’m looking for. If I want a leisurely time out on the lake with the ability to lean back and relax for a bit, the high back on the Eddyline is perfect.

I ultimately decided to buy both. I got the Multisport version of the stellar since It could take more abuse if I ever take it on rapids, without any cost in weight.

I also like the customization I could get in terms of colors and options on the Stellar.

[patrickotoole]

Excellent video. Thank you. I have a Skylark now which I really like, but looking to maybe add an S14LV G2 MS to get lighter weight and feel more confident in intercoastal waters off New England. Tested one and liked it although cockpit a bit tighter & lower. Do you have any insight on how the Stellar handles intercoastal waters? Surf?

[Soonerorlater]

It is very nice to have some information for smaller paddlers! I am 5"3 and 125lbs, it is hard to find information about the fit of the cockpit. I was looking at the Feelfree Aventura 125 &140, would those boats suit a smaller paddler? Would I need to add some more padding? Love your videos, I've been learning so much, preparing to buy my first kayak! 🙏

[staceyhallal]

Thank you for this! I love the keyhole on the Sitka, but everything else about the Stellar (was looking at the mid-versions, not the LV). Ended up with the Stellar S14. I'm 5' 3" but too big for the LV. My hips are connected nicely and my feet feel good. I moved my seat up several inches, but I do miss that snug Sitka fit. I can engage my thighs in my Stellar if I really push them up to the braces. Is there anything I can do to improv my connection at the thigh? Or is that just the trade off between these styles of boat?

[JeffBrandt-pn]

Great comparison, thank you. Looking forward to getting out of our rec kayaks and into a real boat. At the paddle show in Madison, I learned that I'm wide across the hips. The Sitka XT was the only one I fit in comfortably.
Are there different seat options available? Difficult to retrofit?

[gbarnes]

Great review What do suggest for a similar feel for a 6’ 200lb intermediate kayaker? I have a Hobie for fishing but would like a faster slicker kayak when going with my recreational buddies. Thank you

[puffyelvis]

Thanks for this video, I’ve been looking at both as a first Kayak and can’t find anyplace to demo one…. For someone 5’6” 135 lbs would you recommend the Eddyline Sitka ST or LT? Or is it more personal preference, i.e roomy versus wearing the Kayak like a glove?

[YZ-exfo]

What do you think of Duralite plastic yaks from WS? Thanks.

[LJ-jqog]

Whats the "tallest height " person generally that would fit in those kayaks ?

[hugocarvalho]

have you done professional kayakingif u didnt you should try its very fast but unstable

[THE-RIVER-RAT]

I have looked at the Steller before and I would love one. Unfortunately I have Zero storage as I live in a first floor apartment. Great information and a couple of great Yak's 👍👍Nice one matey.

[rickquist]

It's impossible to go wrong with either! I tend to look at Eddyline as a Mercedes Benz and Stellar as a Porche.
Eddyline IS made in the U.S., though....