Sterling Donalson built his first kayak when he was a boy scout.  He built his first fiberglass kayak in 1985 because there were no boats that fit him. Sterling is 6'3", built like a bear, and has only one leg. The lack of a suitable boat challenged Sterling. He did his own research, bought materials and built his own kayak. He also designed a one-foot control method for the rudder system .

At the age of 15, he was diagnosed with bone cancer and his leg was removed at the hip. This didn't stop him from being an athlete.  He took up skiing and in 1972, he became the national amputee skiing champion.

Sterling grew up building experimental aircraft with his father, his brother designs and manufactures limousines, it was inevitable that Sterling would find his own area of design and construction.

From these beginnings sprang Sterling's Kayaks & Fiberglass, Sterling's Strong-Lite Kayaks and a thriving repair and consultation business.

Sterling in his new Grand Illusion

 

Sterling is recognized for his Strong-Lite Construction.   Through research and testing of materials and design he has created a system of construction that goes far beyond industry standards for strength combined with light weight.

Sterling has put  several years into the research and testing of his new line of Kayaks: The newest model the "Grand Illusion" and the Ice Kap and the Illusion         Surf Ski:  the Vector

He perfected the materials and combined design, fine tuned with testing input from some of the best Paddlers and Instructors in the industry.  George Gronseth--Kayak Academy,

Reg Lake--Kayak Guide and Instructor, Steve Schlicher--Nimbus Kayaks, Greg Dutton--Strokes Instructor, Brandon & Heather Nelson--world class Kayak racers and many others. Technical experience and quality service with a desire to deliver the best product possible are the ingredients that make doing business with Sterling a win-win situation for his customers.

For many years, Sterling raced in the Kayak Division @ the Ski to Sea competition racing for "Good News Good Guys", "Team USAble", "Disabled Sports Northwest", and "Caldwell Bankers". Sterling has also served as president of the Whatcom Association of Kayak Enthusiasts and has been a guest speaker at the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium and Coast Kayak Symposium in Canada.