Sterling Donalson Biography
Sterling Donalson has been building and paddling kayaks since 1985. He actually built his first kayak before he started paddling because there were no boats that fit him. Sterling is 6'3", built like a bear, and has only one leg.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, however. In 1972, he became the national amputee skiing champion. He still keeps the trophy, he says, because he likes its figure of a one-legged skier fashioned from railroad spikes.
Sterling built experimental aircraft with his father and has a brother who makes limousines, so it was inevitable that Sterling would tinker with whatever hobby he got into. The lack of a suitable boat didn't stop him from becoming a kayaker. He did some research, bought the materials, and designed and built his own big boat. Instead of the usual kayak steering system, in which the rudder is controlled by cables to two foot-pegs, he devised a one-foot method.
From these beginnings sprang Sterling's Kayaks & Fiberglass, the the Sucia® and Maria-thon® kayaks and a thriving kayak repair and consultation business.
From 1989 to present, Sterling has been involved in the Ski to Sea competition and has raced 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.
Sterling is recognised for his knowledge of materials and lightweight composites. Technical experience and quality service with a desire to deliver the best product possible are the ingrediants that make doing business with Sterling a win-win situation for his customers.