Tom Banks is BCU level 3 certified

When I started looking for a light, manuverable, easy to roll, day trip/play boat, I literally tried out some 30 different kayaks.
I found the low volumn Ice Cap fit my criteria best. Sterling worked with me to insure that the boat truly fit me and my needs. His options on material,bulkhead placement, seats, bracing, and colors, are leaps and bounds above the competition. But Sterlings small, semi custom kayak shop, really has no competition in the north west.
My Icecap has proven to be a real performer, over the last year and one half. From overnighters in the San Juans, day trips along Fidalgo, playing in Deception Pass, to surfing at the coast, it continues to meet my needs. And its light weight saves my back, on frequent solo loadings and unloadings. I am always looking for that "better" boat, but have not found one yet to surpass my "blue ice".
Tom Banks, August 2008

I have been kayaking the Southern Oregon and Northern California Coasts for the past 4 years.  Up until a year ago, my boat of choice was the Mariner Coaster.  I spend a lot of time launching and landing on isolated beaches, rock gardens and paddling in all conditions with big swells and wind. A year ago I began paddling the Ice Kap a boat made and designed by, Sterling Donalson, owner of Sterling's Kayaks and Fiberglass in Bellingham, Washington.Sterling makes several models, all the same length but with varying volume. My model is the low volume and it has been my boat of choice for over a year.It's light, maneuverable, easy to roll and totally forgiving in the surf!  It punches out through big, breaking waves better than any boat I've tried.  I have used this boat in every condition imaginable except touring for multiple days as it's volume is too small to carry enough gear. It has significant rocker but tracks beautifully.  It has a skeg but I never have the need to use it either in wind or following seas. I'm an ACA certified, open water instructor and, lately have concentrated on teaching a lot of surf zone classes in my area.The Ice Kap is an incredible, all around kayak!
John Day      Brookings, Oregon.

John has a low volume Ice Kap designed with a shorter deck for control

the Ice Kap is also available with a regular height deck and will accommodate cargo for a week-end or several day trip.

John Day now owns 2 Ice Kaps and 1 new Illusion--Thanks John

In teaching kayaking for 20 years, I have used many different kayaks.  As soon as I paddled the Ice Kap in rough water, I knew it was different from the rest---responsive, light and fun to paddle.  This boat is easy to edge, it tracks and is easy to turn. John Janney Bellingham Wa.

Jason "Kiwi" Goldstein is an ACA Open Coastal Instructor and veteran paddler for over 17 years both in New Zealand and North America.  For two years he tested the Ice Kap on Washington's rugged roadless coastline from Neah Bay to La Push, and on many surf breaks.

"Sterling's Ice Kap is by far my #1 choice of kayk for surf and coastal environments.  Not only does it blend strong rigid construction with a lightweight lay-up, Sterling has found the prefect blend of two essential traits critical for performing in surf and coastal conditions:  speed and maneuverability.  Bow and stern have aggressive rocker and I was amazed at how much speed and steady tracking it offered.  If you're a small to medium sized paddler (I'm 5/6" 150 lb) and love surf and coast conditions this boat is for you!

Sterling is very happy to customize your craft to suit you! ....I found the hatches to be very strong and sound, trouble free after two years of testing.  The only time I regretfully leave this kayak behind in the shed is when I need more cargo space for longer expeditions.  I anxiously await testing Sterling's new "Illusion" kayak with it's ability to carry more gear for longer expeditions."  You can contact Kiwi at : info@GAguides.net

   Reg Lake @ Hobuck, Washington

"Hi Sterling, I want to tell you how much I'm enjoying my kayak.  It handles so beautifully, turns on a thought and is so comfortable that I've been able to reduce my per-trip Advil consumption to almost nothing.

I'm also surprised at how stable the kayak feels; I'd expected it to be a bit tippy and was amazed to find how solid it feels when I'm not paddling.  All in all, it's a joy to be in....Thank you again for making such a beautiful craft.  All the best L. Coffey "

L. Coffey was one of our 1st Ice Kap Customers, she wanted a kayak that would extend her independence and self-reliance--to be able to pick up, carry and use without assistance.  Her boat weighed in @ 27 lbs.