Do our customers think we reached our "Goal" (Home Page)
Joan Jones - certified rolling instructor and a certified “Paddle Canada Level 11 Skills” instructor.
picks up her custom designed Illusion 1" cut with beautiful gelcoat design 
This is Joan's "Double Illusion" Picture
loaded up with Joan's and her husband's Illusion
Joan's Illusion was modified to suit her as a “smaller” paddler - essentially an Illusion LV: with 1” lower deck
Joan adds: this kayak is specially designed for the smaller paddler: it is essentially a low volume Illusion, an LV, and as such is perfect for smaller paddlers looking for a kayak that can carry sufficient gear for multi-day touring. I spent a few weeks paddling down the Central Coast last summer and had no issues with space and was very impressed with performance while loaded. It is much easier to maneuver when loaded than any other kayak I’ve paddled. For smaller paddlers the LV is the perfect play AND touring kayak. |
THE HURRICANE RIDERS shared a post.
February 9 at 1:13 PM · I'm glad this was so well stated. Truth! -Pav Pawel spinning the Sterling Grand Illusion on the top of the Skookwave. — with Pawel Szopa. Are Sterling Kayaks for Ordinary People?
by Joan Jones What do Sterling kayaks offer to someone who isn’t a hardcore surfer, rolling ace or Level Five paddler? The first thing I noticed about my Sterling Illusion was its stability. Not the boring stability of a massive barge, but the lively stability of a beautiful duck, bobbing in the waves while navigating with ease. A very efficient and confidence inspiring ride. In three-meter seas the Illusion took care of itself – and me. The Illusion’s second remarkable feature is its weight, or rather, its lack of weight. Much lighter than kayaks of comparable length and strength making it easy for a single person to balance on their shoulder and carry back and forth from beach to car. Few other kayaks on the market are known for their light weight but I am quite sure that none of them offer the strength of a Sterling kayak. The Standard Infused layup is very strong and the Carbon/Kevlar layup is even stronger and lighter. I paddle a Carbon/Kevlar, low volume Illusion, with a 1” cut, and it weighs in at 38 pounds. Unique to the purchase of a Sterling kayak is the customer service. You’ll spend some time talking to the designer, Sterling Donaldson, after which you’ll make key decisions on the model to purchase and the options you’d like – perhaps moving the front bulkhead to fit your leg length and to increase space for dry storage, and deciding layup, hull colour and paint design. It is a unique and wonderful experience. Are Sterling Kayaks in a league of their own? Some would say the price puts them there and it is true that the price tag of a Sterling Kayak is well above those manufactured overseas. Also true is that your dollars spent give you so much more. Each model offers a fine combination of lightweight, strength, stability and responsiveness. A kayak is the biggest purchase we make when entering this sport. It may also be one of the most important part of your safety gear as too often we find ourselves in situations on the water that we prefer to avoid but were not avoidable. Recently it was my skills in combination with my Sterling Illusion, and not my skills alone, that left me unscathed when the unexpected suddenly happened. So, is paddling a Sterling Kayak part of an ideal Risk Management plan? This is possible, and is why I put Sterling Kayaks in a league of their own. – Joan Jones |
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Mike Gill "The Hurricane Riders" member on his Grand Canyon Adventure -
Extremely skilled paddler- Kayak of Choice a Reflection Comments I honestly don’t know if I would be paddling a sea kayak half as much if I didn’t have a boat designed and built by Sterling. Thank you for your commitment to quality and performance! Francis Gan:
I must say you have met that goal based on my 1 year with the Ice Kap. Just under 32 lbs, improved my kayak control skills, a joy to paddle and confidence inspiring in many conditions and surprisingly quick for what most people consider a play boat. |
Jean-Francois(JF)
Marleau www.skils.ca Certified SKGABC Lead Guide Level 4, GuideTrainer and Examiner Certified Paddle Canada Level 4 instructor, Level 2 Instructor Trainer Sea Kayak Instruction and Leadership Systems Ltd (SKILS) |
Terri Arbuckle February 12 Kayak of Choice Sterling Reflection The confidence, growth, plus pure fun I have with my Reflection is over the top. This kayak takes me to places I otherwise would not have gone. Thank you Sterling. "100 days on the water"
Jean-Francois(JF) Marleau To say that I am excited about Sterling kayaks is an understatement. The Grand Illusion seems to be a perfect kayak for me for teaching overnight courses and guiding. First and foremost, the Grand Illusion is meeting and exceeding my best expectations. By far, this is the best touring kayak I ever tried. I love my Grand Illusion it is a class apart--Amazing performance--Outstanding Maneuverability Your slogan “Pure performance” is so true. In my humble opinion the Grand Illusion is in a different class. I had so much fun at Surge Narrows with the Grand Illusion. Keep up the outstanding work Sterling! JF |
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Larry Didier I love my Grand Illusion
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Submitted by: Chodups
I have been one with my Illusion for 6 years. From day one it read my mind and completed my thoughts. Still does to this day.
'Nuff said.
I have been one with my Illusion for 6 years. From day one it read my mind and completed my thoughts. Still does to this day.
'Nuff said.