Ice Kap Reviews
Francis Gan:
I must say you have met that goal (home page 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.
Francis Gan:
I must say you have met that goal (home page 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.
John Day Brookings Oregon
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 SterlingKayaks 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!
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 SterlingKayaks 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!
Marlene Fisher " For Marlene's first paddle in the Ice Kap we toured Campbell Lake near Anacortes. Tomorrow we'll seek a new venue. I suspect that the grin on Marlene's face is permanent!!!!! You were "right on", sir!.... I still think we are "cheating" when we paddle your boats. They are so maneuverable and so graceful in the water that paddling them is indeed a bone fide treat. ......thanks again for the opportunity to paddle real "quality"! Alan
"We just wanted to touch base with you today about our paddle on the Columbia. Marlene's first words were "awesome", and "this boat glides like silk through the water".....We only did a 12 mile paddle but on our return leg we encountered some wind driven waves that were the most challenging we have ever seen. Some of the waves were close to 3', with a high periodicity. Our boats cruised through them without a hint of problem. We had so much fun, we can hardly believe that two old goats like us ---we are nearly 69--could have so much fun...in rough water. As you touted to us earlier---"the boats will never let you down" ....and how correct you are, sir! Alan
"We just wanted to touch base with you today about our paddle on the Columbia. Marlene's first words were "awesome", and "this boat glides like silk through the water".....We only did a 12 mile paddle but on our return leg we encountered some wind driven waves that were the most challenging we have ever seen. Some of the waves were close to 3', with a high periodicity. Our boats cruised through them without a hint of problem. We had so much fun, we can hardly believe that two old goats like us ---we are nearly 69--could have so much fun...in rough water. As you touted to us earlier---"the boats will never let you down" ....and how correct you are, sir! Alan
John Janney Bellingham, WA
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 toturn. John Janney Bellingham Wa.
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 toturn. John Janney Bellingham Wa.
Rowan Gloag's "THR" comments on the Ice Kap
The Ice Kap is a high performance kayak for the
smaller paddlers. If you haven't tried one yet,
please research the Ice Kap.
review by Kayak Yak.
"The Ice Kap is a sporty, responsive kayak that turns on a dime."
http://kayakyak.blogspot.ca/2012/07/paddling-ice-kap.html
Rebecca's ( new Ice Kap owner )response:
Couldn't agree more -- I picked up my Ice Kap from
Sterling on July 4, and any day off the water is a sad one. Nimble, fast, and an all around fabulous boat, I am loving it! It's a beauty in and out of the water - I've received many comments on the sleek design and how it slices through the water. Thanks Sterling!!!!
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Tom Banks BCU level 3 certified
When I started looking for a light, maneuverable, easy to roll, day trip/play boat. I literally tired out some 30 different kayaks I found the low volume Ice Kap 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, seat, bracing and colors are leaps and bounds above the competition. Sterling’s small, semi custom kayak shop, really has no competition in the North West. My Ice Kap has proven to be a real performer, over the last year and a half. From overnighters in the San Juans, day trips along Fidalgo, playing in Deception Pass, to osurfing at the coast, it continues to meet my needs. It’s light weight saves my back, on frequent solo loadings and unloadings. I am always looking for the “better” boat, but I have not found on yet to surpass my “blue ice”. Tom Banks |
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Why should you purchase a Sterling Kayak?
The Strong yet light construction. Enjoying an almost Advil-free paddle! Hi Sterling, I want to tell you how much I’m enjoying my Ice Kap. 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. Al the best L. Coffey |
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Paddling the Ice Kap
No, I didn't get up North or to Antarctica, to paddle my kayak at either of the actual ice caps. Instead I got to try out a kayak model called the Ice Kap, from Sterling Kayaks. It was a great day to learn more about kayaking science. Yes, there's science in kayaking! There are all the measurements, when designing and constructing boats. There's also research. Which boat shape is good for racing, or for surfing in waves? And then there are the experiments. No lab coats and clipboards for me -- I just try the different boats and have fun, while my friends Louise and John keep a notebook of their own experiments with kayaks.
At the MEC Paddlefest on Willows Beach, we found an assortment of several models from Sterling Kayaks. Each is a custom job, with the foot pedals set to accommodate the paddler's own leg length, for example. I got to sit in an Illusion, but even with the footpedals adjusted as far as possible, my feet still couldn't reach. That would be no problem if I owned one of their kayaks, explained the designer, Sterling Donaldson. He would put the footpedals closer to the seat for someone as short as me. He's calculated the centre of gravity and balance points for all his kayak designs.
Donalson gets fibreglass under his fingernails and epoxy all over his hands, he complained at one point. But there's no substitute for the hands-on approach when customizing a kayak for someone with special needs.
The foam seats are a terrific support... lifting the knees a little and fitting around the butt. I'm guessing that my partner Bernie would find THIS seat doesn't hurt his back. The seat back is good support, but low so that a paddler can lean back when rolling the kayak. On each side of the seat is a support for foam padding, to customize the fit to the paddler's thighs.
I got into the Ice Kap which is designed for small people. The coaming, the edge around the cockpit opening, is low. As in half-way up my thighs when I'm seated in the kayak. No more rubbing my elbows on the coaming with each stroke! That happens in most kayaks for me. The designer Donaldson pointed out, most shorter people are not only short in the leg, but have short backs as well. It's hard to roll a kayak that is too big.
My friend John Herbert took a photo of me on the water in the Ice Kap. It's pretty clear in the photo that this boat has a lot of rocker, a curve which brings the keel up in the bow and stern. That makes for a lot of fun riding waves. I expressed some concern about the front deck being so high out of the water, and the stern so high. Wouldn't they catch wind and turn like a weather vane? "None of our boats weathercocks," Donaldson insisted.
The Illusion has a similar hull to the Ice Kap, but the coaming rises a little higher at the paddler's thighs and sides. John could tell that he wouldn't fit either model. At 6'4", he went for their Grand Illusion that fits the 6'3" designer. But the model on the beach had been padded to fit a thinner paddler. Not for John today!
Louise tried the Ice Kap as well, just to add another model to her research for which style of boat she would buy this summer. We compared notes. Afterwards, John and Louise changed out of their paddling clothes while I just wandered around evaporating. One of the most important things I learned about kayaking science is to wear clothes that evaporate dry quickly.
Our verdict: if you're a thin, short man or woman who is wanting an exciting kayak, try the Ice Kap for an experiment of your own. If you're not thin, try the Illusion as the coaming is just a little higher instead of pressing on the sides of your thighs.
And if you're a differently-able paddler (like every member of our paddling group, and plenty members of SISKA and VCKC and the entire crew of the Breaststokers Dragon Boat team), talk to a kayak designer about kayak science. How can a kayak meet your needs?
This particular designer understands. Sterling Donalson not only talks the talk, he walks the walk with one leg and crutches on the beach among his kayaks. He grew up designing experimental aircraft with his father, and now he applies the scientific methods he learned to building kayaks.
Paula Johanson
http://sci-why.blogspot.com/2012/07/paddling-ice-kap.html
No, I didn't get up North or to Antarctica, to paddle my kayak at either of the actual ice caps. Instead I got to try out a kayak model called the Ice Kap, from Sterling Kayaks. It was a great day to learn more about kayaking science. Yes, there's science in kayaking! There are all the measurements, when designing and constructing boats. There's also research. Which boat shape is good for racing, or for surfing in waves? And then there are the experiments. No lab coats and clipboards for me -- I just try the different boats and have fun, while my friends Louise and John keep a notebook of their own experiments with kayaks.
At the MEC Paddlefest on Willows Beach, we found an assortment of several models from Sterling Kayaks. Each is a custom job, with the foot pedals set to accommodate the paddler's own leg length, for example. I got to sit in an Illusion, but even with the footpedals adjusted as far as possible, my feet still couldn't reach. That would be no problem if I owned one of their kayaks, explained the designer, Sterling Donaldson. He would put the footpedals closer to the seat for someone as short as me. He's calculated the centre of gravity and balance points for all his kayak designs.
Donalson gets fibreglass under his fingernails and epoxy all over his hands, he complained at one point. But there's no substitute for the hands-on approach when customizing a kayak for someone with special needs.
The foam seats are a terrific support... lifting the knees a little and fitting around the butt. I'm guessing that my partner Bernie would find THIS seat doesn't hurt his back. The seat back is good support, but low so that a paddler can lean back when rolling the kayak. On each side of the seat is a support for foam padding, to customize the fit to the paddler's thighs.
I got into the Ice Kap which is designed for small people. The coaming, the edge around the cockpit opening, is low. As in half-way up my thighs when I'm seated in the kayak. No more rubbing my elbows on the coaming with each stroke! That happens in most kayaks for me. The designer Donaldson pointed out, most shorter people are not only short in the leg, but have short backs as well. It's hard to roll a kayak that is too big.
My friend John Herbert took a photo of me on the water in the Ice Kap. It's pretty clear in the photo that this boat has a lot of rocker, a curve which brings the keel up in the bow and stern. That makes for a lot of fun riding waves. I expressed some concern about the front deck being so high out of the water, and the stern so high. Wouldn't they catch wind and turn like a weather vane? "None of our boats weathercocks," Donaldson insisted.
The Illusion has a similar hull to the Ice Kap, but the coaming rises a little higher at the paddler's thighs and sides. John could tell that he wouldn't fit either model. At 6'4", he went for their Grand Illusion that fits the 6'3" designer. But the model on the beach had been padded to fit a thinner paddler. Not for John today!
Louise tried the Ice Kap as well, just to add another model to her research for which style of boat she would buy this summer. We compared notes. Afterwards, John and Louise changed out of their paddling clothes while I just wandered around evaporating. One of the most important things I learned about kayaking science is to wear clothes that evaporate dry quickly.
Our verdict: if you're a thin, short man or woman who is wanting an exciting kayak, try the Ice Kap for an experiment of your own. If you're not thin, try the Illusion as the coaming is just a little higher instead of pressing on the sides of your thighs.
And if you're a differently-able paddler (like every member of our paddling group, and plenty members of SISKA and VCKC and the entire crew of the Breaststokers Dragon Boat team), talk to a kayak designer about kayak science. How can a kayak meet your needs?
This particular designer understands. Sterling Donalson not only talks the talk, he walks the walk with one leg and crutches on the beach among his kayaks. He grew up designing experimental aircraft with his father, and now he applies the scientific methods he learned to building kayaks.
Paula Johanson
http://sci-why.blogspot.com/2012/07/paddling-ice-kap.html
Sterling’s Ice Kap is by far my #1 choice of kayak for surf and coastal environments. Not only does it blend strong rigid construction with a lightweight lay-up, Sterling has found the perfect 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!
If you are purchasing primarilly for a rooling kayak it is an improvement to have the back deck lowered and inch this will allow for more rolling maneuvers, and Sterling is very happy to customize your craft to suit you! Additionally, because this boat is such a performer I suggest installing more aggressive thigh braces. A bonus with the low profile comfortable seat is that it is easily removable and instantly adjustable forward or aft to find that perfect sweet spot for surf conditions and yes , also doubles as a great seat for camping on remote rocky coastlines. I found the hatches to be very strong and sound, and 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.
Jason “Kiwi” Goldstein is an ACA Open Coastal Instructor, and veteran paddler for over 17 years in both New Zealand and North America. For two years he tested the Icekap on Washington’s rugged roadless coastline from Neah Bay to La Push, Kiwi at: info@GAguides.net
picture of Steve Weileman testing Ice Kap with Kiwi
Hi Sterling,
Today I took my new Ice Kap down to the HASK (Houston Area Sea Kayakers) picnic and boat demo ona little spring-fed lake in SE Houston. What an awesome experience.
The first paddler (Robert Stark), our commodore and a taciturn guy not noted for wild hilarity, cameup from his first roll laughing and from the second saying, "did you see that -- amazing! The first roll, I putall the energy in that I usually put in to roll my Valley Pintail, and I nearly turned myself over again! This issweet, what a great boat." He says this is the first boat he's ever paddled that he likes better than hisPintail.Chris is about 5'10" and easily 200 lbs, but he squeezed himself in, sinking the boat to the blacksidewave line. When he edged (he's an aggressive and very experienced paddler, BCU 4), the waterlapped over his skirt to his waist. He inadvertently flipped but of course he popped up like a cork. His comments: "This boat is a rocket! so fast! so maneuverable .... This is one of the best boats I've everpaddled."
Others were equally ecstactic. One guy who didn't seem particularly interested in paddling it at first -- he'd already paddled may other boats in the lineup -- came back from paddling the Ice Kap raving,"This boat is entirely different than any other boat here!" and went on to wax ecstatic about the responsiveness, speed, maneuverability, the fit, etc. etc.
And on and on. The most gratifying was hearing people telling others, "Did you try the Ice Kap? It's amazing, it's really wonderful, what a beautiful boat.!" Words like amazing and wonderful and design and sweet and rocket and fast and beautiful..
And of course, the cap was the weight. No one could believe how light this boat is. Guys would liftit over their heads and say things like "Hey, this makes me look strong!"."
Needless to say, I didn't get to spend a lot of time in my boat, but I tried two rolls, not having rolleda boat in at least 5 years -- my old sea kayak is so tough that unless I'm totally in sync and have perfectcoordination in the layback, it just doesn't happen. Well, I shouldn't have come up on the first one - I dideverything wrong, but I did. Then I quit trying for a sweep and went back to the good old C to C that Ilearned back in the day at NOC and popped right to the surface. VERY cool!
I stayed an extra 30 minutes after the picnic officially broke up because the groundswell attentionon the Ice Kap meant there was something of a waiting line of people who wanted to paddle it. I'm looking forward to taking it surfing, something I never dared to do with my old boat. But I love surfinga whitewater boat, and this boat gives me almost the same feeling of maneuverability and control as mywhitewater playboat! Thank you, thank you, thank you Sterling.
All best, Linda Day
I have had my Ice Kap for... https://paddling.com/gear/ice-kap/Submitted by: erinruiz on 8/9/2018I have had my Ice Kap for 2 years. It is by far my favorite kayak ever!! Because of the design you can to the same maneuvers forwards or backwards. It is fast and sleek but very stable. I am still practicing rolling but am told it is one of the easiest kayaks to roll. The Ice Kap is made for smaller paddlers. I am 5'6" and about 140 (61 yrs old) and the boat fits perfectly. Can't say enough about this kayak!!