The past two years have been exciting for Stellar and the surfski market as a whole. In 2011 Stellar introduced the SR, probably the most stable intermediate surfski on the market with excellent speed in this "intermediate" class of skis. Now with the introduction of 17-18ft "beginner" skis from Epic and Think, more skis are available for truly every person out there. With an aging kayak market at least here in the USA, getting more crossover paddlers into more stable skis is better. Once they get into a stable ski, they can then choose to move up in class of skis, purchase a better fitting ski, etc.
2011 also welcomed many new manufacturers of skis primarly in the European market, while other established surfski makers(Fenn) added the Swordfish to there line bridging the gap between the XT models and the Mako models. Stellar added the SE2 double for 2011 which has proved to be almost as fast as the top end doubles but way more stable. Stellar also introduced the SEL which has incredible speed, is extremely stable, and low volume that fit almost everyone. I expect this model to be a top seller once more paddlers try it. Stellar introduced it a few months ago and it is just now paddlers across the world are getting their hands on it. This continues the Stellar theme of fast boats with best in class stability.
With the ease of social networks, blogging, websites, etc, it is easier for paddlers to get various opinions on skis. The trick like any research is to tease out what is useful and what is not from different sources that you trust. The tried and true method of demo as many skis as possible is the best way to go. Decide on what your goals are in paddling a ski, what type of water you primarily paddle in so you can decide on the stability of the ski, frequency of paddling, cost, and quality of the boats. If you can answer this questions truthfully with all the info you have at your disposal then you are well on your way to getting a ski/skis that you can enjoy.
