First Look: The All-New Stellar Kayaks Nomad — A 16-Foot Sea Kayak Built for Adventure

Available January 2026

If you’re a sea kayak enthusiast, you’ve probably heard the buzz — Stellar Kayaks is about to release a brand-new model for 2026: the Stellar Nomad. Somehow I was able to weasle my way into being the first one in the USA to get my butt in one. I did an unboxing, walkthrough and test video over on my YouTube Channel: 🎥 Watch: Stellar Nomad First Look & Review

Fresh out of the wrapper! Stellar Nomad in Multisport Construction

Overview: A Fresh Direction for Stellar

The Nomad represents a new direction for Stellar. While the brand is well known for its Intrepid and S series (S-12, S-14, S-16, S-18), the Nomad takes a step in a slightly different

direction. This 16-foot (4.876m) traditional sea kayak is designed for paddlers in the 160-220 lbs range, weighing in at just 38 lbs in Multisport construction — making it one of the lightest full-featured sea kayaks in its class. But don't let the light weight fool you! Stellar has beefed up the layup with a Fiberglass Keel Strip and Reinforcing around the deck for added stiffness in key areas.

Stellar describes the Nomad as “a capable expedition boat that’s at home in the surf.” And from my early impressions, that’s exactly what it feels like — a refined, balanced boat that blends playfulness with adequate touring performance.

Key Specifications

Feature	Specification
Length	16’ (4.876 m)
Beam (Width)	22.5" (56.8 cm)
Weight	38 lbs (17.24 KG)
Recommended Paddler Weight	160-220 lbs (70–100 kg)
Construction	Multisport (with standard keel strip)
Skeg System	Skeg-driven (Kajak-Sport #4 skeg)
Optional Rudder	Over-stern rudder plumbing preinstalled
Hatches	Bow, stern, day and stern-deck hatch
Bulkheads	3 total
Extras	Compass mount, sail mounting points, paddle recess, contoured spare paddle storage

Design & Handling

Unlike the softer, more forgiving chines of the Intrepid series, the Nomad features more defined chines — a design choice that enhances edge control and responsiveness. It gives experienced paddlers the ability to carve confidently and hold a strong edge in dynamic conditions.

The beam of 22.5" offers excellent secondary stability, while the moderate rocker and balanced volume in the bow and stern allow for agile performance in surf zones or rougher water.

For longer trips, the Nomad’s efficient hull design ensures solid glide and tracking, however speed will be a sacrificed when compared to the Intrepid or S-16. The flip side of that coin is when things get rowdy the Nomad comes to life and offers easy handling in dynamic water.

Eric "E" from Alder Creek with a smooth slide slip in the harbor behind their shop

Comfort & Cockpit Design

Stellar has made some thoughtful refinements to cockpit ergonomics:

• A Slightly more keyholded cockpit with defined thigh hooks for better connection.

• The seat position has been moved more central, providing optimal trim and handling, and allowing for easy lay back rolls.

• A lower stern deck enhances rolling ergonomics — a big plus for instructors, or anyone practicing rescues and reentries. Greenland paddling enthusiast will appreciate the low back deck.

• The cockpit bulkhead is designed to drain more easily, reducing time spent clearing water after wet exits or drills.

These small but meaningful design updates show Stellar’s attention to the details that matter to active sea kayakers.

Dan playing with Greenland Rolls during our first demo

Expedition-Ready Features

The Nomad comes packed with traditional sea kayak features that make it a capable expedition platform:

• Reinforced deck fore and aft for added stiffness when performing rescues

• Embedded compass mount (ready for deck compass installation)

• Sail mounting points Added reinforcement in key areas for mounting a sail

• Three bulkheads for safety and storage

• Stern-deck day hatch for quick access gear

• Paddle recess and contoured spare paddle storage Hold spare paddles in place during surf or reentries.

And for added protection, every Multisport construction Nomad will come standard with a Fiberglass keel strip — adding stiffness and durability to an already robust layup.

Rock solid secondary inspires you to play with your edges

Final Thoughts

The Stellar Nomad looks poised to become one of the most versatile sea kayaks in the 16-foot range — light, sleek, and well-equipped for both skill development and extended touring.

If you’re a paddler who appreciates refined design, light weight, and top-tier performance, the Nomad deserves a spot on your radar. As always we will keep one of each size (Yes a LV is on its way) in our demo fleet here at Headwaters Kayak in Northern CA, and with our partners at Alder Creek in Portland OR.

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more on-water testing and first impressions as I spend more time with this boat.