Waka Stoke Review

Words By: Ava Simpson

I recently got the Waka Stoke and I must say I have never felt so confident and happy in a creek boat. It has everything that I was looking for in a boat and more… It’s fast, stable, easy to turn, easy to roll, and it skips out like no other boat I’ve ever had. My last boat was the Billy Goat, which I loved. It’s also fast, has a ton of rocker, and is easy to roll. I knew that I wanted my next boat to have all of those qualities, but I also wanted a boat with more width and volume. When I saw the Stoke come out and I read the specs and then later watched a few review videos, I knew that this was the next boat I needed to purchase.

What I was really excited to hear about the Stoke is that it’s suited for smaller paddlers. The recommended weight range is 121-198 lbs (55-90 kgs). I am 145 lbs (66 kgs) so I am closer to the bottom of the weight range. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel paddling in a bigger volume boat (the Billy Goat has 320 L (84 gal) and the Stoke has 350 L (92 gal). But after taking it on a couple of Clearwater laps and then a couple trips to the Upper Cheakamus in Whistler, I learned that my decision about this kayak was the right one. With the added volume and rocker to both ends of the kayak, along with more stability I am finding myself skipping out of drops with the top of my bow and my face dry. 

Now one thing that I was particularly curious about when purchasing the Stoke was the stern. When I saw photos of it online I definitely thought it looked like a hybrid of a creek boat and a half slice. While waiting for the Stoke to come in, Maison was kind enough to lend me his Steeze, which I felt was the perfect boat to use before getting the Stoke as it carries a lot of similar characteristics. I loved the feeling of paddling the Steeze on the Clearwater – it’s super dynamic and playful, surfs like a dream, and is overall just a fun kayak. This only made me more excited for the Stoke. After getting a few laps in the Stoke, I learned that it is not only a solid creek boat, but with the slender stern it plays as a very dynamic and fun kayak. Not only does it hold a line well, but it turns on a dime which is great for those slalom moves.

I have always found Waka outfitting super comfortable. With the Billy Goat I didn’t need to do much to it, but with the Stoke I found adding a couple layers of foam to my seat to raise me up has been beneficial (I am 5’4 and have a negative ape index). I was worried with the added foam I would feel unstable and wobbly, but with the Stokes width and additional volume I feel very stable. Sitting higher in the kayak has allowed for more efficient and proper paddle strokes and has made it easier to boof as I can reach further to one side.

One thing that Waka has added to all of their 2023 kayaks is updated outfitting and thicker grab handles. I love that the compartment in between your legs is bigger as it gives you more space for things such as water bottles, throwbags, pin kits, snacks, etc. The thicker grab handles are also a huge benefit to the new kayaks as they are super sturdy and reliable for river rescues and/or lowering kayaks into and out of canyons.

The next test was taking it out on big water, so I decided to bring my Stoke to the Thompson. It was super fun, super stable, and it hovered over all the boils and whirlpools which is exactly what I was hoping for. I found that even if I wasn’t paddling super hard, the Stoke kept its speed throughout the entire rapid. It almost feels like I have a motor behind me. I felt confident in the Stoke and it made me even more happy to have this boat.

In terms of seating position, I have tried it in the middle (it’s original position), all the way forward and all the way back. My favorite has to be all the way back, as it maximizes skips when getting out of drops. It’s a wicked feeling, reminding me of the Steeze. Now when I had it in the middle and all the way forward, I found it easier to turn and stop, as well as easier to roll. So it just means that when I have the seat all the way back I need to be more purposeful with my paddle strokes and rolling. I am excited to play around more with the seating positions and see what this kayak’s potential can be.

I have only had my Stoke for a month now, but am super excited to learn more about what the boat has to offer. I can definitely say that I am “Stoked” on the Stoke! 

Thanks for reading. 

Ava 🙂