Delta Kayaks 15s (rudder) is the perfect companion to the larger 16 and 17 with its smaller, shallower cockpit and lower deck height. This allows smaller paddlers access to an exceptional performance touring kayak without sacrificing fit, stability, or performance.
"Finally, Delta Kayaks has created a lightweight (44 lb), skills performance kayak specifically designed to satisfy the needs of smaller paddlers!"
With the width of 22” small and medium-sized paddlers are guaranteed a perfect fit for superior hip control and secure bracing. Having a deck height of only 11.5” enables shorter paddlers to maintain a less aggressive, low angle paddle stroke. This means no more knocking your knuckles on the side of the boat or reducing the ‘catch’ of your blade during each stroke. Molded-in thigh braces are exceptionally positioned – well back on the thighs – to provide secure grip for edging, bracing, or rolling.
Rather than providing adjustable thigh-braces, the Delta 15s kayak comes standard with Delta’s new Contoured Seat System, which allows you to slide the seat forward or aft 4 inches. Those of us with shorter legs can now get solid bracing without having to stretch our toes just to reach the foot pedals. The seat is also easily adjusted on the water, so you don’t have to paddle back to shore just to re-adjust. The contour seat system includes additional padding for even more comfort out on the water!
Despite its shorter length, the sleek, narrow lines of the Delta 15s kayak make it deceptively quick allowing the boat to keep up with longer sea kayaks. Combining a shallow vee hull with moderate rocker means the 15s tracks well without the rudder deployed. Furthermore, the bow on the 15s has been carefully crafted to include a low, sharp entry point to aid tracking and slice through the water efficiently.
Dropping the rudder will further improve tracking and versatility but there is a slight sacrifice to speed and maneuverability. With sharp lines and defined sides, the Delta 15s kayak lets paddlers edge confidently to improve maneuverability. Novice paddlers will appreciate the challenge of skills development in this respect, while intermediate to advance paddlers can enjoy the responsiveness.
With its soft chine with definition, shallow vee hull, moderate rocker, and control-fitting cockpit, the Delta 15s kayak provides high initial stability. Secondary stability is also high due to fuller sidewalls with defined flat spots. This in turn creates reassuring edging and quick skills growth. Furthermore, the moderate rocker helps create lift in big water situations rather than plowing through the waves which can result in a loss of stability.
The lower deck height of the 15s, at both the front and back, result in an easy wet exit and re-entry after an upset. Both tandem and solo recoveries can be done with ease, while the watertight, curved bulkheads minimize the amount of water coming in and maximize the simplicity of getting it out.
With its lower back deck height, the Delta 15s kayak lends itself to an uncomplicated laid-back roll. The well-placed thigh braces also provide that locked grip needed to successfully hip-flick the kayak upright.
Note: For a more effortless solo re-entry we recommend having our expert staff install Quick Release Self Rescue Straps ($69.95 upgrade that includes installation).
The Delta 15s kayak gives you surprising storage capacity for a boat of its length. The curved bulkheads maximize hatch space bow and stern, while its conveniently located day-pod (found right in front of the cockpit) offers easy access to equipment such as a GPS or digital camera.
The day pod also increases safety by adding buoyancy and minimizing the amount of water getting into the cockpit without inhibiting entries and exits. In short, the 15s gobbles up gear and offers paddlers the ability to do day trips as well as multi-day excursions!
100% Canadian made, the Delta 15s kayak with rudder couples innovative design elements with the unparalleled characteristics of Delta’s touring kayaks. Being the leader in thermoforming for over 30-years, Delta Kayaks’ quality is second to none – often imitated but never matched – and the 15s is no exception. It is incredibly durable, lightweight, and offers the aesthetic beauty normally only found on composite kayaks.
Best suited for aspiring and intermediate paddlers in the 115 lbs to 175 lbs range, the 15s is a joy to paddle either empty or fully loaded for longer trips. The 15s is easy to handle on and off the water, and since it provides long-term skills development, this could be the only kayak you have to buy!
On Deck, the 15s comes with 3- major new features from Delta Kayaks:
Hatches: Delta Kayaks 15s rudder has 3 innovative Press-Lock Thermoform Hatch Covers that easily press down to create an extremely watertight seal. The two large bow & stern hatches offer a HUGE amount of dry storage, while the new centre day pod provides convenient storage of small goods (GPS, Camera, Snacks) that are needed while on the water.
Bow: 16.5" /42cm L x 11” / 28cm W
Stern: 20.5” / 44cm L x 14.25” / 26cm W
Day: 8” / 20cm L x 8" / 20cm W 3 thermoform curved bulkheads separate the hatches to maximize storage, strength, and add positive buoyancy.
Outfitting: Cockpit includes Delta's new Contour Seat System that adjusts forward & aft 4- inches to optimize performance and paddler fit' with the padded thighbraces. The seat pan is padded and is self draining, while a padded backrest adjusts up and down instantly.
Other features include:
