Location: Scotland, UK
Paddler: Female, 5’2″, experienced
Date: May 2025
Model: Tiderace Xceed XS
The Tiderace Xceed XS is finding a niche in the sea kayak market as a quality choice for smaller paddlers looking for performance, fit and comfort.
As paddlers we are all are unique, but some of us are shorter in height, lighter weight, shorter torso, legs, legs and arms.
Of course, due to many factors such as the flexibility of our knees and hips, the size of our feet and shoes, height to weight ratio, where we store fat and muscle, we all differ in what we find comfortable. In general, the more standard-sized paddlers have a wider range of sea kayaks to choose from across the brands. For smaller paddlers, say under 65kg, there’s less choice. Having said that, there are some well-established sea kayak models that suit smaller people. Sometimes adding padding at the hips and sometimes ballast can be useful, but nothing beats the volume and dimensions of the kayak matching the paddler right from the off.
Size and volume
This is where the Tiderace Xceed XS excels. According to the specs it is suitable for paddlers in the 45 – 75 kg range, and in my experience will fit paddlers from about 4’10- 5’7. I’m 60kg and 5’ 2” (156cm).
- Suitable paddler weight 45 – 75 kg / 100 – 165 lbs
- Overall volume 304 litres/ 66.9 gal. 510 cm
- Length 510cm / 16’ 9″
- Width 51.5 cm / 20.25”
- Cockpit 84 x 47.5 cm / 33.1 x 18.7″
Connectivity and confidence.
The Xceed XS has a shorter cockpit than other Tiderace models, with a corresponding narrower and lower deck. Straightaway, this is noticeable in making it easier to fit and remove the spraydeck.
Also, crucially, connectivity between the paddler and kayak is improved especially around the thighs and hips, so edging and turning becomes easier as our body weight has a more meaningful impact on the kayak for edging and turning and control, which is so crucial in more dynamic water. Edging makes it easy to turn, even at 16’9”.
Better catch area
With a lower and narrower deck, the area in front of the cockpit is smaller and so reaching the water with the paddle requires a more natural movement for the catch. So, with this benefit, our forward paddling can be more powerful because we can paddle without over-reaching and changing our posture.
Feel, stability and manoeuvrability
I use this mainly kayak as a day boat, only partially laden, for coaching and guiding on the sea. I need a kayak that turns well and allows me to perform in all conditions whilst looking and behaving like a traditional sea kayak. The overall stability feels somewhere between the Xplore s and the Xcape s and shares some of the feel of the Pace Action S, such as the boxier section behind the cockpit. It feels fast and responsive and like the Pace Action and excels in a following sea and surf; it takes off at the slightest hint of a waves from the stern. This kayak has transformed my enjoyment in this environment.
The increase in performance comes with a small trade off with stability, concentration is needed in certain sea states, where the Xcape s would be happy. A good, relaxed posture, and an active blade when it gets a bit more lively, soon keeps the kayak and the paddler happy.
Expedition readiness
I’ve not yet tested the Xceed XS fully laden. The carry capacity of the hatches are always going to be lower with a small volume boat. The overall volume is 304 litres. If buying new, the front bulkhead can be moved in the production phase to maximise volume in the front hatch rather than the cockpit. This can be discussed with your dealer.
From experience in the Pace Tour, Action and the older Xplore S, paddling laden would increase the stability exponentially.
In summary, the Xceed XS will be my day boat of choice for working and short overnight trips. It has improved my paddling habits and it definitely matches my paddling ambitions and where I want to be as a paddler.
For further information please visit Tiderace Sea Kayaks.
