Location: Scotland, UK
Paddler: Female, 5’2″, experienced
Date: May 2025
Model: Tiderace Xceed XS
The Tiderace Xceed XS (extra-small) 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 physically unique in our size, the flexibility of our knees and hips, the size of our feet and shoes, height to weight ratio, also where we store fat and muscle. For paddlers who fall within the more typical weight and height ranges for men and women there is a wider range of sea kayaks to choose from across the brands. For smaller paddlers, say under 65kg, there’s less choice, and there are some well-established 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 from the off.
Size and volume
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″Small volume
Low 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).
Connectivity and confidence.
The Xceed XS has a shorter cockpit than other Tiderace models, and corresponding narrower and lower deck. This makes fitting and removing the spraydeck easier.
Connectivity between the smaller paddler and kayak is improved, 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 crucial in more dynamic water.
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 is a more natural movement for the catch. 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 working with other paddlers. I need a kayak that turns well and allows me to perform in all conditions. 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 excels in a following sea and surf; it takes off at the slightest hint of a waves from the stern. This has transformed my enjoyment in this environment. Edging makes it easy to turn, even at 16’9”.
The performance comes with a trade off with stability, concentration is needed in certain sea states, where the Xcape s would be happy. It has taught me the value of good posture and an active blade when it get a bit more lively.
Expedition ready
I’ve not yet tested the Xceed XS fully laden. The volumes of the hatches are always going to be less with a small volume boat. If buying new, the front bulkhead can be moved in 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 S and earlier Xplore S , this would increase the stability exponentially.
In summary, the Xceed XS will be my day boat of choice for working and short expeds. It has made me value the benefit of matching volume to paddler weight, improving some of my habits, increased my enjoyment in a following sea, and it definitely is where I want to be as a paddler.
For further information please visit Tiderace Sea Kayaks.
