Delta 12s

12'
Length
24"
Width (in)
38
Weight (lb)
$1,395
MSRP

Delta 12s Description

The Delta 12s offers outstanding versatility for medium to smaller framed paddlers craving a lightweight and stable kayak that makes no compromises. The finely tuned hull of the 12s provides speedy and responsive handling far beyond what its small stature would suggest. Feature highlights include Delta’s proprietary Press Lock Hatch System, low profile front day-hatch, and multi-position Contour II Seat System.

Delta 12s Specs and Features

  • Structure: Rigid / Hard Shell
  • Cockpit Type: Sit Inside
  • Seating Configuration: Solo
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child, Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child, Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Additional Attributes

  • CONTOUR II SEAT SYSTEM

Delta Kayaks
Delta 12s Reviews

Read reviews for the Delta 12s by Delta Kayaks as submitted by your fellow paddlers. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community!

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5

I had a previous kayak as a…

Submitted by: Ycats on 12/27/2023

I had a previous kayak as a used one made for a child. It was frustrating to paddle as it was hard to keep in a straight line and not a good fit. I am 4’9” and female but have really good upper body strength. I love this kayak and feel so confident in my ability to paddle now. I can steer and navigate with ease and the lightweight material is a breeze for carrying. Love this. I’ve had it out now four times and I hate leaving the water every time. Highly recommend this, especially for more petite women.

5

I have had my Delta 12S…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 8/25/2022

I have had my Delta 12S since early 2019. I absolutely love it and can't say enough about my experience. It is lightweight, easy for me to handle alone, and handles really well in the water.

4

Hello, I like the boat.. i…

Submitted by: paddler2144178 on 7/5/2022

Hello, I like the boat.. i have used it a lot and I love that I can lift it solo from the side onto any car by myself. the negative not mentioned so far is that after 2 years of use and only indoor storage, all of the hatch seals have deformed and don't really seal like they used to (on our 2 boats). At this point the bungees just hold them roughly in place but they are not snapping into place any more. the Neoprene seal idea used by other mfrs lasts much longer than the seal used in these boats. I plan to buy all new seals if I can get them.

1

If I could give zero stars I…

Submitted by: paddler1741948 on 11/11/2021

If I could give zero stars I would. I owned my kayak for less than two years and it broke on the Kennebec. Wasn't even going through swift rapids. Class 1 maybe 2 at best where we were. The ONLY good thing was that the front hatch is sealed off, so I stayed afloat and didn't even know my kayak had a huge gouge until we loaded it and saw all the water dripping out. I wasted $1000 on a kayak that should have lasted a lot longer than 2 years. I watched videos of people saying this kayak could take a beating and the only way it would crack would be if it is hit in JUST the right spot. One guy even took a hammer to it. I am not a white water paddler. Not my jam. So I didn't need a white water kayak. My husband owns the 12.10 and his cracked the year before mine! Be warned - THIS IS FLAT WATER ONLY. They really need to specify that better. Now we are out $2500 AND have to buy new ones. Yes, I could likely repair them, but I do not trust the kayak with my life.

4

I have very little paddling…

Submitted by: Canadagurl1968 on 4/12/2021

I have very little paddling experience and the only thing I have to compare this to is an inflatable I owned about a month before deciding to upgrade. I did a lot of research as I didn't want to have to upgrade again this year and since selection was down due to covid and late in the season, testing wasn't possible. I bought this based on reviews alone and the fact it's so light. I use Malone Sea Wings and load assist to easily slide it on my Outback.

I'm still learning correct paddling. I recently started edging and am fascinated by how responsive this boat is! I am really appreciating the dry storage and well thought design including adjustable foot pegs. I find the seat gets a little tiring on my not so cushioned behind. I am glad this will give me the option to explore some open water and shorelines of larger lakes instead of just the small lakes and rivers I started with. Maybe I'll even do am overnight! This kayak could do it!

4

I’ve had my 12s a couple of…

Submitted by: paddler803905 on 6/22/2020
I’ve had my 12s a couple of weeks now and have been out twice so far. I love the way it handles. It fits me perfectly. 5’8” - 145lbs with most of height in my legs. A big factor for me was the light weight. At 38lbs I can load and unload onto my RAV4 on my own. (With a second had Thule SlipStream). It would have been an easy 5 stars except the black stripe detail started to buckle after the first outing, it crumbled in a few other places after the second outing. It won’t affect how it works but It is disappointing. After talking to a few people it seems to only be an issue with the newer kayaks. Did they change a supplier? Sad my kayak won’t look new for long.
5

I fell in love with kayaks by…

Submitted by: paddler236817 on 5/31/2016
I fell in love with kayaks by sitting on the edge of the lake And watching others kayaking some I talked too some told me the come back from a long trip back country camping I always loved talking to them ! I bought a canoe for very cheap and started my own backcountry camping trips! Loved it! buddy of mine said one day to me he would like to try a kayak some time I looked at him and said now we're really friends!! 4 days later it was early spring in Manitoba Canada we rented two kayaks out of Winnipeg both of us never kayaked before the kayaks happened to be Delta 12s kayaks it was cold and windy on a Friday afternoon! The Kayak was very very stable easy to paddle the day hatch was very convenient lots of room in the front and back compartments. Two nights and 3 days later for it being or first time in a kayak I can't compare it to other kayaks out there but from my first time ever and 2 nights and 3 day trip I would buy the delta 12s.
4

Having read previous reviews…

Submitted by: MartinRachels on 4/22/2015
Having read previous reviews of this kayak I had decided I wanted a shorter light kayak to compliment my Chatham 16 and Isle Au Haut. I test paddled the 12s yesterday on the Merrimack River in NH in a 10 -15 mph wind. Found it to meet previous reviews. Tracks well, great stability, and paddles like a longer boat.
5

Due to the small number of…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 8/1/2014
Due to the small number of reviews found on the 12s, I thought I'd put in a word or two regarding my experience. Mind you, I've only used it a handful of times since it's a week old but I'll be sure to append this review as needed.

The 12s is a delight to paddle. Great primary and secondary stability, accelerates and glides very well and it's small size makes it quite nimble. The bulbous nose makes easy work out of choppy waters and small waves. (Haven't tried it in large waves yet.)

The build quality is exceptional and its thermoformed construction makes it look 3 times as expensive as it is. So eye catching that I decided to keep it indoors as opposed to storing it on my roof rack.

The only negative I can comment on is the seat. The adjustment plate which allows you to move the seat forward/back just happens to be located where you'd normally step in to enter the cockpit. Making it a little tougher to get in and out. A minor thing but that's how close to perfection this kayak happens to be.

5

First, a little about me to…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 12/1/2013
First, a little about me to put this review in perspective; Age 76. Experience: whitewater kayaking 2 years, flatwater 3, height 5'6", weight 180, inseam 26.

In short, I think the Delta 12s is one heck of a kayak. For us oldsters, its 38lb. weight makes it very easy to heft around and load on the rack. It a very comfortable kayak and I’ve not had to pad the seat at all. I have added hip pads and thigh brace blocks to make it easier to roll.

It paddles like you wouldn't believe for a 12-foot boat. Acceleration is good and it glides very well. In wind and chop, it needs no skeg or rudder because is tracks very well. I've grown to appreciate the day hatch in front of the cockpit. It holds all I need for a day's outing and means you don't have to clutter the deck with a bag.

I am quite impressed with the Delta's thermoforming. This boat scratches less than any other touring boat I know. The hull is quite rigid which contributes to its impressive performance for a 12-footer.

In short, I highly recommend anyone demo the Delta 12s. Especially for older folks, I think you’ll enjoy not only the light weight, but also the excellent performance.

5

We bought a 12s for my wife…

Submitted by: timmerkt on 7/25/2013
We bought a 12s for my wife last week. She feels very comfortable and safe in the 12s. It gives her good contact points and control. The day hatch is very handy and spacious, and the hatch lids are great - there is one loop to unhook to remove the lid and then they work like tupperware to replace the lid.

Due to being slightly narrower than the 12.10 I have, my wife is actually faster on the water in the 12s. The high bow handles waves really well with minimal splashing. Initial and secondary stability are very good. Because it weighs only 38 lbs, my wife has no problem carrying the 12s to the water herself.

We've done only lake paddling so far, but we'll be trying them out in the river sometime in the future to see how they handle rocks and current.