Delta 15s

15'
Length
22"
Width (in)
44
Weight (lb)
$2,295
MSRP

Delta 15s Description

The Delta 15s is an ideal choice for small- and medium-sized paddlers seeking a performance kayak with great cruising speed, exceptional tracking and superior edging. Quick, responsive and easy to handle, the 15s is perfect for seasoned paddlers or those seeking to take their skills to the next level. It combines sleek lines with a cockpit tailored for an intimate fit, including combings that won’t catch your elbows and a low-slung seat that delivers exceptional primary stability. With abundant storage and an optional rudder or spring-loaded skeg, the 15s is ideal for extended touring as well as ocean play.

Delta 15s Specs and Features

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

Delta Kayaks
Delta 15s Reviews

Read reviews for the Delta 15s 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 have had my 15S for 5…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 12/27/2023

I have had my 15S for 5 years now and absolutely love it. I have 3 different paddles. The 15S performs amazingly with a Greenland style carbon paddle made by GearLab in the states. Half the energy and moves the boat beautifully. I have gone on 4 day camping trips with all the gear I need. This kayak moves and handles easily and paddles in a straight line. It seems to LIKE going directly into the waves. 2 - 21/2 swells are easy for this kayak. I paddle on Lake Huron along the shore and lots of waves coming in different directions are a non-issue. paddling broadside to the waves is the norm on this lake for me and the kayak just rolls with the waves and water. If you haven't got one, go and get one and get a Greenland paddle!!! Less shoulder strain, less fatigue....paddling for 5 hours even in a loaded boat is not a problem....and I am almost 70.

5

After paddling a Delta 12S…

Submitted by: maguro on 1/5/2021
After paddling a Delta 12S for several years, I decided to upgrade to a 15S for the added cargo capacity and speed and what a delight it's been. Like it's smaller cousin, the 15S has great primary and secondary stability, good handling and speed, large storage areas and a comfortable cockpit. And best of all, it's lightweight design makes it super easy to load and unload by yourself. After all, what's the use of a great kayak if you dread having to handle it outside of the water. The only negative I found is the susceptibility of the hull to oil can. Mind you, this was my fault since I left my kayak strapped tightly to my roof rack on a hot day but it's something to be wary about. I also found the deck to be quite slippery for re-entries. More incentive to work on my roll.
4

I've had my delta kayak for…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 9/16/2019

I've had my delta kayak for 2 summers now, I just LOVE it. There is so much storage for camping gear and food! The hatches cannot be opened by raccoons which is a big plus relative to other kayak models. The delta 15 s handles well on the water, it doesn't quite turn on a dime, but it has good stability which is what I wanted. I love that this kayak is lighter than similar kayaks in other materials. Using "armor all" on the kayak hatches seals will make it easier to close the hatches (which close with sort of like a tupperware click). The small round hatch near the cockpit is easy to access while kayaking and i'm always impressed how much stuff can go in there. I also received OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE from Delta Kayaks when I contacted them for something; having that excellent after purchase service is great!

5

I've been paddling, both…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 3/27/2018

I've been paddling, both canoe & kayak for close to 40 years. Doesn't make me an expert, but it does make me a veteran. There's a reason as to why you pay more for this kayak compared to the roto-mold tubs. I did a 10 day tour on Myrtle Lake, B.C. 3 years ago and I did fine as it was my first expedition. I chose to go with a skeg as opposed to a rudder. Now I wished I would have ordered without either. It tracks well and I would have had room for more beer!! There are two main hatches & one mini-hatch in front of you for snacks, map or phone. This kayak is narrow, light (44lbs) & fast. The shell is durable thermoform & cleans up easily. I added thermo-rest to the seating for extra comfort. The seat adjustments are easy. As a Con: the back pad seemed to move up & down too easy. I always had to readjust it. Make sure you know how to roll! It takes getting used to. My initial trips were shaky and I felt it in my shoulders and neck because of that tension. As for speed: I kept up to my buddy in his 17' mahogany kit kayak. That's a fast boat. My other buddy had a rental Necky ?? 17 foot tub. His was heavy & s-l-o-w! When i bought this kayak it was going to be my last one! I love it!

5

Hands down favorite of the Delta fleet!

Submitted by: Ty-D on 9/6/2017

My wife and I own Delta 12.10's and we recently had the opportunity to try out 5 other boats from the Delta fleet, including the 2017 Delta 15s. My wife is 5'6" - 125lbs and I am 5'11" - 170lbs (33" waist).

The 15s was easily BOTH of our favorites - hands down. The "S" suffix indicates a smaller cockpit size and we both found it offered a superior fit. It felt like we were one with the craft and didn't feel cramped in the least. It made getting back into the "non-S" models feel like a pair of pants that were way too big. In the non-S models, my legs felt like they had to frog-leg out to brace the hull. The 15s is narrow and tighter and fits like a glove.

My wife and I are both looking at upgrading from the 12.10 so we can go on some longer, multi-day trips. At first I didn't even consider the 15s and didn't even want to try it, but I'm sure glad I did.

We'll be picking up a pair of these in the next few weeks.

5

She likes it!

Submitted by: paddler236885 on 7/10/2017

I bought this 2017 Delta 15s for my "reluctant paddler" wife, who is quite petite, and also a bit shy about writing a review.
She had been using my hand-me-down Necky Manitou Sport, a short and wide (11' x 26.5") kayak built for someone much heavier than her (and lighter than me...), but she found it too difficult for her to keep in a straight line. She was easily pushed around by the wind, and with all the course corrections required, had trouble getting any more speed than 3.5 kph. Kayaking was no fun.
Her initial reaction when she saw the kayak (red) was how beautiful it looked. Her initial reaction when she got in and pushed away from the dock was that it's less maneuverable. ...which eventually became the more correct "it travels in a straight line!" My fear that being only 22" wide would make it an unstable experience for her was unfounded. The hull shape is very wide and semi flat and very stable. In less than 30 minutes, she was happily paddling across the water at the more reasonable speed of 5 kph, and having no frustrations. She's happy.
It has a rudder and a full length keel, so the rudder will eventually be used for tighter turns, but is not required to help it run straight.
The kayak looks good, is very well built, and has a real feel of quality to it.
She really likes the storage covers, especially the small one immediately in front, and has begun making plans for longer excursions, taking advantage of its greater storage capacity.
The kayak is light and very easy for her to move about on land, though she needs help putting it away on the the storage shelf that is well above her height. She has no trouble launching it and retrieving it from the dock where it is stored, and can move it around on the dock just fine.
With the addition of a bent shaft, small shaft, Werner Cyprus, she is a very happy paddler now!

4

I bought a Delta 15s after…

Submitted by: paddler235315 on 8/30/2013
I bought a Delta 15s after trying it out at a demo. I felt it was a stable boat and I liked the gas pedal style of the rudder pedals. I am a female 5'3" with a weight of 109 lbs. so the cockpit also was a good fit. This is my second kayak but my first with a rudder.

I have to say that I want to love this kayak but I just don't. I have gone on at least 5 or 6 paddles with local kayak clubs in the Seattle area lasting anywhere from 1 to 4 hours and I end up always trailing behind everyone. I use a Werner Camano paddle. I have tried adjusting my paddling techniques, have had a private lesson and have had other people watch my paddling and I just don't seem to have the 'speed' I need to comfortably keep up with others. I am able to paddle at a relaxed speed but really struggle to keep up with others as soon as the water gets any chop to it.

On the good side, the storage capabilities on this kayak are HUGE. It is very lightweight and I can lift and carry it alone quite easily. It is easy to retract and deploy the rudder and to use the rudders and they work very well. This kayak turns easily. I feel very safe in it.

On the down side, I don't think it is the speediest thing out there and I am not sure yet whether I will keep it. I am going to try out a few of my friends' kayaks and see if it is just my paddling techniques or if it is, indeed, the kayak. I truly want to love this kayak but the verdict is still out... I have more need for speed.
Initial rating: 7

ADDENDUM:
I would like to say that after adjusting my paddling stroke and moving up the seat to form a tighter fit in the cockpit, I seem to be able to add some speed. I am feeling like I may be able to love this boat after all!
Final rating: 8

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