Waka OG vs Waka Stoke

Watch the Review ⬇️

From the Tutea to the OG, Waka has been innovating and improving on Creek boats for nearly two decades. And while their newest creeker, the Stoke, is all the rage, how does it compare to other models? Which boat is right for which paddler?

For example, how does the Waka Stoke compare to the tried and true OG? We recently spoke with local paddler and long-time industry insider Dave Farkas for a side-by-side comparison of the two Waka Kayaks. He walked us through everything from basic specs to how volume distribution changes performance and what boat to use for what.

Specs

OG

Stoke

Sterns

Looking at the Waka Stoke and the OG side by side, it is apparent that the sterns of the kayaks are not the same. The differing shapes and tapers allow the boats to perform and respond in different ways. 

Starting with the OG, there is a lot of volume in the back of the boat, and the stern “holds volume all the way through consistently to the tail.” The width throughout the OG, including in the stern, gives the boat its well-known stability.

On the other hand, the Stoke stern tapers with most of the stern’s volume focused right behind the seat. At the seat grab handles, the OG and the Stoke are the same width. At the tail grab loop, the Stoke is noticeably narrower and flatter. In other words, the Stoke has a slicier tail. 

What does this mean? The tapered stern makes the Stoke slightly more playful and less stable while also making it more maneuverable. An experienced paddler can “use the lower volume underwater to make that boat do certain moves.” Keep in mind that the narrow and more tapered stern of the Waka Stoke will “ask a little bit more of you as a kayaker.”

Bows

At first glance, the bows of the Waka OG and the Stoke appear relatively similar. And the two bows have more in common than not. For example, both boats have ample bow rocker, which allows a paddler to boof with ease, elevate over features, and skip out of holes. (The renowned “Waka Skip.”) 

Similar to the stern, the OG bow carries volume throughout. Again, this consistent volume distribution gives the boat its stability and makes it the ideal kayak for self-support trips. In comparison, The Stoke bow is narrow and more tapered, with “a little more rocker.”

Which Kayak is Right for You?

Understanding the differences between the Waka OG and the Waka Stoke is crucial to deciding which boat is right for you. Both kayaks include Waka’s robust plastic and reliable outfitting and are highly maneuverable. Here’s a quick overview of the differences we discussed and which boat might suit you.

OG

• Wider throughout
• Higher volume
• Stable

The OG’s width and volume make it an ultra-stable boat. In other words, “If you’re looking for something that is going to take care of you no matter what…you might be looking for the OG.” The Waka OG is the better boat for beginners, those seeking a confidence boost, and “super hard chargers who want to go down something super hard.”

Stoke

• Narrower
• More bow rocker
• More playful stern

The Stoke is narrower and lower volume, with a tapered stern. These features make it less stable but faster and more responsive. Where the OG is a creeker, the Stoke can be used for river running and racing. With that in mind, it is better for more experienced paddlers.

“If you’re a very talented kayaker, you’re used to paddling new-school boats, and you’re looking for something that’s really high performance, you might be looking for the Stoke.”

Final Thoughts

Waka Kayaks makes must-have creek boats for every paddler, including beginners, waterfall droppers, and everything in between. Their two most popular models, the OG, and the Stoke, embody what we love about Waka. They are both maneuverable, boofable, and durable, giving you the confidence to crush your paddling goals.