Paddler Information – Equipment
Links to places for equipment:
Kayaks
“The best type of kayak is the one that fits the water, fits the body and fits the purpose of why the paddler is on the water” a quote that sums things up nicely from this article discussing Greenland Kayaks by Jeff Fabiszewski…
- Thinking about how to choose a kayak, here’s an interesting article on the subject.
- If you are keen to travel with your kayak life can be quite frustrating, until now the ability to transport a sea kayak hasn’t been a key consideration for sea kayak manufacturers and often we are stuck with renting mediocre boats when we arrive at our dream kayaking destination. Well at the 2024 IKW event at Matuari Bay by the Cavalli Islands in Northland we were given a glimpse of a possible future for people serrious about global kayaking expeditions. Check out this video about the ultimate in transportable kayaks
NZ based Manufacturers:
- Barracuda Kayaks https://www.barracudakayaks.com/
- Mission Kayaks https://www.missionkayaking.com/ took on the QKayaks rotomoulded kayak moulds
- Nautique Kayaks is now the owner of all Sisson kayak moulds. https://www.nautiquekayaks.co.nz/
- Paddling Perfection https://www.paddlingperfection.co.nz/
- Ruahine Kayaks http://www.ruahinekayaks.co.nz/ took on the Q Kayaks composite boats (Southern Skua and Tasman Express, now called the Sea Hawk)
- Star Kayaks https://www.starkayaks.com/
- Wave Passion https://www.wavepassion.co.nz/
Paddles
- How long should your paddle be? There is no correct answer and generally the trend is towards people using shorter paddles than used to be recommended, the following articles all suggest longer paddles than seem to be common around New Zealand these days:
- Here is a reasonable article that describes the issues to consider
- There are many variables to consider for this, here is an article that puts forward one perspective.
Safety Equipment
Accessories
Camping
Where to Buy
The following lists are not intended to represent an endorsement or otherwise of the respective organization, rather it is a list of places our members use.
Retail:
- Canoe and Kayak in various NI locations: https://canoeandkayak.co.nz/
- Fergs Kayaks in Auckland and Wellington: https://fergskayaks.co.nz/
- Kayak HQ in Nelson: https://kayakhq.co.nz/
- Long Cloud Kayaks in Christchurch: https://www.furtherfaster.co.nz/
- NZ Sailing in Silverdale, though not a kayak shop, has good gear https://www.nzsailing.com/
- Paddler Zone in Christchurch https://paddlerzone.co.nz/
Trading Sites:
- Trademe: https://www.trademe.co.nz/
- Facebook group, Canoes and kayaks for sale New Zealand: https://www.facebook.com/groups/687372417976422/
- Facebook group, Gear Closet NZ:- https://m.facebook.com/#!/groups/gearclosetnz/
- Facebook group, NZ Sea Kayak Buy Sell Swap:- https://www.facebook.com/groups/838153199575773
- Facebook group, Outdoor gear exchange:- https://www.facebook.com/groups/462489817280573/
Hiring Gear:
Finding a place that can hire kayaking kit can be a challenge but if you are visiting from out of the region it can be a good option.
- Pacific Coast Kayaks is a flexible, mobile operation based in Onerahi, Whangarei, and has been operating on the East Coast of Northland for over 15 years. Pacific Coast Kayaks run local half-day and full day tours, or hireage, for travellers, locals, school and groups. Check out their website at https://www.nzseakayaking.co.nz/
Repairs/Customisation/Bits:
- Matrix Composites for Barracuda and composite kayak repairs will still be done at Silverdale Phone Stu 021 257 5947
- Struggling to find the right screw or fitting? Anzor have all your bolts and screws sorted. e.g. kayak footrest bolts in 1/4 inch stainless steel, imperial & metric. https://www.anzor.co.nz/
- Sisson Kayak Kayak Manufacturing plant has been sold. Meanwhile Sisson Kayaks can continue to assist you with many 1985 – 2010 spare parts, https://www.sissonkayaks.co.nz/.