Brands
Sea Kayak Oban’s emphasis on brand choice has been quality regardless of expense. That’s not to say everything is expensive, in fact there are many great deals to be had, but we did want to make sure that all the items would be really good for there intended purpose. The Sea isn’t going to compromise so its really important that the Sea Kayaker doesn’t either.
So In no particular order.( NB the list of Sea Kayaks is on the Demo Page.)
Peak Uk
When the owner of the company shows up and explains how each of his products works and sells and he has an obvious belief in what he makes and a huge experience and expertise as a Kayaker then you know its not just patter or bullshit. This gear is very fit for purpose and is very long lasting. The new innovative drysuit is a superb example of ongoing development. I personally when out for myself paddle with a Peak Competition buoyancy aid and have been for the last 20 yrs.
Kokatat
For many years this company has been considered the premier brand for paddling outerwear. You truly will be the envy of all your paddling friends if you paddle in Kokatat. Drysuits, cagoules (different weights , both summer & winter), dry trousers, buoyancy aids, pogies (to keep your hands warm)
Astral Buoyancy Aids
The new kids on the block, but proving very popular with their innovative styling. What else can we say they like to keep you afloat in comfort & style.
Smart Wool
So here we go again back to good old wool. Yes but it does seem to do what it says on the pack, wash it, doesnt itch, doesnt shrink , So perhaps it’s worth a try. You can be sure we have and now it’s hard to separate us from it.
Valley Sea Kayaks
A large range of Sea kayaks and surf kayaks. These are made in the UK to very high specs and as such can be personalised to order to a much greater extent than foreign made boats. Delivery is usually 4wks from date of order. We always have the most popular models available as demo boats such as the Valley Nordkapp, the Valley Nordkapp LV and the Valley Avocet and the Valley Avocet LV & the all new Valley Etain sea kayak.
Gill
Generally thought of as yachty clothing and so you probably think expensive. In fact the opposite is the case as they have created a range of lines of thermals, fleece and waterproofs that are both very functional, work very well and even look good.
Seal line Drybags
I first bought some of these in 1986 because we were doing the 1st Descent of the 2nd longest and largest rivers in Nepal in a really remote closed area. They were really lightweight and I was afraid they wouldn’t do the job , but now 23 yrs later I am still using some of those original bags and they are still dry.
Powerplay Paddles (built in Scotland)
There is always going to be a lot of choice in the paddle market. After a boom in Brands in the late 80’s and early 90’s where paddling development really put such items to the test there are now a wide range of quality products on the market. Powerplay have taken a vast amount of personal paddling experience and combined this with excellent technical know how to produce an excellent product range at a great price. Now just out the varihand joint which gives a paddle of adjustable length and feather. Coming very soon the cranks, in fact they are here now carbon kevlar shafts & carbon blades.
Ainsworth Paddles
I have used numerous Ainsworth Paddles in the last 30 yrs of Kayaking & Canoeing. The development has been constant and now have a wide range of quality products at great prices. Undoubtedly the biggest selling British Paddle.
Werner Paddles
Have dominated the market for so long. Well they arent cheap but they are very, very good with a huge variety of specs.
Lendal Paddles
Lendal paddles have been brought back to the UK and will be manufactured in Wales by Celtic Paddles. Sea Kayak Oban will have a good range of Lendal paddles in stock & for sale in Scotland.
Standard Horizon – scottish dealer.
Makers of the best Handheld, Floating Waterproof Radios some of which have built in location finder. Nb these are also available to rent ie for hire in Scotland.
At the moment we are the only Standard Horizon dealer on the west coast of Scotland .
Mountain Hardwear.
We have been looking for a premium brand of more general outdoor gear that will especially appeal to the Sea Kayaker and in Mountain Hardwear we feel we have found just that. There range of superb lightweight compressible synthetic sleeping bags are ideal for sea kayaking. There fleeces, down gear and waterproofs are both fashionable and very functional. You have to have them they are so cosy.
Stohlquist Paddling Gear
We are starting with a range of very well made colourful and cost effective bouyancy aids and will see how it goes.
Scotty Kayak Fishing Gear
We are slowly getting to know the needs of the kayak fisherman and the Scotty brand is always first to be mentioned when we ask what they would like to see. We carry a range of their accessories and can usually get anything else by return of post.
Keen Footwear
We are now stocking both the everyday outdoor shoes as well as their water specific wear. They sell well. New in is the warm winter footwear range.
Ocean Kayak
The leading sit on top Manufacturer. Featuring up todate Fishing sit on top Kayaks and recreational sit on tops. So for those searching for the Ocean Kayak Prowler Ultra 4.7 XT in Scotland or an Ocean Kayak Frenzy, Mysto, and numerous others please pop in and see us.
Northshore Sea Kayaks
The Northshore Atlantic is our best selling composite kayak and plastic sea kayak. Not only a great price but it seems to suit the needs of more people than anything else. Made in the UK.
Point 65 North Sea Kayaks
We are once again stocking Point 65 Sea Kayaks including the XP18 and the Spyder (its sit on top version). These exciting new designs are proving popular with those that are looking for style and function. Fun to paddle and with a much improved construction.
Tiderace Sea kayaks.
Now imported straight from the Cobra Factory in Thailand right to our door. The factory has for years produced the very well made Necky composite sea kayaks and now the superb Tiderace designs are available with the same quality but even more sophisticated construction.