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.
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 Bouyancy 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 its worth a try. You can be sure we have and now its hard to separate us from it.
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.
Necky Kayaks
Mike Neckar founded the company in a falling down log cabin in British Columbia in the ’70s now today its part of Johnson Outdoors & produce excellent superb strong award winning composite and plastic sea kayaks. Comfortable, strong & great to paddle.
Wilderness Systems Sea Kayaks
Another North American company of excellent reputation. For a long while their plastic kayaks have been very well thought of and now after a fair bit of badgering they have brought their composite sea kayaks into the UK for us.
Tiderace Sea Kayaks
Brought to you by sea kayak designer Aled Williams from the North Wales sea kayak stable and made in a factory in Finland. The quality is excellent and everything works very well- no kinked skeg wires here. 2 basic designs “surfy” & “fast exped” in 3 different sizes what could be simpler and carefully crafted to look great.
Point 65 North
The Swedish connection has produced a constantly changing line of Sea Kayaks at very competitive prices in both Composite and 3 layer plastic. There is always something very different just around the corner. Makes shopping for kayaks fun.