Coast Mountain Lead Guide Develops New Sea Kayak Design
May 14, 2005
Coast Mountain Founder Develops New Line of Kayaks
With kayak manufacturing companies Necky and Current Designs falling into American hands and leaving Canada, several well known individuals in the Canadian sea kayaking industry have joined to design a new line of ’ÄúMade in Canada’Äù sea kayaks. The group, lead by Coast Mountain Expeditions founder Ralph Keller, are well into the process of designing a complete line of sea kayaks.
The group was assembled by Ralph and includes the likes of Alex Mathews, professional kayaker, long time kayak consultant and former designer with Necky. A number of other experienced designers have declined to be named at this time. The group brings together decades of kayak design expertise and sea kayaking experience. Ralph brings more than 20 years of professional kayak guiding experience to the design table. ’ÄúAltogether, I’Äôve spent more than 2 years actually sitting in a sea kayak and put more than 2,000 people onto the water. I know what the paddling public wants.’Äù Ralph said.
The group began work last January and will have it’Äôs first prototype on the water for trials by mid July. The first boat is a small to medium volume touring boat with recessed hatches named the ’ÄúMurrelet’Äù. It has a 23 inch beam and is 16 ft. long. ’ÄúA lot of thought went into this design’Äù Ralph continued. ’ÄúWe wanted a boat that would appeal to kayak tour operators, the recreational paddler and the advanced kayaker’Äîa tall order but I think we did it.’Äù The boat has good initial stability and a very predictable profile for laying it over on its side. It tracks well, and was designed it to be easily rolled by more skilled paddlers. ’ÄúAnd it looks great’Äù Ralph remarked,’Äù It’Äôs has sexy lines and will appeal to paddlers.’Äù
Also on the drawing board is a large volume K-1, an advanced double-ended K-1, and a centre-hatch K-2. Watch for more details.
Coast Mountain Expeditions
Discovery Islands Lodge
