Rockpool Kayaks
Published January 15, 2007 | 
So use it that’s what it’s for
Go inside, for your finest inspiration
Your dreams will open the door
- madonna
As you know I’ve written here about Rockpool kayaks pretty much from their inception a few years back. I was enamored of the Alaw and later the Alaw Bach which is not only the most beautifully painted of kayaks but also comes from a long bloodline of exquisite design. In some of my early posts about Rockpool kayaks you’ll remember me lamenting not having them available in the states. Since then Rockpool has earned a reputation for beauty and high quality construction. I couldn’t help but envy those guys who were kickin it up with their Rockpools in the UK. And that brings me to today.
When planning our trip to Puerto Rico in August Wendy Killoran and myself immediately thought, “Wow, wouldn’t it be perfect to have those beautiful craft in the tropical seas of the Caribbean?”. Wendy set about putting in her order for a new Rockpool. That’s when things went off in a new direction. After telling the guys at Rockpool what we were up to they offered to sponsor Wendy!! I was so happy for her! She was going to get that beautiful boat she dreamed of. She pushed me to give them a ring. I had in mind ordering one of the new rolling boats they’ve been working on for Freya. No way I could take a roller around Puerto Rico though. . .
So last week I tried to call Rockpool. If you recall Wales was having some serious weather. I couldn’t get through. Finally I got through to Aled Williams but the phone was so bad I could only hear monosyllables and bits of something that sounded vaguely like English. The weekend passed. So this morning I tried again. Aled answered the phone and I broke out in a sweat. . . Next thing I know I’m joining Mark Tozer, Freya Hoffmeister & Wendy Killoran as a Rockpool sponsored kayaker!! Which brings me to breathing into a brown bag! I can’t begin to tell you how thankful and humbled I am by the experience. I’m certainly the least deserving of the group, and really I’m sure owe each of you for what I consider an immense honor. Thank you for being here. Thank you to Mike and Aled! I can’t wait to show off my new Alaw Bach.
Mondays are indeed good days.
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26 Responses to Rockpool Kayaks
Holy crap Derrick! That’s awesome! I can’t wait to try out your new boat!
You lucky dog!
That’s great! Will you get one of the three-part boats? Handy for expeditions.
very impressive, but not surprising.
You have worked very hard for a long time. You deserve the kudos.
MM
Congratulations .. I hope we will see Rockpool Kayaks here in the states soon!!
Heh Heh, now you can’t well back out, can you? Is Freya going along for the trip?
TD
Thanks everyone!
Yeah, no backing out now eh?? Well, I didn’t doubt that anyway. The guys at Race Recon would kick my butt too!! It’s very exciting to say the least! Now I just have to keep up with the ladies! (fat chance)
Hey TD, Freya’s not coming on this trip. Like to catch her & Greg later though.
Simon, I hope to get a 3 peice, but it will depend on time. They’re really busy right now. Good for Rockpool!
Welcome to the exclusive Rockpool club, Derrick!
))
Holy crap Derrick! That’s awesome! I can’t wait to try out your new boat!
I hope you do get the three piecer so that you can tell me if it’s any good after paddling it; I will watch your site for details. Wow, this Puerto Rico deal is really taking of for you. Yesss!
Hey Derrick,
Congratulations mate
You won’t be disapoointed.
Geoff Murray
Tasmania
Well, it would seem you’re being dragged up onto a pedestal whether you think you’re worthy or not. Do us a favour: when you’re up on Olympus lounging around with Freya and Wendy, raise a goblet of nectar and think of us.
Now, if you need an extra hand to help shepard your growing boat herd, just let me know. I’d be happy to make sure they all get now and then. Lord knows it would be a shame for any of them to get lonely.
Jim
Way to go Derrick! You can breathe easy now. Rockpool rocks!
Congrats dude!!!
But, you should know that breathing into the brown bag is not a good thing, just slow down and breathe naturally.
I too am anixously awaiting a go at your new Rockpool!!!
Congratulations, Derrick! I am eager to see in the Rockpool owner’s gallery, the traditional pic of you as a new owner with a glass of liquor next to the boat.
I liked the boat very much. I am interested in learning from you the difference in handling between the Alaw Bach and the Romany.
As a second thought, as the Menai has not yet been released, would not the Alaw be best suited for an expedition?
Wow, that’s awesome! Congratulations!
Freya, thanks I’m happy to stand in your shadow.
Wenley, I’ll let you know. I’m 5’7″ and I think the Menai would be too big for me. I prefer a lower front deck so the Bach is better suited for me even if it carries a bit less. But with sensible packing that won’t be an issue.
Andrew, John, Geoff, Cdoc, Thanks!
Oh and Jim. . I’ll keep you in mind when my Acuta starts feeling lonely.
I have a greenlander you can take home for $1100. . .
Congratulations to both you and Rockpool! I think you’ve both made excellent choices in one another!
Although I’ve not paddled a Rockpool, I do appreciate their lines, their reputations, their paint jobs – and of course the footage in TITS.
Keep up the great work Derrick.
Cheers,
Ernest McCrank
I think you are wise in choosing the Bach Derrick. I tried all three boats when in Wales. I am 6’1″ and 185lbs and felt the Menai to be a big boat. The Bach and Alaw have identical carrying capacities but I found the Bach to be a tighter fitting boat that suited me more. I had Mike move the bulkhead forward 2″ and use most of the extra length.Would recommend a skeg with the boat. Ocassionally it is handy.
Geoff
Geoff
Way to go, scored a Rockpool! Ya see, Derrick, all your goodwill towards others has a way of coming back at you… Josh
Well done and well deserved, my man. Now let’s hear from the video producers…DVDs available on the beach after the circumnavigation:)
I’m jealous! I looked at the Alaw after you mentioned it a while back. It looked like great kayak and sized right for me but I didn’t think I could afford it. Can’t wait to hear your review.
Susanita– Sure you can afford it: it’s free. All you have to do is (a) have a very well eyeballed website and mention Rockpool often, and (b) circumnavigate something very large in a Rockpool. Like a country or a continent. Then, the Rockpool is yours.
CD1
ah, if it were only that simple. .
Good grief! I go away for a bit, and look what happens – Derrick joins the bright side! (Well, you can’t call Rockpool the dark side, can you?!)
Congratulations!!
Rowland
)
PS – When’s the warhorse up for sale??? (no man can serve two masters etc etc…!!!) (Just kidding!)
)
Hey Rowland,
Well Aled’s not making me go someplace cold!!! You NDK guys have to wear long underwear all the time.
Of course I can’t part with my warhorse. But it may get a well earned rest.
Said before…. REAL sea kayakers DON’T WEAR UNDERWEAR!!!!!
And (shhhh….) most of my Alaska/BC stuff has been done in a Nordkapp! (There, that’s blown my rep!)
Rowland
))