Happy Saturday! Well, Freya Hoffmeister did a great blog on the news about Rockpool and Aled’s new company IN-UIT. Suffice to say all the “Rockpool Kiddies” have been enjoying a flurry of conversations over the last few days. I’d probably not even mention it but of course I do have a big Rockpool logo on my website! Well, that and I’ve not answered the various emails asking how that effects our trip to Puerto Rico. So let me try to cover that as best as I can. Obviously we wish Aled Williams the best in his new venture and expect Rockpool to continue making the high quality Lexus of kayaks that they have been producing over the last few years. All I can really tell you is this; Both Mike & Aled being good people offered to continue their relationships with all of us on the Rockpool team. The down side is that we do have to choose mom or dad. Not an easy thing. After long discussions with the rest of the kids we all knew we had to go with our hearts and do what was best for us as individuals. So since this is my blog . . . I can only tell you what I’m doing.

Someone once posted on their blog a bit about sponsorship that didn’t really cover the realities. You see, none of us NEED kayaks. Sure who doesn’t want a new boat?, but that’s not what sponsorships are about. Nothings free. Sponsored kayakers pay for their gear. Don’t doubt it. For a company it’s about promoting their products to people of like mind. Well, that’s true of small companies anyway. When they choose to sponsor someone they’re looking for people that to some extent represent their way of thinking. An ambassador of sorts. You can’t just hand out $4000 kayaks to everyone who wants one. They quite rightly have expectations. They are making an investment in you. It’s a responsibility you have to take seriously. As a person accepting or looking for sponsorships you have to be aware of what you’re taking on. You know that you are tying your personal reputations to some extent with the company that sponsors you. How would you like to be the only guy in the room on the receiving end when your sponsored company has quality control problems?? Is “free kit” worth that? I doubt it.

Mike Webb owner of Rockpool kayaks is an artist and master craftsman. I wouldn’t know where to start building something. I am that guy who can’t nail two boards together. That’s why I don’t build my own skin boats! I respect a craftsman’s abilities. The patience and attention a good craftsman gives to his work is amazing. The long hours Mike puts in speaks to his character. Aled William’s cutting edge designs with the Alaw & Alaw Bach are candy to rough water paddlers. Nothing so sweet! These are the things that is attracted me to Rockpool. Sure, only a few boats come off the line each month, but each one is meticulously crafted and most often customized to their new owners. One of a kind. Something special. Something I know Rockpool will continue to do.

No one wants to choose between parents. All my dealings with Mike & Aled have been nothing but wonderful. In the end I had to go with my guts on this one. I’m proud to continue to be sponsored by Rockpool Kayaks. I’m thankful to Mike for taking the time he has with me. In the end it’s all about people and that’s what’s important to me. And all the best as well to Aled Williams & IN-UIT. Aled’s drive will take them to great places. I know the new boats will be fantastic!

* photo from Rockpool Kayaks