Crafting Kayaks
Published May 15, 2007 | 
To flow inside the spiral tide;
To drown my eyes like a blind ride.
And to cross the perils of black water -
It waits for me like mother and daughter.
-blue oyster cult
I finally got a day to visit the Rockpool workshop. An enlightening experience. I’m not sure what I expected, but I guess something a little more “automated”. It’s not. It’s more like an artist’s studio. In the end you get one of these beautiful, unique craft. This particular one in the above photo kept me alive throughout my time in Wales. I’ll have a special affection for it.
I spent a good amount of time trying to just stay out of the way as Mike Webb and his team worked. On average Rockpool can turn out 1 kayak every 4 days. Each step done by hand with particular attention to detail. Like artwork.
This slow craftsman’s approach is what allows for the funky designs which are actually embedded right into the gelcoat. These are not stickers or “paint” but gel coat art work. The upside of course is that your designs will not “wear”.
Above is the Menai which is now in production. It’s a “big” boat. LOL! But growing more popular as an expedition kayak. This boat has the 5th hatch on the front deck that has become sort of trendy recently. At this point Mike had the two halves clamped together and was preparing to put in the seam tape. I job that required cramming your head into a toxic smelling hull while at the same time being meticulous to get the seam tape straight with the use of a long roller.
I came about my Rockpool sponsorship in a strange way right before the company went through it’s recent changes. I felt it was important to stay with Mike (Webby as he’s known round these parts. . LOL!) Yet, I had not paddled the kayak and had not seen them up-close. Not always the best choice when planning an expedition! But I leave Wales feeling very good about the way things worked out. The Alaw Bach is an almost perfect kayak for my style of paddling. It handles rough conditions without worry and offers enough adjustment to fit perfectly. Like I’ve told everyone here, “I won’t have to rip out the seat!!,” Mike is a great guy and very focused. An artist and a down to earth craftsman. I know my new boat with be without issues. In fact it will have the sort of attention to detail almost no fiberglass kayaks can get these days. I can trust the care that goes into each boat, and know that the hands that make it, do it with pride. How often can you say that??
Thank you Mike!!! For everything.
* top photo by Axel Schoevers
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5 Responses to Crafting Kayaks
Hi Derrick,
Great to see the pics of Webby and his art. Good to see you like the Bach too, I knew you would
Geoff
I anxiously await the opportunity to take your Rockpool for a spin.
Thanks for sharing the tour with us! To the uneducated in the composite kayak manufacturing process, I hope they have a better understanding of the love and care that goes into each one, and one every four days. . .helps to appreciate the expense we pay for quality.
Safe journey home, sad as I’m sure you are to leave. . .only to return I’m sure!
Your postings have heightened my desire to return to the UK. I’m sure we will get over there again in the next few years–sooner rather than later I hope.
Hello Derrick,
I am a 40 years old paddler who would like to buy either an Anas Acuta or an Alaw bach.
I see that you have / used both.
Could you send me some comments about the main differences?
I live in Italy where there are no big opportunities to test these kayaks.
I usually paddle in the mediterranean sea all year round so also if I do not have to cope with ocean swells I usually find wind and waves.
I use a greenland paddle and I like rolling.
Thank you
Ciao
Alessandro Cazzaniga
alexesonia@tiscali.it
Hi Derrick,
At this time Mike is probably finishing our two Menai’s.
We came from France to see the boats and we were charmed by the guy and his beautiful handcrafted kayaks.
Your damn right, Mike deserves our support today more than ever.
Looking for a Menai, I’ve received some unfair proposition from a former Rockpool dealer in France willing to sell us Tiderace Xplore, he stiil pretends that Rockpool never replies to his mails. Like him Knoydart is no more selling Rockpool but Tiderace instead.
It seems that Tiderace has adopted a very aggressive commercial policy.
Long live to Mike and Rockpool !!!
Bye
It’s tough for those of us who know both Mike and Aled. One thought that crosses my mind though is that Aled seems (what do I know??) to be going for high growth. I’d expect to see Tiderace become more and more available as production roars up and he works out a network of dealers. Mike is expanding as well, but his vision is different. Even with his boats coming to the states they will still be hand crafted to each individual. I do expect the US market to be a good one for him. My thought is that they are not really competing because they are targeting different markets. Of course I’m a “Rockpool Baby” and I’m happy to see Mike succeed on his own terms. I’m sure he will do that.