I built my first boat at age 4. I remember the episode well. We lived on an orchard in Papanui Christchurch. I sealed up the gaps in a wooden black current picking tray with mud and launched it into a water trough. It floated – so I jumped onto it – went down like the Titanic. That was a very early lesson about hull volume! The second lesson – never do such testing just after my mum had me all cleaned and dressed to go to town shopping. I would have found the recently passed anti-smacking legislation handy that day.

I am a motor mechanic – starting in Waiau in 1959 and finishing in Nelson. By 1969 I was Service Manager at a large Ford garage with responsibilty for 40 staff. In1974 I started my own manufacturing business assisting inventors to develop their ideas to market level. This involved both metal and fibreglass production.

Boats have never been far away in one form or other. By 1965 I had my own really fast (for 1965) ski boat. By 1968 I had my own racing hydroplane. I had always been fascinated with kayaks. When the opportunity arose – I had to have one.

But snow skiing has always been my main sport. I love the mountain basins. I love the freedom. I love the speed.

These days we live in the Marlborough Sounds and work and ski in Methven. The six hour commute is better than watching TV.

“This Methven factory is the best workplace I have ever worked in. Great music thru the Apple Airport! Air conditioned and very – very efficient. One day I will sell this setup – and it will be relocatable – anywhere in the world.”

- Grahame Sisson email

grahame@sissonkayaks.co.nz