Sisson Kayaks is a maker of handcrafted sea and multisport kayaks. The business is in one ownership since 1974. First kayak made 1975. Peak production was not much short of 50 per week. This is now a one-man-band retirement hobby business. Annual production halts at 50 kayaks - about one per week. Get your order in early.
Sisson Kayaks is a maker of handcrafted sea and multisport kayaks. The business is in one ownership since 1974. First kayak made 1975. Peak production was not much short of 50 per week. This is now a one-man-band retirement hobby business. Annual production halts at 50 kayaks - about one per week. Get your order in early.
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Who We Are

Sisson Kayaks is 100% Kiwi owned by the Sisson family. We answer all your email requests!

Between 1975 and 1996 the company produced many many thousands of kayaks. In 1997 we started producing after the fire – but then we closed – too hard on the health. Late in 1997, at the request of Manibu Matsumura I decided to reopen the business along the lines of a one-man-band ‘hobby’. In true Reginald Perrin fashion, I came first, Family came right behind, and the customer came third. This resulted in some very low pressure – high volume kayak output.

From 1975 until 2005 the kayaks were made in Nelson. Our previously open countryside Nelson Factory had become surrounded by concrete tilt slab neighbours – no view of the hills – get me out of here.

In 2005 we relocated the business onto some farm land that we owned, not far from Methven Mount Hutt Village. We like skiing. It worked – we now get heaps of the best snow lines.

We now live at Anakiwa and build the kayaks in Methven. Officially I am ‘retired’! This is now a one-man-band retirement hobby business!  But I still see many years of kayak building ahead. I have a very very refined manufacturing facility that I operate in secret. And the electric cranes to do the heavy lifting. At age 67 I am faster that I was at age 40. Because of the mechanised equipment. Call it productivity!

My favourite quotation is “Take your task seriously, but never yourself” General Eisenhower (when he was given the task of properly burying the US soldiers who died in Europe between 1942 and 1945).

If ever the kayak making fun and satisfaction stops, the business will be either sold or closed. By choice I choose to find customers who are pleasant to deal with. All others can go elsewhere.

Bigger mountains mean more skiing!

Bigger mountains mean more skiing!

Start here to begin the customized design process of your next Sisson Kayak.

Contact us via freephone or email us to discuss any questions about our products or to find more information about this site.

Ever wonder how to make sure your water photography comes out clear and beautiful? Check out this video of camera stabilizing techniques in a Sisson Nucleus 100 Kayak.

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