Sisson Kayaks is 100% Kiwi owned by the Sisson family.

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 Nelson Factory had become surrounded with concrete walls – no view of the hills.

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 get heaps.

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 see many years of boat building ahead. I have a very very refined manufacturing facility that I operate in secret. And electric cranes to do the heavy lifting. At age 67 I am faster that I was at age 40. Because of the 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!