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Currently building the very last batch of kayaks
Thirty six years ago I built my first kayak. I built it for my own use. It sold before I could launch it. The next morning by 11am we had nine further kayak orders. Kayak #12 was mine. My light engineering / invention development business became by accident a kayak manufacturing business…………..By 11am the next day we had 9 kayak orders.
I have enjoyed the past 36 years. Making kayaks was certainly not a dull vocation. At times very exciting.
Last December I built a huge batch of kayaks. The market looked good. I invested in some more time saving plant. Maybe kayaking will weather this recession as it had in the past – because of its simplicity and low entry costs? When compared with power boating.
But the kayak market died. Totally! No just Sisson Kayaks – Lots of other kayak businesses were rearranging their ‘deck-chairs’.
At 69 years of age I was certainly not interested in advertising and marketing – just to increase market share from a dead market. I know how it is done. The boom years 1987 through 1995 coincided with our nation-wide marketing efforts.
I chose to stay at home at Anakiwa. The Methven factory lawns grew knee high as I abandoned my usual summer trips South to build batches of kayaks. Instead I tried out the life of retirement. Yeah right! Never been so busy in years. It was nice to have the time to catch up on projects that had been stalled for 15 years – since the factory fire in 1996.
I am here in Methven casting an eye at Mt Hutt as I set about building that last batch of kayaks. All of these nine kayak orders were received just recently. I find it amusing that my last batch of kayaks is equal in number to the orders received on day one.
The Methven farmland now has a For Sale sign on it. Our Farm Clearance auctioneer CRT, will move in October, at any cost, in a September Clearance Sale, all of the stuff associated with the kayak business, plus my 6 ton tip truck and JCB digger. Yeah – I admit – I like digging holes. Whew – says my wife Lynda – no more holes to fall into.
I still have time to make a few more kayaks in this last batch. So – if you want one of the last of a huge line – place your order now. I promise to make the last one the very best one. SORRY – NO MORE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED – WHEN THESE NINE KAYAKS ARE FINISHED I AM GOING SKIING
I must thank all of those thousands and thousands of nice customers who have made my lifestyle possible. Thank you.
The future? The Sisson Kayak company will likely trade on, but with a different name. It started as Sisson Industries Ltd. At home at Anakiwa I have the most amazing workshop and I will be developing some crafty alternate energy devices – the prototypes for ourselves. Maybe some of these may end up being sold by other companies by arrangement. I am not retiring. Just heading off in the new exciting growth direction.
Grahame Sisson
Some photos following
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4 Responses to “Currently building the very last batch of kayaks”
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Hi Grahame
I may have something for you to consider for a direction of your future.
Note; this is as a referance from Jim Collins that you may be the man for the position.
Q – are you still currently around about Methven
Regards; Shane
I have yearned/pined for years and I still don’t have a Sisson boat; my loss entirely.
All the best, Grahame.
Grahame
You will be sadly missed in the kayak industry
Your passion and flair for designing and building great boats has launched many of us into the world of kayaking be it racing or sea kayaking.
On a personal note I first had contact with Grahame when I was in a bad place in life
The fantastic boat that he built lead to many years of marathon racing and now sea kayaking always in a Sisson boat
Are there others??
Thank you for the great boats and the helpful advise you have offered us all over the years.
Good luck Grahame and Lynda with your new projects and direction in your lives.
Dear Mr. Sisson,
I’m not sure if you remember me, but we exchanged a few email messages years back. I am your avid follower in the Philippines. When I was discovering the sport of sea kayaking and adventure racing your name keeps popping up when it comes to the best kayak in NZ. I feel sad that I never got the chance to own one of your kayaks, (Artic Raider or Voyager) But because i frequent your website I discoverd legendary NZ athletes that patronize your product. Steve Gurney (I bought I book from him) John Howard ( I attended his coaching seminar when he visited the Phillupines years back) Paul Caffyn ( I became a member of KASK and bought several of his books). Mr. Sisson the sport of ADVENTURE RACING, MULTISPORTS and SEA KAYAKING would not be where it is today if not for your huge contribution. We will surely miss not only a true passionate kayak builder but also a legend like the athletes that you have helped excel. I wish you well. Yes you are retiring (putting on new tires) for your next adventure. God Bless you always.
JUDE E. SANCHEZ JR.
Philippines
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