PADDLER 68 technical, our rope management system reduces oscillation( a killer of most ergometers). The customisable features – adjustable carbon shaft and a large range of adjustable resistance on the flywheel all contribute. So, athletes feel‘ at home’ on their Ergometer. This is key.
It was just a personal choice; for winter training for many years, I had trained in Florida. The warm temperatures and quality of life in the US seemed better than in the UK.
PADDLER 68 technical, our rope management system reduces oscillation( a killer of most ergometers). The customisable features – adjustable carbon shaft and a large range of adjustable resistance on the flywheel all contribute. So, athletes feel‘ at home’ on their Ergometer. This is key.
Then, over the last two years, the Bluetooth technology I have incorporated to make our ergometers‘ smart’ ergometers – is a game changer – virtual paddling, programmable training, and connectivity to a whole range of performance and recreational apps. It is the future. I have recorded over 150 + Interactive videos from locations in all parts of the globe to facilitate the KayakPro virtual paddling experience – from home, connecting our clients via the internet to anyone anywhere.
Do you design other paddling equipment? Not too much, as the ergometers are all consuming these days we manufacture eight different types of ergometers, primarily for watersports and sell between 500-600 ergometers a year. So, it’ s quite a business – from a small humble beginning. I must say I am just incredibly grateful for the kind support from our clients. We also make EZ Vee roof racks; this is a well-tested design – not by me, and there was a need and, therefore, a viable market for these in the US.
You travel the world with your KayakPro business – which are your favourite destinations and why? I really like Sevilla – Andalucia, Spain. However, last year it was taken by Luxor in Egypt. I plan to revisit!
What makes KayakPro’ s products stand out from competitors? Gosh, I think there are many reasons at this point – fundamentally, the designs are superior to anything else in the marketplace, replicating precisely the sports modality they are designed for. It has been a continuous process of evolution, development, and refinement; I learn something new each year and try to incorporate it. Without wanting to get too
How does KayakPro support beginner paddlers versus elite athletes? I think our price point is the single biggest help – we sell at a price which is the lowest in the marketplace- making it( relatively) affordable. So it’ s the best price but for the best machine available. There have been and will be many‘ cheaper’ machines – start-ups with cheap prices and cheap production, but in the end, this is a costly lesson for clients when buyer’ s remorse is the result. It takes the 22 years KayakPro has been in business to refine the design, so it is‘ just right’.
Small differences like our adjustable shaft – when compacted – make it easier for young athletes to find a resistance level that accommodates them. I think elite athletes, the Olympic Games and NASA all understand the benefits of our machines, I am so grateful for their loyalty and support. Good friends too.
How do you ensure your products accurately simulate actual paddling conditions? Being a chief tester myself helps! Continual evolution and development are critical. I think no one has spent more time on an ergometer than I have. Feedback from clients is also incredibly useful. Sometimes, they come up with things I never thought of.
What’ s the most exciting innovation you’ ve introduced to your products? Bluetooth technology – and the ability to connect machines to each other for indoor racing and / or group training – is the new revolution.
Coaches can set training for a room of athletes or even remotely via the internet and train together. Last year, the ICF held a Virtual Indoor World Cup using our technology and ergometers. Hundreds of participants took part on all five continents.
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YOU SETTLED IN THE UNITED STATES. WAS THAT BY DESIGN OR THROUGH THE KAYAKPRO BUSINESS?
It was just a personal choice; for winter training for many years, I had trained in Florida. The warm temperatures and quality of life in the US seemed better than in the UK.
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