Our Story So Far…

Performance Design in Our DNA

Before Flow Kayaks ever took shape as a brand, it existed as a vision shared by two trailblazers—Richard Ussher and Andrew Martin—who understood that performance doesn’t just spring from a blueprint; it’s earned through experience. These founding fathers were far more than workshop tinkerers. Richard, a five-time Coast to Coast Multisport World Champion, brought a spirit forged in the extremes of adventure racing, Ironman triathlons, and freestyle skiing. Andrew, a seasoned competitor across multiple disciplines—Slalom, Wildwater, and Marathon—represented New Zealand on the world stage, clinching national titles in Wildwater, Marathon, and Surf Lifesaving events. Together, they channeled that elite athletic insight into every kayak and paddle they shaped.

Welcome to Flow Kayaks, a proudly New Zealand-owned company specializing in crafting exceptional kayaks, surf skis, and paddles.

Located in Christchurch, we've honed our expertise in composite manufacturing, coupled with our deep knowledge of paddle sports. Our focus is clear: to bring you high-quality paddle craft and accessories with a continuous commitment to improvement.

Our team is made up of experienced composite technicians, with each lead boasting 20 to 30 years of invaluable experience. They not only excel in their craft but also take pride in mentoring younger staff and apprentices, ensuring that our passion for kayak craftsmanship lives on through the generations.

As paddlers ourselves, we understand the needs of our fellow enthusiasts. Our team includes seasoned kayakers and coaches who actively contribute their insights to test and refine our products. This dedication to real-world testing ensures that every kayak, surf ski, and paddle we create is purpose-built for an exceptional paddling experience.

Flow Kayaks is more than just a brand; it's a community of like-minded individuals who share a love for paddling. We welcome you to join our community and experience the joy of paddling with our meticulously handcrafted kayaks and accessories. Let's hit the water together and explore the beauty of paddle sports with Flow Kayaks.

As of November 2017, Keith Jessop and Chris Stagg partnered to take Flow Kayaks into a new stage. They each bring specialisations and experience in complimenting industries, as well as all being passionate about multisport and kayaking so you’re sure to see them out on the water regularly.

The move came not only with new management but also a world-leading ERP System in partnership with EMDA and professionalising manufacturing, health and safety and quality control systems.

We strive to keep improving our systems, products and customer service so that you, our valued customer, can get on the water as soon as possible with as smooth an experience as possible.