Flow Kayaks are the superior choice for multisport performance. Boasting stability to speed ratios and manoeuvrability to length ratios like no other. Flow Kayaks are CAD designed and the plugs CNC’d leaving us with not just stylish looks but also complete symmetry... with the exception of the Sharp 6… which is just a legend of a boat and still an Andrew Martin favourite that’s still loved today.
MULTISPORT KAYAKS.
PICK YOUR MODEL.
BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE
1.
ASPIRE
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The Aspire is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate paddlers looking for a stable, comfortable kayak with a bit more room. Designed for ease of use, it's known for its maneuverability, stability, and even a touch of speed compared to others at this level.
The Aspire is a favorite among paddlers starting their journey, and it’s trusted by some of the best guides on the Waimak River!
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Length - 5.7 metres
Height at cockpit - 40cm
Widest point - 53cm
Skill Level - Beginner and Intermediate
Paddler Weight Recommendation: - 60-110kg
Standard Seat and Wide Seat available
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Josie O'Grady - Athlete Partner (Wanaka)
Sam Milne - Coach & Owner of Canterbury Kayaking
Sam Manson - Senior Instructor & Guide of Topsport Kayaking
Mike Johnston - Coach & Owner - MJ Multisport Coaching (Wanaka)
Keith Jessop - Director & Owner of Flow Kayaks (Canterbury)
INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED
ROCKSTAR
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The first collaboration between Richard Ussher & Andrew Martin. The Rockstar is designed to give intermediate to advanced paddlers more comfort and control in the widest variety of conditions possible.
With an incredible amount of stability it means more focus in any condition can go into what counts – moving forward as fast as possible. In testing, the Rockstar has been matching many of the “Elite” boats for speed on the flat-water and when it turns rough it leaves them for dead.
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Length - 6 metres
Height at cockpit - 40cm
Widest point - 48cm
Paddler Weight Recommendation - 50-110kg
Standard Seat and Wide Seat available
*For a jet white kayak with no customisations or accessories beyond the standard installations needed to paddle.
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Elina Ussher - Athlete Partner (Nelson)
Ben Leech - Athlete Partner (Canterbury)
Ella Julian - Athlete Partner (Bay Of Plenty)
Sonja Vreugdenhil - Athlete Partner (Canterbury)
Lochie Espiner - Flow Staff (Canterbury)
ADVANCED
RUSH
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A year before Andrew died we caught up with him and he described the Rush as his master piece and the best boat he’d ever made. We can’t blame him, and neither can the top 10 in our favourite races.
Richard paddled the prototype to fastest time in the 2014 Coast to Coast Race. This boat is very stable considering its speed, the harder you paddle the faster it goes. Very little stern squat, climbs over wakes with ease. This is the next generation of elite multi-sport kayak, you will see at the front of the field at all the major events in the coming future!
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Length - 6.5 metres
Height at cockpit - 40cm
Widest point - 42cm
Paddler Weight Recommendation - 60-110kg
Standard Seat and Wide Seat available
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Jesse Whitehead - Athlete Partner (Canterbury)
Ben Keys - Elite Paddler (Canterbury)
Chris Stagg - Director & Owner of Flow Kayaks (Canterbury)
ADVANCED
SHARP 6
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The Sharp 6 is still an original design by Andrew Martin. First produced around 18 years ago they are still the boat of choice for many top Kayakers and Multi-sport racers. Flow Kayaks own Richard Ussher has used a Sharp 6 for the last 4 of his 5 victories in the iconic Coast to Coast.
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Length - 6 metres
Height at cockpit - 40cm
Widest point - 43cm
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Sarah Jenkins - Athlete Partner (Canterbury)
PICK YOUR LAYUP.
2.
The VE HybriD
“Make the Rocks Cry”
HybriD - FOR TOUGH EXPERIENCES
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VE HybriD (HD) - Built tough
The VE Hybrid is our toughest kayak, built for those who need maximum durability without compromising performance.
Constructed with a robust combination of Vinyl-ester resin, Plain-Weave Carbon, Kevlar Aramid, Double-Bias Carbon and Twaron, this kayak is designed to withstand the harshest conditions while still offering excellent speed and responsiveness.
Weighing approximately 14.5-15kg*, the VE Hybrid is the perfect balance of strength and performance, ensuring it can take on challenging environments with ease.
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The VE Hybrid is ideal for paddlers who demand the highest level of durability in their kayak.
Whether you're tackling rough waters, a beginner of the Coast to Coast journey, or navigating rocky coastlines in training, this kayak is built to endure.
It's perfect for those who need a reliable, tough kayak that can handle anything nature throws at it, all while maintaining solid performance on the water.
Many of our Athlete Partners prefer this layup because they don't have to worry about it as much and can take their desired lines with ease of mind.
Built tough, built to last.
$5000
NZ
AU
The VE Cross
“What does a kayak that doesn’t go upside down look like?”
Cross - FOR EXPERIENCED PADDLERS
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The VE Cross is the perfect blend of durability and lightweight performance, combining the best features of our VE Hybrid and RaceLite models.
A HybriD hull and a Racelite deck.
With a tough, impact-resistant hull and a lighter deck, this kayak offers excellent strength while maintaining a lower overall weight, approximately 13.5-14kg*.
This design improves the centre of gravity, enhancing stability and control, making it a versatile choice for paddlers who want both toughness and agility.
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The VE Cross is ideal for paddlers seeking a balance between durability and lightweight performance.
Perfect for those who want a kayak that can handle rough conditions but still provides the agility and speed needed for competitive racing.
Whether you're navigating challenging rivers or looking for a reliable, all-rounder for various conditions, the VE Cross offers the best of both worlds, making it the go-to choice for versatile paddlers.
If you have a bit of experience and want the forever boat; this is the closest you're going to get to perfect.
$5200
NZ
AU
The VE Racelite
“See ya later alligator”
RaceLite - FOR RACING EXCELLENCE
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VE RaceLite (RL) - Built for Racing Excellence
RaceLite is our lightest kayak, crafted from Vinyl-ester resin, Plain-Weave Carbon, Double-Bias and Twaron, for speed and a bit of flex. Weighing approximately 12.5-13kg*, it's designed for performance, but being lighter, it's less robust than the VE Hybrid and VE Cross models.
Though tough, it’s best suited for those prioritising weight over ultimate durability.
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The RaceLite (RL) is designed for competitive paddlers who prioritise speed and lightweight performance.
Ideal for racers seeking to gain every possible advantage in endurance river races, and competitive club events, and maximum efficiency for the athlete.
The RL is perfect for those who demand a kayak that can cut through the water with minimal resistance.
While it’s still tough, its lightweight construction makes it best suited for experienced paddlers who are comfortable with handling a kayak that sacrifices some robustness for agility and speed.
The RL is for those who are ready to push their limits and leave the competition behind.
$5400
NZ
AU
*Please note that these kayaks are meticulously handcrafted, and as such, minor weight variations may occur. The weight ranges stated are the completed weight dependant on colour choices and addons.
WHAT DO THOSE MATERIALS MEAN?
Vinylester (VE) Resin Ideal for kayaks due to its superior water and chemical resistance, high tensile strength, and strong adhesion to fibres. It offers excellent durability, reducing the risk of delamination and cracks, while its flexibility enhances impact resistance. This makes vinylester perfect for creating resilient, long-lasting, high-performance kayaks. Click Here for more on Vinylester Resin and why we’ve converted to it.
Double-Bias
Carbon 45/45
Enhances the strength, flexibility and torsional stiffness of our kayaks, making them ideal for high-performance use. This material ensures superior handling and resilience under dynamic conditions.
Offers exceptional impact resistance and toughness. This ensures our kayaks are incredibly durable, increasing their longevity and making them a reliable choice for frequent paddlers and demanding environments.
Twaron - Kevlar/Carbon
Delivers superior abrasion resistance while also keeping you, the paddler, safe by holding everything together should the worse happen. This makes our kayaks perfect for rugged adventures, providing durability without adding unnecessary weight, so you can paddle confidently in any condition.
Kevlar / Aramid
Plain-Weave
Carbon 90/90
Plain weave carbon fabric provides excellent stiffness and strength, ensuring our kayaks are both durable and lightweight. This material is perfect for creating a kayak that can withstand rigorous use while maintaining easy maneuverability.
THINGS TO CONSIDER…
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Fibreglass, though commonly used in kayak construction due to its affordability, is inferior to carbon fibre and Kevlar.
It lacks the strength-to-weight ratio of carbon fibre, resulting in heavier, less rigid kayaks that are slower and less responsive.
Fibreglass is also more prone to cracking and damage under impact, unlike Kevlar, which excels in durability and abrasion resistance.
A common way to describe fibreglass is that it bruises and overtime provides less and less structure.
Despite its lower cost, fibreglass is often overpriced by manufacturers, offering poor value compared to the superior performance, strength, and longevity provided by carbon fibre and Kevlar.
For serious paddlers, investing in advanced materials is far more worthwhile.
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There are a number of reasons with a product as complex as a kayak and all its components. A few are listed below.
Pigments of gel coat differ in weight to volume ratios and some colours require more gel coat be applied than others for better coverage and a great finish.
The weight ranges stated are the completed weight dependant on colour choices and addons. Sizes of seat, pedal choice, kits etc.
As with all handcrafted kayaks, minor variations in weight may occur.
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Vinylester.
Vinylester resin is superior to polyester and polyurethane in kayak construction due to its enhanced durability, flexibility, and resistance to water and chemical degradation. Unlike polyester, vinylester provides better adhesion to fibres, reducing the likelihood of delamination and cracks. It also has higher impact resistance and flexibility than polyurethane, allowing for stronger, longer-lasting kayaks that perform better under stress and in harsh environments.
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At Flow Kayaks, we don't offer clear coat fuselage finishes because they tend to look untidy over time, are prone to UV damage, and are difficult to maintain.
Additionally, clear coats make it challenging to achieve a good appearance if repairs are ever needed, which is why we prioritise finishes that ensure both durability and ease of upkeep.
This ensures a longer life for your kayak and minimises the depreciation on your investment.
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All of our carbon fibre, kevlar aramid and twaron hybrid fabrics are sourced from reputable, expert suppliers in NZ and made in UK and Germany.
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Generally, 3-5 weeks depending on the model, customisations and our schedule.
Please get in touch for a more accurate delivery date if ordered the day of the call.
As you can imagine, our schedule and outlook is updated regularly.
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Yes. We have a transport partner able to deliver as far as Auckland and Dunedin but depends on the schedule.
If you're in Australia or further afield please contact us.