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Introducing the Whio, a kayak designed to be light, agile, and remarkably confident in moving water. Crafted by Ruahine owner Tim Taylor, an avid paddler who frequently encounters the endemic New Zealand Whio on whitewater rivers, the Whio kayak is designed to mirror the bird's characteristics.

At the heart of the Whio is a hull borrowed from our acclaimed Sea Hawk sea kayak, ensuring a stable and efficient foundation. Tailored specifically for multisport enthusiasts, the deck and accessories are thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of paddlers, whether they are novices seeking a safe experience or competitors entering events like the Coast to Coast.

Tim Taylor, the mind behind the Whio, shares his firsthand experience after a year of coaching grade 2 certs with this kayak. Faced with the challenge of keeping pace with fast race yaks while using a plastic sea kayak, Tim conceptualized the Whio as the solution. His vision was clear—create an ultra-stable kayak capable of performing rescues, yet fast enough to match the speed of racing enthusiasts. After months of testing, Tim is thrilled to bring the Whio to the public, confident that it strikes the perfect balance of stability and speed.

Whether you're navigating the adrenaline-pumping rapids of remote rivers or participating in a multisport event like the Coast to Coast, the Whio Multisport Kayak is your reliable companion. Experience the joy of paddling with confidence, knowing that the Whio is designed to excel in diverse water conditions. Join the ranks of enthusiasts who are choosing the Whio for its stability, agility, and competitive edge. Get ready to make waves and leave a mark on the water with the Whio Multisport Kayak—it's time to conquer the rivers with style and speed!

Price

$4,649

Package

$6,299

Ability Level

Beginner

Paddler Size

60-130 kg and up to 6'6" tall

Width

620 millimetres

Length

5.2 metres

Ordering

We work on a 3-4 week turnaround. In many cases we will be able to supply before the three weeks is up however, these are a hand-made product so they do take time to produce and we often have multiple orders in the system. we will advise you of an eta at the time of ordering.


Shipping and Pickup

We are based in Mount Maunganui and kayaks can be picked up directly from my workshop. Shipping throughout NZ and the world and will be charged at cost. Please ask for an estimate.


Colours Fiberglass

All fiberglass kayaks come with a white hull. This looks smart and doesn't show up as many scratches caused by rocks. The deck can be either a single, block colour (great if you want to display sponsors logo's) or your choice of two colours that are faded together. Please note that the colours are mixed in with the resin at the time of laying up the kayak so not everything is possible. At the time of ordering we will discuss the options with you and make recommendations if necessary.  


Composite Colours

Our composite kayaks have a white hull. If you would like a clear hull (to show off the beauty of the fibres) please be aware that micro bubbles and resin pockets may be visible. The deck is your choice of colour just like the fiberglass model. We prefer to have this coloured to prevent the sun from heating it up too much but if you wish I can also do the top with a clear coat.