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F1, Firebolt, Rebel, Gladiator, Swallow, Intrigue, Ocean X, Adventure Duet, Star Polo
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Here at Ruahine Kayaks we offer you a full range of ultimate kayaks that, best match your skills, keep you upright and are quick.

Each kayak is handcrafted, gel coated to protect from UV and is custom built in the colour of your choice

Our kayaks represent over 30 years of heritage combined with the latest design and construction techniques, giving you an ideal kayak for the conditions.
One of our models below will complement your paddling ability through the challenging New Zealand rivers. We have models for Entry/beginner, intermediate and elite paddlers.

Image of the F1 Kayak F1
The F1 is designed for the advanced and elite paddler with inputs from a number of top multisporters and paddlers and is designed to be the fastest multisport kayak in the world. The F1 has been paddled by Coast to Coast winners Richard and George Christison.
The hull design was perfected using systems put in place for us by Richard Karn, Yacht Designer ex Team NZ.
This kayak is fast with considerable secondary stability. It's lower volume and 6.2 metre length will let it accelerate with ease, cutting wave trains and eliminating rocking. This kayak came 1st and 2nd off the Waimak in the 2004 Coast to Coast to finally break the Gurney gauntlet on this classic race.

Image of the Firebolt Kayak FIREBOLT
The Firebolt supersedes our very popular Opus. The original Opus was designed with the help of Richard Karn from Team NZ and was described by kayaking legend Ian Ferguson as “the best balance of speed and stability”. The new “Firebolt” is an advance on that design and description. It has easier paddle entry, a finer “cutting’ bow, a lower foredeck and a wider rear deck for more secondary stability. All this makes the “Firebolt” faster and more stable in white water and less vulnerable to strong winds in open water. This user-friendly kayak is suitable not only for the intermediate / advanced paddler, but also for the busy, keen “Weekend Warrior”.

Image of the Rebel Kayak REBEL
The Rebel is a kayak designed for the smaller paddler of both genders in the 50 to 70kg range. After discussions with a number of top Multisporters and Adventure Racers, it was decided that there is a need for suitable boat for smaller paddlers, moving up from a Swallow, Sprinter or Arrow who find the Firebolt too big and the "6 metre plus" boats too long.







Image of the Gladiator Kayak GLADIATOR
This Gladiator is designed to meet the needs of the novice/ intermediate paddlers looking for a lively, railable, stable, safe kayak with a good turn of speed. It is fitted with our larger cockpit, making it very suitable for the larger/ heavier paddlers. The Gladiator has plenty of secondary stability.





Image of the Swallow Kayak SWALLOW
The Swallow is designed for the Multisporter progressing to a faster kayak from an entry level kayak. The Swallow is a very popular intermediate level kayak.














Image of the Intrigue Kayak INTRIGUE
This kayak is very popular 'entry level' kayak and is particularly suitable for novices and those requiring extra stability in white water. It is a fast, very stable, straight tracking, but still maneuverable kayak. It has a low windage profile, large cockpit for easy transitions and paddler comfort.










Image of the Ocean X Kayak OCEAN X
This Racing Sea Kayak is built along the lines a long racing surf ski, so it is very fast and tracks very well in the sea, it also very suitable for kayak racing in the many harbours, estuaries, fiords, lakes and rivers. It also lends itself well to the kayak sections of many multisport races and fast touring.
The OceanX is fast, light, comfortable and surprisingly stable. It is fitted with foam bulkheads and hatches front and rear. There are decklines on front and rear decks and steering is from a Kengineering fully retractable hydrodynamic rudder.



Image of the Adventure Duet Kayak ADVENTURE DUET
The adventure racing double is suitable for use on rivers, lakes and the sea. It has decklines , bulkheads and hatches and is very suitable for recreational paddling and adventure holidays or adventure racing where one wants to carry gear in a lighter weight , fast double.
The "Duet" is ideal for situations where one paddler might be stronger than the other ( such as a mix of gender and/or generations).







Image of the Star Polo Kayak STAR POLO
This kayak has been designed in the same way that we designed our successful multisport kayaks. The Star is built of double kevlar construction and laid up with vinyl ester resin.

The Star complies with ICF and ACF regulations. The Star has a low volume stern, to enable the paddler to perform fast whoopee turns. It has a front deck, which is concave in shape allowing ease of diving under another kayak. We have designed a strong, fast yet easily maneuverable kayak, which is finished to the same exacting standards, both inside and out, as our multisport kayaks.

We make a number of options all with your choice for the coaming and join colours.
The Star is available in bulk order and discounts will be available for schools etc.