F1 This innovative new multisport kayak is designed for the advanced and elite paddler with inputs from a number of top multisporters and paddlers. The hull design was perfected using systems put in place for us by Richard Karn, ex Team NZ, and used in our very successful Opus and Swallow 2001 kayaks. This radical kayak is fast with considerable secondary stability and is fitted with our new "bikini" seat. It's lower volume and 6.2 metre length will let it accelerate with ease, cutting wave trains and eliminating rocking. The F1, designed with Coast to Coast and the Waimakariri in mind, will be ideal for those who have mastered the Opus, or paddlers searching for the utmost in speed/stability. At the end of 2001 there are already 30 F1 out there! Opus Opus: warp speed through the rapids & on the flat This kayak was designed with the technical assistance of Richard Karn of the Team New Zealand design team, using his America's Cup computer technology. This popular long kayak is suitable for intermediate/advanced paddlers and has performed extremely well in many events including 1st and 2nd places in the 1999 Head to Head race and 1st again in 2001. Competitors like Steve Knowles, Gordon Blythen and Steve Came have really shown what it can do. The Opus is also the paddling companion for Graeme Brown, who was in the winning team at the 2000 Aquaterra (24hr) Race and also took out the Classic Mens section in the 2000 Coast to Coast. The Opus is specifically built for multisporters wanting to move up into a faster kayak than a Swallow etc. but still requiring extra stability to help them get down the rivers for the Coast to Coast, Mountains to Sea, Tongariro Classic, Track and Gorge, Motu Challenge and other multisport events in Grade 2 water. Opus paddlers ask how we designed this ultimate kayak which provides stability, without compromising speed. Unfortunately we have to beat about the bush when asked this question so the secret doesn't get out! Opus is fitted with the innovative Kengineering dynamic flip-up rudder with the new hydro-dynamic blade designed by Richard Karn. This rudder gives up to 80% less drag than flat bladed rudders and vastly improves turning efficiency. Length 5.89m (19' 4"). Beam of 450 mm. Weight & price are dependent on customer requirements. Available in glass or kevlar with carbon.
Swallow 2001 Swallow: speed and stability in the face of adversity This is the radical update of our popular Swallow. It has the same basic dimensions as the earlier model, being 5.4M long and a maximum beam of 480mm. Designed for the Multisporter progressing to a faster kayak from an Intrigue etc, who finds a K1 too unstable. The Swallow is a very popular intermediate level kayak for such events as Coast to Coast, Tongariro Classic, Crater to Lake, Weka Wild Thing, Wellington Crazy Man, Track and Gorge Tri, Mohaka Madness and The Motu Challenge to name a few. This new kayak, designed with help from Richard Karn (ex team NZ) is slightly faster, is more stable and turns easier than it's predecessor. 2002 model This kayak comes complete with easily adjustable OZO footrests and the new "Kengineering" hydrodynamic rudder. Length 5.4 metres long. Beam 480mm. Weight & price are dependent on customer requirements. Available in glass or kevlar with carbon.
Intrigue Intrigue: stability first to allow you to put the power down The Multisport kayak designed for those paddlers wishing to move up from heavier plastic kayaks. It has become very popular 'entry level' kayak and is particularly suitable for novices and those requiring extra stability in white water. Intrigue 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. it comes complete with easily adjustable OZO footrests and the new "Kengineering" hydrodynamic rudder. Intrigue has been specifically developed to get paddlers down the Waimakariri for the Coast to Coast and is very suitable for other multisport events such as Tongariro Classic, Crater to Lake, Weka Wild Thing, Wellington Crazy (Wo)Man, Track and Gorge Tri, Mohaka Madness and the Motu Challenge. Taking on the 2000 Coast to Coast - Two Day in her Intrigue, Susan Petrie paddled the 64km Waimakariri River leg with confidence, then went on to take first place in the Womans category. Length 4.94 metres. Beam 540mm. Weight & price are dependent on customer requirements. Available in glass or kevlar with carbon. Note: Ruahine Kayaks reserves the right to alter the specifications of lay-up and to alter the current price on all kayaks. Adventure Duet Back in May 2000 Steve Knowles from www.sportzhub.com inspired us with the concept of an adventure racing double suitable for use on rivers, lakes and the sea, that was light and met the requirements for the Southern Traverse & other adventure races. The first Adventure Duet, ready to race! The Adventure Duet is 7m long , weighs 24kgs 'all up' (carbon/kevlar) and has a waterline beam of 550mm , to meet the requirements set down for the Southern Traverse & other adventure races. 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) and would be very suitable for places like the Whanganui River, Lake Waikaremoana, Waitamata Harbour and the Marlborough Sounds. The Duet is available to suit, in either Glass or carbon/kelar models, with seating & rudder options. Team Encompass, Adventure Duet flying at the 2000 Sthn Traverse The Adventure Duet has proven to be a consistant high performer in all conditions, helping Team Sportzhub/Leppin win the ARC 24hr & Leppin Big Day Out (12 hr) Adventure Races. During the 2000 Southern Traverse 5 day adventure race, Team Encompass recorded the fastest kayak split in the second kayak leg against the world's best. Other winning results with the Adventure Duet include Team Encompass winning the NZ Adventure Championships and the Arrow 24 hour race in Wellington, and Team Sportzhub winning the Arrow 24 hour Auckland race.