Sea Kayak Oban

Demo Fleet 2026 Season

Mark Mitchell — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 14:19:43 +0000

We are happy to welcome a few new additions to our sea kayak demo fleet this coming year.

Firstly – welcome to the Valley Genesis 15.1. The Genesis is a reworking of the fun, playful Valley Gemini. The range of this new model consists of the Genesis RM (triple skin plastic construction MV size), Genesis 14.10 (composite constructions LargeLV size) and the Genesis 15.1 (composite constructions LargeMV size).

We’ve started off our demo range with the 15.1 which for SKO Mark has turned out to be the perfect Falls Of Lora boat. Mark is 104kg, 6ft1, with size 13 feet.

“As a larger paddler but not a traditional ‘HV’ I’ve always struggled to find boats which work for me. I wanted something sporty and fun but most boats for folks my size are very long pointy distance boats or they are wide uninspiring bathtubs. I fit in the Genesis with room to spare on the footpegs and as someone who has wide shoulders its nice to feel like I’m sitting inside the boat rather than on top of it. On the Falls I’m used to trying to make a boat that is too long for the environment get across messy eddylines into very fast flows; in the Genesis with its shorter length and medium rocker profile I could generate enough speed in 3 strokes to punch enough of the boat into the flow without getting the backend stuck in a messy boil. It still has 4 hatches which I need in my daily work with kayak clients but the reduction in length (and therefore weight) versus my usual coaching boat means you’ll see me out guiding in our Genesis on a daily basis in 2026.

At the other end of the scale we are happy to welcome the P&H Volan 156 to the family.

The Volan 156 is the final boat in the 4 boat Volan family from P&H.

This Volan is aimed at the very smallest adult paddlers and we describe it as below average LV size, an XSLV. The paddler weight would likely be something between 45kg -70kg. Usually as boat waterline length decreases speed can decrease however SKO Laura came back happy to report that actually this boat feels just as fast as the Volan 158 (the next boat up in the range). If you are looking for a shorter playful alternative to your already awesome Etain 17.1 then come and give this brand new boat a demo.

The full 2026 list of demo boats with links to product pages is massive, 42 and counting:

Composite/Kevlar Carbon

Kirton Kayaks Inuk 18

Valley Aleut Double (3 piece)

Northshore Voyager 16.10

Northshore Voyager 17.2

Northshore Atlantic Evolution

Northshore Atlantic Evolution LV

Plastic/RM/Single & Triple Skin

Valley Etain 17.5

Valley Etain 17.7

Northshore Atlantic

Northshore Atlantic LV

Perception Essence 17

Wavesport Hydra

Wavesport Hydra LV

Wavesport Horizon Double

Buying a sea kayak is an investment, and you need to take the time to get it right. Kayaks come in all different shapes and sizes, so it’s crucial to at least sit in a variety of them before buying. But those different shapes and sizes also mean they will handle very differently – stable or exciting, fast for long straight lines or rockered for turning on a pin, shorter and lighter for day trips, or long and load-bearing for expeditions. All these things matter, and the only way to really find out what works for you is to try a range of boats, with expert advice and assistance on hand.

Almost all the sea kayaks we sell are available to demo. You can start by sitting in a range of boats to see what’s comfortable, and work out what you want to try on the water. Our shop is just 50m from Oban Bay, which provides a range of conditions to test the boats in. Our staff can either help you down to the water and back, or lend you a trolley so you can manage on your own. You’re welcome to use our equipment during the demo, or to bring your own.

Bookings are required for kayak demos, so please get in touch at least a few days in advance. There is a charge for demo-ing of £45 for plastic kayaks and £60 for composite kayaks. This is fully refunded if you buy a kayak from us; you can try as many boats as you like for that price, for as long as you like on that day, and if you want to come back another day for a longer test, or to confirm your thoughts, there is no extra charge.

Please note we DO NOT accompany you on the water during your demo, we believe your boat choice shouldn’t be influenced by us. You must be self sufficient and confident you can deal with the weather conditions on the day; Oban bay is tidal and is extremely busy in the summer. Please ensure you check the forecast and tides BEFORE you travel, we reserve the right to not allow our boats to go out if we think you don’t have the experience necessary for the day. If you need someone to accompany you on the water for safety please enquire well in advance, if we have staff available we can facilitate this for an extra charge.

We’re recruiting for the 2026 season

adventures — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:35:03 +0000

Sea Kayak Oban are looking to recruit a seasonal guide and retail assistant for the 2026 season, to work in Scotland’s most dynamic sea kayaking centre.

The successful candidate will combine experience guiding on the water with the ability to support customers in making the right purchase for them in our specialist shop. They will be capable of working independently, and have the maturity to make decisions in challenging environments.

Sea Kayak Oban offers a broad range of training and qualifications to our customers, run by some of Scotland’s most experienced guides and coaches, and the successful candidate can expect to be supported in developing their own abilities through staff training and the option to join scheduled courses (including BCAB qualifications).

About the role

It is anticipated the balance between guiding and retail work would be around 2-3 days / week on the water and 1-2 days / week in the shop, depending on the season, bookings, and weather conditions. The candidate would be an employee of Sea Kayak Oban and receive the benefits associated with that position such as holiday pay and pension entitlements.

The position would run from late March / early April until late September, depending on individual availability. Weekend working is essential. Salary will depend on experience and qualifications but will be above the National Living Wage for 2026 (well above for the right candidate).

Job description

Duties would include but not be limited to:

Paddling:

Leading groups on the water for day trips, primarily as the sole guide with the group (max ratio 1:6)
Preparing, issuing and cleaning all equipment associated with those trips
Assisting other staff with the above

Retail and administration:

Working in Sea Kayak Oban’s retail space, including advising customers on purchases, preparing online and telephone orders
Running kayak demos
Answering the telephone and taking bookings for trips and courses
Putting marketing posts on SKO’s social media

Candidate qualifications and experience

Essential:

BCAB Sea Kayak Leader or equivalent
Experience of working as a sea kayak leader in a commercial context, in UK waters, ideally over more than one season
Personable and engaging with customers
Able to work without direct supervision

Desirable:

Retail experience
Experience of social media marketing
Full UK driving licence (ideally with experience of driving trailers)
BCAB Advanced Sea Kayak Leader or equivalent
BCAB Sea Kayak Coach or equivalent

Applications

Please send a covering letter and CV detailing all relevant experience, along with 2 references, to info@seakayakoban.com by Thursday 4th December. Interviews will take place online or in person as appropriate during the week of 8th December and all candidates will be notified once a decision has been made.

Valley Sea Kayaks Embraces Kajak Sport Hatch Covers

Mark Mitchell — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 10:47:23 +0000

In a step forward for longevity and product quality Valley Sea Kayaks has transitioned from its in-house hatch covers to partnering with Kajak Sport’s proven designs. Known for their high-quality rubber hatch covers, Kajak Sport of Finland supplies “VCP” (Valley Canoe Products) sized replacements specifically made to fit Valley and Northshore models—rounds, ovals, day hatch or mini hatch.

Why the Change?

The moulding process has remained consistent since the mid 1970’s however the availability of raw materials and expertise have declined over the last year. Valley’s decision to make the change further enhances their reputation for handbuilt kayaks that will last for decades. Similarly Kajak Sport has built a strong reputation over 30+ years for durable, UV-resistant rubber hatches used by leading kayak brands like P&H Custom Sea Kayaks, and Tiderace Sea Kayaks.

Among their range:

Original rubber hatch covers: exceptionally tough, designed for expedition-grade performance in extreme conditions.
Click On hatch covers; hard tops with rubber sides which are lighter than the Originals but are easier to “bang’ on quickly with cold hands.
VCP-sized round (19.5 cm) and oval (41×22 cm) covers: tailored replacements for Valley’s day and rear hatches.

Performance Benefits

Sea kayakers on forums report Kajak Sport covers as “bomb‑proof” and “extremely dry,” even after heavy rolling or wave exposure. One user noted lightweight “click‑on” variants offer a 4–7 oz savings over traditional covers—plus easier installation thanks to a popping lip design.

Transition Details

Fit & sizes
- Round 19.5 cm covers for standard Valley & Northshore day hatches
- Oval 41×22 cm for key rear hatches (Standard Oval Valley hatch) on models like the Etain, Nordkapp, Avocet, Skerry, etc
- 25cm Round for Front Hatch of Northshore Atlantic & RM Sirona RM
- 34/30cm Oval for Rear Hatch of Northshore Atlantic & RM Sirona RM
- 24cm Round Front Hatch of old/original Northshore Atlantic Composite
Material & build
- Real rubber body
- UV-protected
- Dual leash attachment points (inside/outside)
- Optional click-on hard-top models for lightweight composite
Price & availability
- Typically cost €20–50 / £30–£50 depending on shape
- All sizes available from our Web shop in the hatch covers section https://www.seakayakoban.com/product-category/hatch-covers/

User Feedback

Kayakers replacing cracked originals rave about the improved fit, dryness, and longevity:

“100 % watertight… extremely durable”kayakshopaustralia.com.au+1chillcheater.com+1
“I lost mine – they are Kajak Sport hatches. Should be available online.”tuilik.com+10reddit.com+10reddit.com+10

What This Means for Valley Owners

Dependable waterproofing: Kajak Sport covers perform excellently under demanding conditions.
Simpler sourcing: Now standardized across brands, finding replacements no longer requires chasing Valley-specific stock.
Cost-effective: Comparable or even better value for premium quality.

Final Thoughts

Valley Sea Kayaks’ strategic switch to Kajak Sport hatch covers brings significant upside:

Time-tested durability and watertight sealing
Easier worldwide availability
More size and weight options
A win-win for expedition paddlers and recreational users alike

If you paddle a Valley kayak, upgrading to Kajak Sport’s VCP cover is a smart move—rugged, reliable, and road‑tested by the sea‑kayaking community.

Are you trekking in surf or prepping for a long expedition? Or curious about replacing other hatch sizes? We’d love to help you choose the right Kajak Sport option for your boat.

Electric vehicle for the outdoor industry

adventures — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 11:54:50 +0000

As the start of the 2023 season approached and our smaller vehicle began to show some distinct eccentricities, we realised we would need a new vehicle for the business. We had considered an electric vehicle (EV) before, but until we actively needed a replacement there was no real need to move away from the status quo.

Having now taken the plunge, we thought we would share our experience after the first season for anyone else who might be tempted.

A note on EVs: as a solution to the climate crisis they’re not perfect, and the focus needs to remain on decreasing the number of vehicles on the road, no matter how they’re powered. But over their lifetime, and especially if your electricity comes primarily from renewable sources, an EV’s carbon footprint is considerably less than that of a petrol or diesel vehicle, in particular given that a lot of the materials used in their construction can be recycled. (See here for more information)

The buying process

Loan application

We used an interest-free loan from the Energy Saving Trust in order to buy the vehicle. It was specifically for business users buying a used EV. Like many funds it opens and closes depending on tax years and on how much money is left in the pot.

The actual application process was relatively straightforward. What was difficult was working out whether the particular vehicle we wanted would be eligible. Because EST is an intermediary it can be hard to speak to people and get concrete information. There was also a rather nerve-racking time when we had to commit to buying the vehicle before the money was actually in our account, which meant that a) we needed to have the funds available and b) there was still a small chance we wouldn’t get the funds. On top of this the dealer didn’t send through the right paperwork and EST didn’t pick up on it till well after we were expecting the money in our account. Some of this was to do with our particular circumstances, of which more below.

The vehicle

In order to run our business, we needed a vehicle with at least 7 seats, good amounts of storage, and the ability to tow a trailer. This meant there were only 3 vehicles that would work: the Vauxhall Vivaro-e, the Peugeot e-traveller and the Citroen e-space Tourer. They’re all essentially the same vehicle under different brand names, but they only came out very recently so there weren’t many on the second-hand market. To add to the challenge, the loan conditions meant:

– we were only allowed to spend £30,000 – you can’t put any extra money in on top of the loan amount

– we had to buy from a dealer registered with specific bodies

This really really limited our options, hence the need to commit to putting the money down before we received it – when we found a suitable vehicle we couldn’t run the risk of someone else buying it.

In the end we found a Vauxhall Vivaro-e which fit the bill. Mark had to go down to Luton to pick it up, and it took him 17 hours to get back – the range is not meant for long distances….

Boat transport

The need for towing was crucial. Many EV manufacturers just haven’t gone through the process of getting their vehicles rated for it. And as we found out, just because the Vauxhall site lists a towbar as an optional extra on new vehicles doesn’t mean they’ve actually manufactured a towbar for it…. In the end it took research by our local trailer engineer and a lot of patience on our part before an approved part was finally fitted to the van.

In the interim we looked into getting roof bars, but decided the wind resistance would probably have a significant impact on range. If you went for something like a Karitek system the weight would also be a factor (just as it impacts fuel efficiency on a petrol or diesel vehicle). We don’t know what the actual impact would have been, so if you have an EV with a roof rack please share your experience!

Once we finally got the towbar on, we were pleased to see that towing doesn’t have nearly as much impact on range as we expected – probably largely because our trailer fits in the vehicle’s slipstream. The Vivaro is more than capable of pulling the load, even in its eco (low power) mode when full of 6 clients plus kit.

Day to day running

Range

The stated range for the vehicle is around 134m on a full charge. In practice we usually find it displays around 125m range after a full charge, though we have got it up to 143m. On a not particularly cold day, without towing and on a mix of country roads and Oban town this seems to be pretty accurate. Towing in summer reduces it by about 30-40%. We haven’t tried towing in winter, but we do notice a significant drop in range (up to about 50%) on very cold days.

There is no way we would use the electric van to go down to Valley or P&H, collect 20+ boats on the big trailer and roof rack, then drive back. But for most of what we do on a day to day basis with clients, on short runs between Oban / Easdale / Shuna layby, it works absolutely fine.

Charging

On a standard domestic supply, on a not particularly cold day, we can get the vehicle fully charged overnight with no problem. While there was an initial shock at the jump in our electricity bills, the costs are way below what we’d be paying for diesel for the equivalent mileage. A lot of business rates have cheap overnight and weekend electricity, which can bring the cost down even further.

Driving

Given the lack of choice, we weren’t hugely focused on the handling as a feature. As a vehicle its main downside is that is has a very unwieldy turning circle, but does have the advantage that you can’t stall it, and it’s smoother and quieter than a diesel equivalent. Unlike an automatic petrol or diesel there are no gears, so it’s not deciding for you when to change gear. The electric motor means the heating system gets to temperature very quickly, but it will eat into your battery life. Although all the same principles apply for power use as with petrol or diesel (eg the faster you go the more you use, the smoother you drive the more efficient you are), the limited range can make you more aware of it.

Client reactions

There’s no doubt that the vehicle attracts attention and starts conversations, from clients but also from other providers, suppliers, and passersby. Many clients have responded positively to the fact that we have an EV, and it definitely fits with our ethos of trying to minimise our carbon footprint.

Verdict

This is not a long-distance vehicle, and we certainly wouldn’t recommend it for someone who wants to make an electric camper conversion, put the boats on the roof and head off into remote corners of Scotland for days on end. And smaller outfits who just have one vehicle for work and personal use might find it limiting if you regularly need to travel a long way – although the technology is improving quickly, and more options are coming onto the market all the time. But as a purely work vehicle it does an excellent job, and for centres or outdoor organisations with purely company vehicles, who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint, it would be perfect: great for carrying clients and gear, and the fact that you just plug it in at the end of the day rather than having to drive to a fuel station is both convenient and economical.

Seasonal Guide / Coach position

adventures — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 09:58:48 +0000

We are recruiting for a Sea Kayak Guide / Coach to join our team in 2024

Job details

Seasonal position, though there is potential for the position to become permanent for the right candidate

Start date: March-April 2024 (exact date to be determined by mutual arrangement)

End date: 29^th September 2024

Hours: 32 hours / week with possibility of paid overtime. Weekend working essential

Pay: £14.50 (£30,160 pro rata) upwards depending on qualifications and experience

About Sea Kayak Oban

Sea Kayak Oban is one of Scotland’s leading providers of sea kayak courses. Based within 50m of the sea in the centre of Oban, we cater to everyone from complete beginners to advanced paddlers. We offer British Canoeing qualifications in personal paddling, safety, leadership and coaching. Alongside this, we run half and full day trips for tourists and occasional paddlers, as well as expeditions throughout the Inner and Southern Hebrides.

Sea Kayak Oban is the largest kayaking retail shop in Scotland, with a demo fleet of over 40 sea kayaks. The company has been in existence for around 15 years and under the current management for the last 5. We are a small business, with a maximum of 4 employees at any time. Our ethos is based on ensuring we are customer-focused, and that what we provide our clients represents the best available option for them.

Essential requirements

– friendly and engaging manner with customers

– BC Sea Kayak Leader (tidal) or equivalent

– full UK driving licence

– recent experience of acting as a sea kayak guide, ideally in a professional context

Strongly desirable

– BC Sea Kayak Coach (moderate or advanced water) or equivalent

– BC Advanced Sea Kayak Leader or equivalent

– experience of driving large vehicles & trailers

Desirable

– experience of marketing and social media management

– retail experience

Job description and responsibilities

The successful candidate will primarily be responsible for leading trips and running courses appropriate to their level of qualifications. They will be able to work independently and without direct supervision.

Additional responsibilities will include:

– preparing equipment for trips and courses

– cleaning and maintaining equipment

– taking bookings, including advising customers on the best options for them

Although not a primary responsibility, in cases where there are no trips running then work in the shop including unpacking and sorting stock and making shop sales will be required.

Benefits

– training and support for personal progression, including access to training and assessments for BC qualifications

– access to personal equipment at discounted prices

– access to SKO equipment for personal use outside of working hours

– potential for long-term progression with the company for the right candidate

Application deadline 31^st January with interviews to be held at the start of February (online interviews available)

Please send CV, covering letter and 2 x references to adventures@seakayakoban.com

Please be aware accommodation can be challenging to find in the Oban area, and candidates should look into this before applying.

We’re recruiting for 2024

adventures — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 11:30:45 +0000

Retail assistant / Trainee guide – Seasonal part-time position
Start date: February-March 2024 (exact date to be determined depending on candidate)
End date: 29th September 2024
Hours: 24 hours / week with possibility of overtime. Weekend working essential
Pay: Starting from £13.50 per hour

About Sea Kayak Oban
We are Scotland’s primary retailer of sea kayaks and sea kayaking equipment, operating out of fixed premises and online. We offer kayaking trips and courses, including BC qualifications, to all abilities from novice to advanced. We are a small company with only 3 permanent staff. The company has been in existence for around 15 years and under the current management for the last 5. Our ethos is based on ensuring we are customer-focused, and that any goods purchased or bookings made represent the best available option for the customer.

Job description and responsibilities
The successful candidate will be working primarily in the our retail space in central Oban during normal business hours, though if suitably qualified there may be opportunities for on-the-water work with clients. Duties will include but not be limited to:
– retail, including informing customers of the characteristics of different kayaks and equipment such that they can make an informed decision;
– preparing and packaging online shop and telephone orders;
– running kayak demos for customers wishing to try kayaks before purchase;
– taking bookings for trips and courses, including advising clients on the appropriate ones for them;
– assisting with trips and courses, including preparing equipment beforehand and cleaning it afterwards;
– equipment maintenance;
– general cleaning.

Once trained the candidate will be required to work solo and unsupervised, taking responsibility for the running of the shop and any day-to-day activities.

If the successful candidate is interested in progressing their personal paddling and / or qualifications, there will be opportunities for on the water training, including shadowing opportunities, mentoring and support towards qualifications.

Essential requirements
– friendly and engaging manner with customers
– knowledge of kayaks and sea kayaking

Desirable qualities
– previous retail experience
– British Canoeing qualifications, particularly at Sea Kayak Leader level or above
– experience of marketing and social media management
– experience of working in an outdoor activities environment
– full UK driving licence with experience of towing trailers

Application

Applicants should submit a CV and covering letter to info@seakayakoban.com

Closing date for application: 20th Nov 2023

Interviews will take place shortly after the closing date and may be in person or online.

Please note accommodation in the wider Oban area is extremely hard to secure especially around the summer season. You should ensure you have considered this before accepting any post you may be offered.

Demo Fleet Spring 2023

Mark Mitchell — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 16:42:20 +0000

Hi Folks, welcome to the 2023 Spring season. We hope to have a couple of new additions for you in early 2023 including a brand new rival to the excellent Rockpool Taran.

Arriving in late 2022 we received one of the first 5 production units of the P&H Volan 158 as our fleet demo boat. The Volan MV was renamed the Volan 160 and we are told that we can expect a further TWO sizes of Volan over the next 2 years; 1 being an extra small and the other an extra large. The Volan 158 is a medium/small fun easy manoeuvering day boat which P&H claim can be brought down to as little 18.5kg in their Carbon Kevalr Infusion layup.

In the next month or so we expect to add a demo boat of Wavesport’s new Hydra LV. The Hydra has been a mainstay of the touring/sea kayak cross over world for many years; it excels at features which are great for fishing and has a bomb proof single skin construction. The LV will be the same excellent design with fixtures and fittings but suitable for the smaller paddler.

We are excited to be chosen as the exclusive demo centre for the UK for the Kirton Kayaks Inuk18. Kirton are a well known boat brand in the kayak racing world who started manufacturing in 1966.

The Inuk 18 is a development of the monstrous exped load carrier the Inuk20 Ultra designed and built by Rob Feloy who is in the process of retiring (again…). If will definitely fall into the category of an FSK (Fast Sea Kayak) with the deep V bow made famous by the Rockpool Taran. We are looking forward to welcoming Kirton boats into our fleet in Spring 2023.

Inuk 18 Plug in progress

The full list of demo boats for 2023 is massive, 46 and counting:

Composite/Carbon Kevlar

Kirton Kayaks Inuk 18 (coming soon)

Valley Etain 17.1

Valley Etain 17.5

Valley Etain 17.7

Valley Nordkapp Forti

Valley Anas Acuta

Valley Sirona 15.10

Valley Sirona 16.1

Valley Sirona 16.4

Valley Aleut Double (3 piece)

Northshore Voyager Evolution 16.10

Northshore Voyager Evolution 17.2

Northshore Atlantic Evolution

Northshore Atlantic Evolution LV

Northshore Atlantic II (double)

Zegul Greeenland GT

Zegul Velcoity

Zegul Arrow Play MV

P&H Cetus LV

P&H Cetus MV

P&H Cetus HV

P&H Volan 158

P&H Volan 160

Plastic/RM/Single & Triple Skin

Valley Etain 17.5
Valley Etain 17.7

Valley Sirona 15.10
Valley Sirona 16.1

Valley Nordkapp RM

Northshore Atlantic
Northshore Atlantic LV

Zegul Arrow Play MV

P&H Scorpio LV

P&H Scorpio MV

P&H Scorpio HV

P&H Valkyrie

P&H Virgo LV

P&H Virgo MV

P&H Virgo HV

P&H Delphin 155

P&H Leo MV

P&H Leo HV

Perception Essence 17

Perception Expression 15

Wavesport Hydra

Wavesport Hydra LV

Wavesport Horizon Blackout Double

Finally, we are continuing on with our Buy a Boat & Adopt a Tree initiative in partnership with Treedom, as we continue to support reforestation in Madagascar.

Happy Boating in 2023 Folks

Changing a Northshore or Valley skeg wire

adventures — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 14:42:15 +0000

We’re proud to announce that we have launched our own YouTube channel, and the first video is live! We are working on producing many more, but for now we hope you will find this video on how to change a skeg on a Valley or Northshore boat useful.

Three years in – an environmental audit

adventures — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 13:35:26 +0000

It’s been just over 3 years since Sea Kayak Oban changed hands. Right from the start it’s been important to us to reduce our environmental impact, and as we head into our fourth season we’re reviewing what we’ve done and working out where there is still more to do.

Energy use

One of the first things we did was change our energy supplier to ClearBusiness. They are a green energy supplier, meaning that our electricity is as renewable as it can be without us installing solar panels on the roof (which we’d love to do, but we don’t own it). We’ve replaced all the lighting throughout with ultra-low energy LED lamps and this has brought us to the point that our electricity use is so low we can’t move suppliers as no-one else will even give us a quote. This may be helped by being in a building with no heating or hot water….

Packaging

Running an online shop inevitably means using lots of packaging. Once we had a handle on what we needed, we moved to recycled paper and paper tape for our packaging. We have never bought any padding materials or boxes (except paddle boxes, which are quite specialist) choosing instead to reuse what we receive from our suppliers. So if your item comes cosied up in plastic bags, it’s because something we ordered was wrapped in them for protection, not because we believe in using plastic packaging.

Transporting kayaks from the factories on an open trailer means the boats need to be securely wrapped. When we unwrap a kayak, we keep the plastic wrapping in one piece, roll it up and store it. Then on a later collection, we take it back to the manufacturers for re-use.

Litter picks

It’s sad to say, but you can’t go kayaking on the sea and not come across marine litter – bottles, bits of old fishing nets, pegs from mussel farms, etc. We make a habit of picking up what we can as we go – even just taking boats down to the beach in Oban, if there’s anything lying around we’ll pick it up and put it in the bin before launching. At lunch breaks, especially if we’re on a south-facing beach there’s always lots lying around, and we will encourage clients to pick up three bits of rubbish to take back with them.

Our retail ethos

We can’t avoid the fact that retail by definition is about stuff, and in our case, lots of stuff made from plastic. However, we only stock products we believe are of high quality, and will do the job for a long time before they need to be replaced. We regularly suggest to customers looking for advice that they might not need everything on their list, rather than just making the sale regardless.

We prioritise small, UK based manufacturers over large organisations importing from abroad. This allows us to be more connected to supply chains, as well as in many cases reducing transport emissions. Many of our suppliers themselves take environmental issues seriously, working on developing more products made from recycled materials, and engaging in actions local to them.

Education

We find ourselves in a privileged position, often being people’s first contact with sea kayaking. Any paddler knows that kayaking gives you a unique perspective on the world, and especially on the marine environment. As coaches and guides, we feel we have a responsibility to help people understand that world, the threats it faces, and the actions we can all take to protect it. We also celebrate the positives: there’s nothing like a white-tailed eagle sighting to impress on people that re-introductions can work.

We hope that everyone who comes on our courses and trips leaves with a better understanding of the environment, and a drive to care for it.

Transport

This is by far our biggest challenge. Sea kayaks and public transport do not go well together! Like most businesses, and indeed the whole country, transport is a huge source of emissions for us. Picking up boats for the shop involves hundreds of miles of round trips. Getting to launch spots often involves driving, even if it isn’t far, and during Covid everything has been exacerbated as we have been avoiding carrying clients in our vehicles, meaning we often need to take 4 or 5 vehicles where previously it would have been just one.

Following the recent demise of our VW Caddy after 217,000 miles, we looked into electric vehicle replacements. Unfortunately we hit a brick wall: the need to tow a large trailer. It’s something we simply can’t manage without, and the options on the market currently are few and far between, especially as we need to transport 7 people plus kit. Added to that the enormous lead times, and we weren’t going to have anything viable for the start of this season. For now we have compromised, buying a smaller, second-hand but non-electric vehicle as an interim to increase efficiency. And we will (weather permitting), continue to prioritise launching from Oban Bay, to avoid transport altogether. But it’s definitely one for us to keep working on.

Charitable donations and other actions

Working with Patagonia in our first two years brought the ‘1% for the Planet’ movement to our attention. Joining the organisation itself costs quite a lot of money for a small business, money which could be going directly to the charitable organisations. So instead of paying them to join, we’re using our money to support a range of initiatives and causes.

So far these include:

– Bamboo toothbrushes: In order to encourage our customers to move away from single-use plastic, we send out a free bamboo toothbrush with every online shop order. Even without a permanent switch, each one used stops a plastic one going to landfill.

– ‘Treedom’, a charity planting trees across the world, working with local communities and agroforestry projects. Trees are sponsored, so every person who buys a boat from us will be sponsoring one of our trees, and get a unique code to identify it.

– Seawilding, a local charity working on community-led restoration of seagrass meadows and native oysters in Loch Craignish;

– Treemazon, a local primary school tree nursery project.

We see these actions as a starting point, and intend to continue our environmental commitments into this season and beyond.

That’s a wrap

Shop Assistant — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 16:27:09 +0000

We have had a fantastic season to say the least. Our team photo is slightly different for this year with Mark (front), Laura (left), Lee (back middle) and Erin (right) who all have enjoyed welcoming new faces to the paddling world and catching up with those we haven’t seen for a while. Although this year (as for all of us) has come with many different challenges, some we did expect and some we didn’t expect. We can not thank everyone enough for sticking with us and for understanding of the changes we have made to the way we operate.

We are now in to the time of the year where we do some personal training and reviewing in hopes to grow and adapt. The course calendar for the 2022 season has been organised in a way to get as many paddlers out on the water as possible and the dates are out on the website (Click here for more information). The shop has undergone some construction work too giving us more space for spare stock. This means we are slowly getting our classroom back in order so we can use it this year for theory sections of courses and not have to stay out in the rain.

We look forward for what another year brings and cannot wait to welcome everyone back for another season of paddling. The shop is still open Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm each week during the winter or by appointment, if we don’t see you there we hope to see you on the water!

Happy paddling from the team at Sea Kayak Oban.

Sea Kayak Oban

Demo Fleet 2026 Season

Composite/Kevlar Carbon

Plastic/RM/Single & Triple Skin

We’re recruiting for the 2026 season

About the role

Job description

Candidate qualifications and experience

Applications

Valley Sea Kayaks Embraces Kajak Sport Hatch Covers

Why the Change?

Performance Benefits

Transition Details

User Feedback

What This Means for Valley Owners

Final Thoughts

Electric vehicle for the outdoor industry

Seasonal Guide / Coach position

We’re recruiting for 2024

Demo Fleet Spring 2023

Changing a Northshore or Valley skeg wire

Three years in – an environmental audit

Energy use

Packaging

Litter picks

Our retail ethos

Education

Transport

Charitable donations and other actions

That’s a wrap

Valley Sea Kayaks Embraces Kajak Sport Hatch Covers