Falmouth Canoe Club

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Falmouth Canoe Club has done business with Kevin Andriessen of Wild Things, formerly Dirty Habits WaveSkis, for a considerable number of years, almost since the clubs formation. In the past Kevin has supplied us with a number of kayaks, open boats and equipment manufactured by other companies. He has always given us excellent pre and after sales service. When Kevin went into production with the 'Wild One' rotomoulded polyethyelene kayak we were able to try a pre-production boat. At the time we were looking for a suitable replacement for some of our older boats We liked the 'Wild One' for its versatility, its looks, its quality of manufacture and its competitive price. Initially we purchased two, followed some months later by two more.
We found it to be an excellent club boat. With its easily adjusted full-plate footrest (£25 option) it can quickly be set up for different paddlers. We have a strong junior/beginners section. They gain great confidence from the controlability and stability of the boat. It tracks well, tours nicely on flat water and handles well in the surf. The 'Wild One' happily caters for a variety of paddler sizes and weights, is comfortable and has a sensible amount of footroom. It is also a convenient size and weight for handling and storage ashore. We also keep one as an instructors boat at our local swimming pool when we run winter pool sessions. In the summer of 2000 the club applied for, and was awarded, a 'Millenium Festival Awards for All' lottery grant. With the monies awarded we were able to purchase a further eight 'Wild Ones' and assorted kit from Wild Things.
The decision to purchase these kayaks was based on the success of the initial four boats. The club committee decided that there was considerable advantage in having a 'One-Design' fleet of boats and to this end we will continue to replace our older kayaks. Hopefully by the time we apply for our next grant Wild Things will be producing a sea kayak as well!! Several individual club members have purchased 'Wild One's' - all in a variety of colour schemes. It is nice to be able to order a customised boat. Purchasers of these boats include a trainee level 2 coach, a level 2 coach and two level 3 coaches. Falmouth canoe club is very happy to be able to purchase kayaks from a local manufacturer and are keen to endorse the products of Wild Things.


Stephen Lewis