Description
This is a fast, light and sturdy west Greenland style sea kayak. Its design evolved over hundreds of years as a fit-for-purpose hunting boat capable of fast acceleration, speed, manoeuvrability and ability to handle rough seas.
Selkie is made to measure to suit paddlers from children through to 100kg.
Glenn Biesty –
John is a Master Craftsman, the Silkie he Crafted for me is an absolute beauty. I look forward to mastering the craft of paddling it to it’s full potential. Thanks John, this is a Kayak I will Cherish for a lifetime! Glenn
Bob Bainsfair –
The Selkie John made for me is a beautifully well designed and constructed boat. It’s fast and manouverable and has been a joy to paddle on day and overnight trips. It is now my go-to kayak in preference to my Valley Avocet, and is lighter and easier to transport and port. Ironically, the cost of the Selkie was less than a new glass fibre kayak. Many thanks John.
Valkyrie1 –
Hamish.
4* Sea Kayak Leader.
Boat Purchased 2016.
Review uploaded by Valkyrie.
John built me my first selkie for my around Ireland expedition in 2014. However, the boat was intentionally built with heavier and stronger timbers to ensure its fitness for purpose in a long expedition in potentially very dangerous waters. After talking through the ins and outs of my original Selkie John built me an ultra narrow version. He raised the foredeck to give me more leg room, fitted adjustable foot pegs and a built in keel line skeg. It took a little getting used to but the boat is a speed machine. The craftsmanship is outstanding and the finished kayak is light beyond belief.
Valkyrie1 –
Hamish.
4* Sea Kayak Leader.
Review uploaded by Valkyrie.
In 2014 I took on an extended expedition as a personal challenge and decided to make a point of using a traditional boat and paddle. I went into it with minimal experience in a Greenland kayak but I am very glad I did. My boat was custom built by John of Valkyire Craft with me taking part in the process alongside him.
In a rough sea I’d now choose no other boat. Despite its apparent low profile and initial feel of instability I found that it has excellent secondary stability allowing a beautiful solid extended use of edging to counter the effects of wave, wind and tide . The lower deck profile catches less wind, and, although I never had to roll in anger, it rolls easily. In good conditions it tracks very well and manoeuvres well under edge. In addition to all of this it is fast, eating up the miles. I won’t be using any other boat if I can avoid it!