Look Carefully, or else your next kayak could be... "Made in China"!

Long before Canada was a nation, the Inuit and Native Peoples' had perfected the crafts we know today as canoes and kayaks. Voyageurs journeyed into the wilderness establishing the Fur Trade, opening up settlements in what has become Canada. Perhaps it's our rich paddling heritage and the vast amount of water within our boundaries that has made canoes & kayaks a part of what "Makes Us Canadian". Recent developments in the kayak industry may be leading to the erosion of what many consider part of our Canadian Legacy.

An increasing number of kayak companies are making the decision to move their production to China. Access to an endless labour force, low wages, questionable human rights and substandard working conditions has kayak executives licking their chops with an alternative way to cut costs and maximize profits. What types of kayaks are being made overseas? Contrary to the "Made in China is cheap" stigma, it may surprise you to learn it's the more expensive fibreglass, Kevlar and carbon boats that are being farmed out. Why, its simple, composite kayaks are much more labors intensive to produce than other kayak types, so savings are maximized. Vacuumed formed Thermoform kayaks and lower cost roto-mold kayaks require less man-hours to produce as they are largely machine made, therefore manufacturing is likely to remain here, for now.

Ironically two former Canadian companies who had been already gobbled up by American giants, are now leading the exodus of large North American kayak companies to Asia:

Current Designs Kayaks:
Once Canadian, Current Designs (now owned by the Wenonah Canoe Co. in Minnesota) is manufacturing its new Vision Kayak Series in China

Epic Kayaks:
Epic Kayaks originally made in South Africa is currently trying to move their kayak manufacturing from the Flying Eagle Boat Company of China to a new factory in China, except the Flying Eagle Co. refuses to release Epic's molds and equipment without paying hugely-inflated fees. Epic Kayaks has filed a lawsuit rather than pay what they consider ransom

Necky Kayaks:
Originally established in B.C. Necky Kayaks is now owned by Johnson Outdoors. This U.S. Company has moved 40% of their composite sea kayak manufacturing to China, These models are stamped "Made In China" accordingly and include: Eliza UL, Manitou 13 UL, Manitou 14 UL, and the Looksha 17. Necky's 6 highest-end Composites are still being made in Maine, USA

Point 65n Kayaks:
Originally based in Sweden Point 65 N Kayaks has moved 100% of their composite & roto-mold kayak production to China. Note: although "Sweden" is prominently plastered all over their boats and web site... China where the kayaks are actually made is NOT displayed anywhere

Wilderness Systems:
Production of ALL Wilderness Systems composite kayaks will be transferred from South Carolina to China in June 2009 (note: 'ALL' of our Composites for 2009 were made in the USA).

Some manufacturers go to great lengths to HIDE the FACT that their kayaks are now made in Asia! Sadly retail shops also ask their staff to "peel off the Made in China Labels". Note: 2- Thumbs Up to Necky Kayaks as they fibreglass over top of their labels so they cannot be easily removed!

For every North American manufacturer who has moved kayak production offshore, a larger number of companies will consider moving. The unfair financial advantages Chinese workplaces offer have N. American kayak executives convinced that they must move to remain competitive.

A dizzying number of logistical challenges await the companies who move production to Asia. Cultural and language barriers will initially slow manufacturing processes. Quality control, consistency and production issues can be daunting. Vast distances between companies and markets will slow shipping and add to distribution and environmental costs. Customer service may become an issue as its easier, faster and less expensive to service a North American made kayak than a boat made in Asia. How consistent will the kayak quality be when the boats finally reach paddlesports shops is the million-dollar question. Only time will tell whether Asian made kayaks will end up being the Holy Grail of profit some executives believe, or a marketing nightmare?

For North American consumers buying a kayak "Made in China" may raise some moral, ethical and environmental questions. In the end it will be up to Canadian & U.S. consumers & retailers to rate how well, or not, these kayaks are made and if they can justify their purchase.

The Purpose of Our China Article:

Our Article was done in response to the urgings of our customers regarding the Place of Manufacture as consumers have a right to know where products are made - before they purchase.

Manufacturers and Retailers also have a Moral & Ethical Obligation to correctly display the Country of Origin on their products.

PS: To help educate consumers we display a "Country of Manufacturing Origin Flag" beside Every Boat On Our Website: www.frontenac-outfitters.com

One Consumers Response: (we've got dozens more)

"I've led two corporations and also retired as a senior military officer defending your right to speak freely. Notwithstanding your remarks, consumers have a right to know what they're buying and its origin of manufacture. That's not being xenophobic; it's called being informed. When a manufacturer is attempting to conceal that information, it's called a lapse in ethical conduct. It also raises the question of what else are they hiding in the product you are about to purchase? Personally, I'd prefer to know the risks before I put my money on the counter & I thank Frontenac Outfitters for their candor"!

Marty