With the season in the Cape and rest of South Africa finally turning to a brief winter, it’s apt for PaddleYak Kayaks to provide a brief overview of what to expect in the few months remaining this year in respect of new models. The main focus this year is getting the long-awaited PY TravelYak Split sectional kayak launched. PaddleYak was accepted to exhibit this craft at the US Boat Show in Annapolis at the end of 2023 which really put pressure on launching it in time, but it was not to be. PaddleYak is a family-based business and all R&D is dependent on sales of other craft to finance it. As it turned out, the end of the year was a bumper one for PaddleYak Kayaks, but it put pressure on production of regular PaddleYak craft. In the period following, PY did produce its first hard-shell SUP, the Sea-Horse, and recently, a new compact recreational fibreglass double, the Gypsy Duo 500. The latter promises to be a popular family double as it provides good value for money compared to imported plastic double-seaters which are generally regarded as play-boats. Having serviced its end of year customers and completed the production of the new models, PaddleYak is now continuing work on its main focus this year, the PY Tavelyak Split. Much has been said about this craft (which can be found elsewhere on this site), so suffice to say here that it will bring a new dimension of use to kayaks, enabling paddlers to take their craft wherever they wish to, in their cars, on planes, in busses, trains, boats, yachts, etc. Fold-up, skin-on-frame, blow-up and sectional craft are not new, but the PY TravelYak Split will provide a lightweight, sea-worthy and high-performance craft with nesting parts, meaning its volume will be physically reduced when it is packed. Unlike most other sectional craft, it will be a sit-on, which makes it very novel indeed. Sit-ons offer super safety benefits and virtually no disadvantages, as has been proved by PaddleYak’s successful range of sit-in/sit-on sea kayaks, the top of the range being the award-winning PY Swift Adventure Kayak with its hybrid options. Those realizing that this sectional craft may be exactly what they are needing may put their names on a growing waiting list as the sale of these craft are expected to put high pressure on production and supply once launched. The craft will be shipped worldwide. Buyers can also plan their purchases in South Africa to coincide with visits here so they can take their craft back home with them. Other than the PY TavelYak Split, PaddleYak is also planning a new surfski, as well as an upgrade of its PY Fusion sea kayak, the longest single in its range. To end: PaddleYak is sounding a warning that it cannot keep prices down anymore as suppliers have constantly been raising theirs and their hand-laminated fibreglass and carbon craft will see a spike in prices soon, so encourages buyers to buy soonest at the current prices, or to budget for new craft and prices later in the year. The special discounts offered in May and June are now over. Of interest is that fibreglass and carbon craft are sought-after worldwide, being justifiably seen as being superior to plastic types, and commanding prices which are three to four times higher than in South Africa, so worth taking the opportunity here to own a top notch craft. To find out more, or to place your orders, email info or WA +27(0)825562520 or see www.paddleyak.co.za .