After over 40 years of research and development, award winning designs, world-class expeditions, supporting top class boaters and expanding to become Europe's leading specialist manufacturer of canoes and kayaks, we still design and build all our boats in Britain. We do not know where our kayaks will be paddled so they are all built to the same high standard – to be pushed to the limit by our world class team of paddlers on the world's toughest rivers in the Himalayas, Rockies and Andes.
We are still primarily run by kayakers and so are committed to being on the leading edge of kayak design and make constant improvements to our whole production process to support this.
From kids to champions, we want everyone to enjoy the world's biggest water sport having as much fun out there as we do. Whether that's just ripping up your local play spot, exploring a remote creek or just messing about on the river. We always have and always will be by Enthusiasts, for Enthusiasts. Developing the most technologically advanced materials, using the industry leading processing methods and most detailed quality control systems means we can produce truly world class kayaks and reduce our impact on the environment.
We compiled our history, photos and paddlers memories into a timeline for our 40th Birthday in 2011, view Pyranha's Timeline.
PLASTIC
Making significant developments every year and working at the forefront of polymer technologies means that the most up to date polymer alloy is always used in the production of your kayak. The polymer alloy creates a balance between impact resistance, allowing bounce and shock absorbency and stiffness to create a safety cage around you and give the best hull performance.
Additives are used to help knit these polymers together, give UV and weather protection, prevent colour fade and protect the plastic during processing and throughout the life of the kayak. This means that your Pyranha Kayak will stay stronger and looking good for longer.
PROCESSING AND PRODUCTION
Our production facility including custom built more energy efficient ovens are the most advanced in the industry allowing us to truly get the best performance out of the plastics we use.
First in the industry to develop the computer controlled molding process, Pyranha have continued to evolve the rotomoulding process since 1983. We have been producing variable thickness kayak shells for 26 years optimising performance and weight and maximising durability and safety.
TESTING AND QUALITY CONTROL
Keeping high standards of quality is a top priority at Pyranha and every effort is made to ensure each boat that leaves the factory is tough enough to be used in the harshest conditions. Since 1995 every plastic development and new colour has been independently tested for impact and toughness and the quality control process exists throughout the whole manufacturing process.
ENVIRONMENT
We have been industry leaders in energy efficiency for many years and our new factory has given a 25% reduction in gas usage due to the best heat retention systems and lowest energy utilization per kayak, making us the most progressive rotomoulders in the industry.
We've been regranulating and recycling our waste polyethylene since the mid 90s - way before most companies even thought about their environmental impact. We recycle all waste polyethylene from both roto moulding and vacuum forming and also recycle all waste cardboard, paper and plastics. We actually use some of our seat and backrest supplier's foam waste from making 'body armour' (rugby and football) to package the ends of our Pyranha kayaks.
OUTFITTING
The outfitting in your kayak is vital to your comfort, safety and overall performance on the water. Our outfitting systems have been developed over the last 40 years and incorporate the adjustability and security you demand from a white water kayak. Our outfitting coupled with the variable thickness hull structure of the kayaks shell create a safety cage around you.
