Visit to Rockpool Kayaks

Myself and Paul always admired the design of these kayaks and it was on the shortlist when I bought my Aquanaut. I've since regretted not having bought an Alaw instead and so decided to ring Rockpool to try them out. Mike Webb (owner of Rockpool) said he could accommodate us at any stage if we came over for some paddling.
And so it began...Steve and Paul's Big Adventure! We had an early rise (4AM) to catch the Irish Ferries High Speed departing Dublin at 0845. We arrived in Holyhead around 1045 and Mike collected us from the terminal and brought us to the workshop where the kayaks are made. We got the guided tour and met the lads who actually craft everything. Mike also went into detail of the fittings and design of the Alaw. He has some really innovative features - an example being the skeg which doesn't kink the cable if you forget to retract it coming ashore. I was amazed at how light and well balanced the kayaks are to carry. We got changed and Mike dropped us off at Trearddur Bay for some paddling. Conditions were windy with on onshore F5 and this gave us a chance to see how the boats handled in the wind. Performance was very good and the edging was impressive. I also liked the hanging thigh braces and this gave a good secure feeling when edging and bracing. We tried all 3 boats - the Alaw Bach, Alaw and the Menai. The Alaw Bach is the low volume version of the Alaw and this boat fitted me the best. Paul preferred the Alaw. The Menai is a longer boat mainly for expeditions and was very stable. The picture shows the Alaw Bach (blue), Alaw (white) and the Menai (yellow). The only difference between the Alaw and Alaw Bach is the raised deck in front of the cockpit to give extra leg room.
Mike collected us after the paddle and showed us some of the very scenic Welsh coastline. We then had a cuppa with the lads back in the workshop and talked more about the boats.
I've ordered an Alaw Bach and over the next few days will decide on color and deck graphics. Theres various choice of patterns including the hallmark starfish, seaweed etc. Its harder doing this part than picking the boat.
We got dropped back to the ferry and were home in Waterford at around 10PM.
My boat will be ready the first week in April and I'm really looking forward to its sea trials! Many thanks to Mike Webb in Rockpool kayaks for being so welcoming.