If there were a manufacturer’s championship in ocean ski racing, as there is in Formula 1 motorsport, there would only be one name on the podium: Fenn’s kayaks.
The East London-based manufacturer consistently has between seven and eight Fenn paddlers in the top-10 finishes, and that is in races around the globe.
Fenn’s international dominance of the growing sport is due to the quality of the boats and the pedigree of paddlers who use its skis. Success on the water breeds success in the factory, said owner Keith Fenn, himself a past Springbok paddler, as are two of two of his three sons.
Joshua is a paddler, and Matt, a dual Springbok, paddling and lifesaving. Both are currently competing in the Australian ski, or kayak, the alternative name for the fibreglass boats.
“We manufacture between 1,500 and 1,800 skis and canoes a year. We have agents in Australia, UK, Canada, the US, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Portugal, Tahiti, Dubai, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, France and Israel, as well as SA.”
Fenn’s recent development is branching out in clothing and other ski-related accessories, such as paddles.
“We use our clothing range for its marketing potential. It is not a money spinner, but it keeps our name out there.”
Fenn started manufacturing skis in 1988, and gave up competitive paddling to focus on the business.
“I found it difficult to mix my hobby with my business and work had to come first.”
Fenn has secured a niche in the highly competitive ski market, staying ahead of the demand wave – despite fierce competition from China, with his ongoing design revolutions.
“Many top ski brands from Australia and the US have factories in China. Fortunately, we have a loyal customer base. Good design is essential for success. I do the designs myself, based on feel and experience. Staying ahead of the design curve is critical. Even though the design basics are pretty much the same, we are always tweaking the designs, enabling paddlers to get that little bit extra out of the skis.
“In the case of the top competitors, it’s the edge that gets them over the finish first.”..