Torpedo7 launch the world’s first sustainable kayak made with wool

Taking a new innovative direction in the quest for sustainable water-sports equipment, Torpedo7 and New Zealand engineering company Shear Edge have collaborated to produce a world first – a kayak made with wool.

The Torpedo7 Kakapo Woollen Single Kayak SE, named after the Kakapo bird, which is celebrated for its uniqueness, has been designed with natural fiber composite, comprising of 35% strong wool fibers embedded with high-density polyethylene. The natural fibers used in the kayak replace 2kg of plastic – the equivalent of 400 plastic bags.

Torpedo7 CEO, Simon West, says kayaking is a year-round popular sport in New Zealand and Torpedo7 are excited to provide keen kayakers with an option that is kinder to the environment they paddle in.

“Whether it’s a paddle in the Waitemata Harbour, down the Whanganui River, or in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand offers some of the best kayaking spots in the world all year round.

“Our team alongside Shear Edge have been working hard to innovate a kayak that has a reduced environmental impact and doesn't sacrifice on performance. To develop the world’s first woollen composite kayak that is 100 per cent Kiwi made is a huge feat for our team and just one example of how we’re pushing the boat out with our product designs and sustainability goals. We’re committed to bringing Kiwis the best adventure gear for New Zealand’s unique climate.”

Shear Edge and Torpedo7 also offer a circular take-back system, where at the end of the Kakapo kayak’s life cycle, it can be returned to the store and recycled into a new wool composite product.

Thomas Nye, Head of Marketing and Operations at Shear Edge says the partnership with Torpedo7 was a no brainer.

“Everything we do is centred around our goal to accelerate the world’s transition to more natural, renewable materials. We know collaboration is the key to pushing meaningful change, and like our friends at Torpedo7, we believe that New Zealand is the most epic outdoor playground in the world.

“We’re here to protect it, to innovate, and create products with purpose. Our relationship with Torpedo7 is a fantastic opportunity to be part of their sustainability journey and wow consumers with some pretty radical kiwi ingenuity.”

The kayak is coloured in green, black, and beige to signify Kiwi innovation, and the importance of Kaitiaki, our collective guardianship over the world’s outdoor playground.

The Torpedo7 Kakapo Woollen Single Kayak SE is available nationwide at Torpedo7 stores and online at www.torpedo7.co.nz.