Rebel paddler in France

We have received some nice photo from France. François wrote to us:

"Here we are three Rebels in ILE-TUDY, from Bretagne, France. We enjoy paddling and rolling with them.We wish for you the best in 2015.
François, Bernard, Guénaelle."

Photo: Gurwann Le Jan

Thank You all for that and keep Rebel in 2015!

Greenland T - play on the waves

Check this new video with: Rebel Greenland T surfing on the baltic waves at Gdansk Bay in Gdynia.

Such conditions in calm waters of sandy city beach of Gdynia (Gdansk Bay) are quite unique.  It was really fun. Video from July 2014.

kayak: Greenland T (sandwich )

paddle: Big Blade

Interview with Johan Wirsen by Damiano Visocnik from GnarlyDog News blog

Learn more about Johan Wirsen: great designer of greenland style kayaks but also a sea kayak enthusiast.
Did You know that Johan has designed rowing and sailing boats too? Do You know what Johan thinks about sea kayak sailing?

You can read part of interview below and if You would like to read full interview go to GnarlyDog News blog.  >>GnarlyDog link

GDN: You have started a new brand of sea kayaks called Rebel: why another brand ?

JH: You know, since 2001 I have been working independently with kayak designs for a number of companies.(...)But as you know, the kayak business is also quite dirty and some of the companies I have been working with were also very greedy, so I have decided to terminate some contract with the “big ones” and start all over with this new little company Rebel Kayaks and try to keep the passion for the sport and paddling alive for myself.

GDN: Where and when will these kayak be available?

"Designer with his baby"

JH: For the moment we are that lucky that we have been contacted by so many high end retailers, dealers and customers that we can’t satisfied them all!! (...).

GDN: What style of kayaks are you focusing on under your brand Rebel?

JH: The first two models that we put into production are my two Greenland styled kayaks: the “ILAGA” and the ”T”. Those are the type of kayaks that I personally feel a lot for, and since they are well known they are like a signature for me. (...)

GDN:I notice a certain consistency of style in your creations even if the kayaks that you have designed have different goals in mind. How did you get involved in boat design and what is the driving force for your passion?

JH: Born on an island, and growing up with a father that had all kinds of boats (anything from fishing to sailing and even a water-ski boat) it is not that unusual that I got this interest and eventually I went to school to become a boat builder. I have always tried to build or rebuild my own stuff, even motorbikes!

GDN: Sea kayak sailing: what do you think of that?

JH: I must admit that I have not experienced sailing with a kayaks before I visited Australia. But I really got hooked! (...)

GDN: Last words?

Rebel Greenland T kayak at Oland Island

JH: Well I guess that would be: With paddling try to make it your own journey.(...)

GnarlyDog News -One of the  most recognized paddling blog on Earth and region. Like he wrote on blog: 

"How do I find the time to do all this? simple: I got rid of my TV. That's right,"

See full article here  >>GnarlyDog News

The very first happy user of Rebel Greenalnd T

We are ​proud to show the first video featuring our Green​land T; it means that the ​very first  "REBEL" unit is already in use :) .
​The first kayak is made in carbon: ​clear-coated (transparent) hull and white deck. We are very pleased with the result a​s we have achieved and satisfied our ​objective to create a technically superior kayaks that is also strikingly beautiful. Our main goal ​was to manufacture a​ kayak that is lighter & stiffer than what ​is available on market today... and we did it!

Thanks to Petra and Damiano for ​the video!

Paddler: Petra

Video: Damiano

Place: Borgholm, Sweden and Traumsee, Austria. 

Rebel on Paddle Expo 2013

Last week at Paddle Expo we were busy with talking to customers receiving good feedback while keeping our fingers crossed for REBEL.

We are happy that so many paddlers appreciated the return of the original, the "real" Greenland! (in regards to the current models that are available on the market from the competition).
"I want this one, the real one" - This is what we heard a lot of times...

Thank you all for the great response and support, that we received at Kanumesse last week. It was more than we ever hoped for!
So now we know more than ever that we will see you on water soon.

It was really great for us to meet You with all folks!

Yours sincerely Johan Wirsén

boat builder/designer

Greenland T - we will show first model of Rebel Kayaks on Paddle Expo / KanuMesse 2013 in Nurnberg

We will take a part in KanuMesse / Paddle Expo 2013 in Nunrberg. We will be at show with our first model of greenland style sea kayak: Greenland T.
Find and visit us on Aquarius Kayak's stand which is D7 in hall number 7.

Greenland T is not so "new" on the market. In fact kayak is very well known but under other brands.
We have changed i.a:

• backrest - now is foldable and also conntected to seat.
• weight - we have used best combination of materials. New Greenland T is lighter and stiffer - it means our kayak is BETTER than it was before ;) 

If You would like to make appointment with us at KanuMesse please write us directly at: info@rebelkayaks.com

THE REBEL IS ON - "WHY REBEL?"

Rebel Kayaks – new brand of high end sea kayaks for demanding paddlers.

After more then ten years of designing kayaks for a number of companies (and got ripped off a couple off times) it is now time to back off a little and look for the passion and joy once more.
The idea for Rebel Kayaks is to connect design with skilled employees. Workers that have the knowledge and feeling for the materials that they work with. And also have the knowledge and feeling for paddling. It means that I as a designer am more closely connected to the process. The vast experience that the builders have will translate into producing high end sea kayaks for demanding paddlers – built on experience!

First two models introduced under the Rebel brand will not be “new models”. Instead we have chosen two models that are well known, recognised, and highly regarded by paddlers all around. We will upgrade them and also put more effort into the lamination in order to get stiffer and lighter boats. The kayaks will not be produced in big numbers any more. Instead we will focus on putting that little extra effort into each and every kayak. The difference that You will feel while paddling in REBEL kayak.

Yours sincerely Johan Wirsén

boat builder/designer