Creating the S, M, and L sizes of each design (Ringer and Rebound) takes time. Each size requires a CNC machined female mold, then a male plug made out of fiberglass that gets hand cleaned up, wet sanded, and polished until it is as perfect as the human eye and hand can make it. Then a female production mold is created to make the boats out of.
cleaning up the Rebound plug to create a mold.
rebound plug ready to mold
Working with Tiago on cockpit rim opening to assure a good fit on the Ringer.
This process takes time and a lot of skill to do at the level the Apex boats are at. A cockpit rim mold must also be created and the intersection between the cockpit rim and the boats opening needs to be tight and near perfect if you want a good fit, strong, and easy to assemble part.
When Nelo’s eyes are on on a boat, he sees a lot that few could- 40 years of experience, each year trying to improve his processes and quality.
Nelo, in Portugal, a 40 year old composite kayak brand making mostly flatwater sprint racing kayaks, was chosen by me to manufacture my boats because they have the skills, experience, facilities, and a staff that paddles. From Sergio in molding, to Gomes in sewing, Nelo the owner, or Andre the plant manager you will find top level athletes and enthusiastic recreational kayakers in sprint racing, whitewater, surf ski, and more.
Nelo- National Champion sprint racer- manufacturer
Sergio understands what he is making. He follows my social posts and knows what my boats are going through, and others. When we talk “laminate schedule” he is already a few steps ahead of me and we nail it with little confusion or questions. He is also an awesome kayaker.
Gomes is a whitewater kayaker, sprint racer, surf ski, instructor, and more. He will give you the shirt off of his back, and a cup of coffee on every visit. He is a wonderful person to have on the Nelo/Apex team.
Andre- plant manager, can kayak, do marketing, manage a team of 150 employees, and work with people like me to create something special, one step at a time.
When I talk to them about the boats and what I am looking for in each part of the boat, they understand and appreciate how important everything we discuss is in the end. When you feel every edge, every seamline, every grab handle attachment on the inside of the boat, you feel a smooth, incredibly well done final product that takes a lot of time and skill to pull off. During my time at Jackson Kayak, I would say the same things- “feel the cockpit rim, how it is baby smooth, and then compare to another brand”. Taking a bit of extra time to clean up your trimming, for example, shows you care and is what craftsmanship is all about.
The Small Ringer is the last of the molds to be readied. The first of the small Ringers just got assembled today, on Saturday. We are making about 15 of them before we ship a container to Rock Island. This week we received the first of the Large Rebounds to Rock Island as well! If you don’t have a boat your size, you are out of luck. Making each boat in sizing that covers most people assures that if you want a lightweight kayak, you can have one. We have finally achieved this goal. River runner? No problem- we have all three sizes. Freestyle kayak, we have it.
Jim sits in his new Large Ringer. He couldn’t wait for Me to get it out of the box.
Danny spinning the top wave at Rocky Island- setting that wave free.
Gwenn surfing the top wave at Rock Island… TN- not to be confused with Rocky Island, MD.
If you are ready to change your paddling life for the better, now you can. Paddling a boat that is 50% of the weight is magical. The carrying, loading, and on water experience are so much more enjoyable and allow you to go further, go faster, and go bigger. Hence my hashtags on my social posts. #gofurther #gofaster #gobigger and #lightweightkayaks.
EJ dropping in at the Falls at Rock Island.
Chloe, picking up and outfitting her small Rebound for the World Championships. Awesome!
Isn’t your time on the water precious? Want to maximize your enjoyment? Want to look forward to shouldering your boat and hiking in and out of the river, instead of stressing over it? This is what Apex is about. Enhancing and extending your paddling life. 🙂
What makes me so happy is seeing all of the paddlers who have already joined the Apex Party by getting their Ringer or Rebound. We have quite a few that have more than one Apex now. Joe Ball who works for me has the record, with 5 of them. Sean O’coffee just got his 3rd Apex, and an amazing Apex Tattoo to go with them! Everyone I am seeing on the water with their new boat seem to be smiling easily and fired up on them. Danny Stock is running his Ringer through the paces up on the Potomac and it is fun to watch. Beginners/Experts- there is no prejudice on who will enjoy the lightweight kayaks more. Whether you are picking up your first kayak ever, or been paddling for 40 years, the comfort of the outfitting, the lightweight construction, and the beauty of these boats will deliver wonderful feelings. We are selling them one at a time. So fun!
Danny Stock flying his Ringer
EJ