A bellyak is a boat designed to be ridden on your belly. The boat features a planing hull, much like a kayak, that allows quick direction changes and floats the boater over and through the water. There are no straps or skirts to confine you to the boat. It’s a high reward, and low risk way to explore rivers, oceans and lakes. The bellyak was conceived of by Adam Masters, and has been in full time development for the past year. Adam and his wife, Anna, run Bellyak, Inc. from their Asheville, NC location on the banks of the French Broad River. It’s been an exciting and unique time watching the bellyak grow and develop. There have been many along the way who have guided, advised, and helped the bellyak to become what it is today. Three of the most influential contributors have been Bill Masters, Jim Snyder and Allen Stancil.

Innovation in boat design and being on the water is part of the Masters family. Adam’s dad, Bill Masters, founded Perception Kayaks in 1975 and grew it into one of the most successful companies in the outdoor industry, both at the time and to date. Bill’s innovations and application of rotomolding to kayak manufacturing allowed kayakers to progress the sport at a much quicker pace, and made boats widely available. As a result Perception Kayaks went on to become the largest manufacturer of kayaks in the world. His leadership in the industry opened up the sport to become what it is we see today.