Friday, April 15, 2011

Japan disaster -impact on kayak retailers

A few days ago I received this message from Shinju, our Japan Distributor;

Hi Richard


Four of active retailer were suffered by this earthquake disaster

Below is the list.


MESA ( Kamaishi Iwate ): http://www.mesasanriku.com/


Sea-son ( Miyako Iwate ): http://sea-son.net/

Earth Quest ( Onagawa Miyagi) http://www.h5.dion.ne.jp/~equest/ http://sea.ap.teacup.com/earthquest/


Marine Planning Miyagi ( Matsushima Miyagi ) http://www.mariplamiyagi.net/ http://ameblo.jp/msvino/

Fortunately, their family and staffs are all fine. But still under hard situation since their shops, warehouse and kayaks

has gone by Tsunami. We're going to strong support their restructuring. Their shops were used be on beautiful coast in Japan and it was so attractive for sea kayaker. So we'd like to help them to all of kayaker can paddling there again.

If you can give us any support, is it possible to contribute Point65 Kayaks for their outdoor center operation?

No need Fiberglass kayaks, No need new one, even used one or old model is ok.

We, will also contribute our used kayaks, and will deliver it from coming fall to next spring.

By that time, we think they can have sight for reconstruction of their town.

Please discuss about it by your side.


Regards,

Shinju


Shinju enclosed these unbelievable pictures of the destruction of these kayak centers.


Point 65 is donating 20 kayaks for these badly hit retailers. Let me know if you want to help out!


Thanks


Richard



Sunday, April 10, 2011

Breizh Kayak La Baule

I spent the weekend in La Baule. A wonderful beach resort in Pays de la Loire. I took the opportunity to visit Nicolas at Breizh Kayak, the Point 65 -dealer there.

Nicolas outside his really nice shop. Inspired by the Apple Stores?

Nicolas opened his shop in 2010 moving here from Paris. After a successful career at Apple Computers (we share a passion there to) he is living his dream working with his passion, paddling and the ocean in general.
Behind the counter with his best selling accessorie, the Tequila! Backrest!

Camilla and I stopped by Nicolas demo day on the plage de La Baule just next to the magnificent Hermitage Hotel. Paddlers from near and far had come to try different kayaks and meet with Nicolas.
Camilla and Nicolas on the beach with the Hermitage in the background. Probably one of the best hotels in France.

Afterwards, lunch at the L'Eden Beach.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Tequila! in a Mini Cooper

I received this photo from a happy customer in the US! Thats a tandem kayak in there!