Palm Equipment marks an important milestone this week as the company celebrates twenty-five years of kayak rotomoulding in Clevedon.
The story began in 1999, when technical director Bob Slee pulled a slightly wonky but unmistakable Dagger RPM from its mould. It was the first kayak produced in-house and the start of a manufacturing program that has since launched thousands of boats.
When Palm secured approval to mould Dagger kayaks in the United Kingdom, Andy Knight and Bob had no budget and no real experience, but they committed anyway. A tight bank loan kept the plan afloat, and Franco, soon to become their roto specialist, arrived from overseas with the help of a supportive local MP. One of their first creations was a custom Lloyds Bank kayak for the manager who signed off the loan.
Rotomoulding at Palm has always balanced science with art like wizards. Their skill carried the company from that first RPM to shaping Islander and Wilderness Systems boats, and most recently to the new Palm × Hobson surf kayaks. The same crew builds the RapidBlocs used on every Olympic whitewater course since 2012.
Durability has always defined their boats, many of which are still in use after decades. But responsibility has also guided their process. In 2011, Palm became the first brand to mould and sell kayaks made entirely from recycled plastic sourced from their own waste, and they continue to recycle thermoformed material and support Operation Clean Sweep.
Let this anniversary be a moment to look back at all they have given to the sport and to the craft of rotomoulding. Congrats, Palm.
