About Us....
Hou Canoes was born in early 2014 when the UK had a very limited choice of canoes available. What had been available was mainly imported product that was becoming less viable to import due to increasing transport costs and the new threat of tariffs. Having secured the use of five canoe moulds that were designed originally by Colin Broadway, we went into production ensuring every part of our boats was made in Great Britain. It was a mammoth task but with the right team we were up and running and shipping to just about every canoe shop in the UK before then starting to export the following year.
Over time we have grown and developed new models. These new models have been designed more specifically for the UK and European paddling scene and represent huge developments in paddlers being able to buy the boat that is right for them. Our rivers and lakes are very different to the USA and Canada, hence we need very different boats and in different constructions, and thats exactly what Hou Canoes provide.
The company is still headed up by Justin and runs now as part of the Square Circle Group to ensure continued quality and availability along side the other brands within the group.
What in the name?
The name "Hou Canoes" comes from the Polynesian word Hou, which means "New." We chose this name because we saw ourselves as a new kind of canoe company, and it felt right to honour the Polynesians, who are the pioneers of canoeing.
Another reason for the name is that my father was a proud Kiwi and a descendant of Fletcher Christian, the leader of the mutiny on the Bounty. It seemed fitting to name the company in a way that connected to our Polynesian heritage.
The photo shows me, my father, and the very first trailer of boats we shipped in May 2014.
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