Bliss-stick facts for kids
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| Privately owned company | |
| Industry | Kayaking |
| Founded | ?? |
| Headquarters | , |
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Number of locations
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New Zealand, Australia, USA, UK, Canada, Japan |
| Products | Kayaks |
| Services | Kayak manufacture and sales |
Bliss-stick is a company that creates amazing kayaks, especially for exciting whitewater adventures! Imagine paddling down a fast-moving river – that's what these kayaks are built for. The company is based in Pukeokahu, a small place in the Rangitikei District of New Zealand.
For a long time, Bliss-stick was famous for sending its kayaks all over the world. However, around 2014, they decided to focus more on making kayaks for people right there in New Zealand. This change happened because of how money exchange rates worked at the time.
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What is Whitewater Kayaking?
Whitewater kayaking is a thrilling sport where people paddle small boats called kayaks down rivers with rapids. Rapids are parts of a river where the water flows very fast and rough, often over rocks. It's like a rollercoaster on water! Kayakers need special skills to steer their boats through the waves and obstacles.
Why are Special Kayaks Needed?
Whitewater kayaks are different from kayaks used on calm lakes. They are usually shorter and stronger. This design helps them turn quickly and handle the bumps and splashes of the river. Bliss-stick kayaks are built to be tough and agile, giving paddlers good control in challenging waters.
Where is Bliss-stick Located?
Bliss-stick's main home is in Pukeokahu, which is near the town of Taihape in New Zealand. This area is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including rivers that are perfect for kayaking. Being close to such rivers helps the company test their kayaks in real-world conditions.
How Does Location Help Kayak Making?
Having their base in a place like Pukeokahu means Bliss-stick can easily access rivers to test new kayak designs. This helps them make sure their products are safe and perform well. It also connects them directly with the kayaking community in New Zealand.
Bliss-stick's Famous Kayaks
Over the years, Bliss-stick has made many popular kayak models. One of their earliest and most well-known kayaks was called the "Blitz." This model helped put Bliss-stick on the map as a top kayak maker. Each kayak model is designed for different types of whitewater or different skill levels of paddlers.
What Makes a Kayak Model Famous?
A kayak becomes famous when it's known for its great performance, durability, and how much fun it is to paddle. The "Blitz" was likely popular because it met the needs of many kayakers at the time, helping them enjoy their adventures on the river.
From Global to Local Focus
Bliss-stick used to export its kayaks to many countries, including the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. This meant their kayaks were used by paddlers all over the world.
Why Did They Change Their Focus?
In 2014, Bliss-stick decided to focus more on selling kayaks within New Zealand. This decision was mainly due to "exchange rates." Exchange rates are like the price of one country's money compared to another's. When exchange rates change, it can make it more expensive or less profitable to sell goods to other countries. By focusing on their home market, Bliss-stick could manage their business more easily.
The Future of Kayaking
Kayaking continues to be a popular outdoor sport. Companies like Bliss-stick play an important role in making sure kayakers have the right equipment to enjoy their adventures safely. They keep innovating and creating new designs to meet the needs of both new and experienced paddlers.
