Valley News
Valley Does Archaeology
(posted 11/04/2010)
Last summer whilst doing some maintenance around the back of our old workshop I noticed the end of a mould half buried in brambles, half under a build up of dirt. Now having old moulds lying around is par for the course in the fibreglass world, what with designs changing and old moulds being replaced so I didn’t think much of it. Anyway a month or so back, I was around the back of the building again and now being winter the weeds and brambles had died back so I could see more of this mould. Two things were very obvious, firstly that the split line was vertical not horizontal, secondly it was a hard chine boat. My conclusion was that this must be a very early version of the Anas Acuta, possibly the mould taken from the original plywood version!
Well today, after an improvement in the weather I bit the bullet and dug it out and I do mean dug it out, the whole of the middle two thirds was buried under an accumulation of dirt and consolidated dust. The mould having been placed right opposite the exhaust of Valley’s grinding-bay extractor-fan and had probably been there for 30+ years accumulating layer upon layer of dust and dirt. Two hours of digging and some power-washing later I have a mould for what is almost certainly the very first Fibreglass Anas-Acuta, written in the laminate are some initials and the year 1971. My assumption is that the mould split line was done vertically to allow the deck to be moulded around the cockpit coming that would have been on the original.
Surprisingly it isn’t in bad shape, my intension is to clean it up, make a boat from it and see how it compares to the current version. I’ll keep you posted on how things develop
Composite Boats Include Free DVD
(posted 10/01/2010)
The Hot news for 2010 is that all composite boats shipped this year will include a free copy of Gordon Brown’s exciting new DVD.
Sea Kayak With Gordon Brown offers a unique combination of enthralling videography combined with practical instructional content, all shot around the dramatic Isle of Skye.
Whether a newcomer to the sport or a seasoned paddle you will find this DVD is both informing and entertaining. It is undoubtedly the most exciting sea-kayaking DVD release of 2010 and Valley is very proud to be associated with it.
New Decade - New Logo
(Posted 01/01/2010)
As some will have noticed this site features an update of the Valley Logo. Whilst I know many will wonder about the merits of changing something that has represented the company for many years we believed the start of a new decade was a good opportunity to refresh this symbol of the company.
After much deliberation we settled on the new design, believing it had sufficient grounding in our past design but equally reflected the companies continued desire to remain a contemporary force within sea-kayaking culture.
Anyway for those who have asked the questions during the recent website upheaval – Yes, Valley is still thoroughly dedicated to making the best sea-kayaks currently available. Yes they are still privately owned and operated from Nottingham, England and yes there is still much to come in this and future years from this dynamic company.
Watch, Wait and Enjoy!