Couple creates custom, inflatable kayaks, rafts for clients around the world
REEDSVILLE — Attila and Ann Szilagyi receive orders for their custom kayaks and rafts from all over the world, even from an outfitter in Jamaica.
The couple owns Custom Inflatables in Reedsville, and has been practicing the raft for 31 years.
“World Champion Lennox Lewis had one of our kayaks in Jamaica. That’s when they (outfitters) started buying from us,” Ann said.
Lewis is a three-time world heavyweight boxing champion.
“We have boats on six of the seven continents,” Attila said proudly.
The Szilagyis make their custom designs on site. When a customer orders one of their products it is tailor made to that person’s needs.
“Everyone is different,” Attila said. “We literally shop the world for the best materials. We create our own patterns and we make our products on site from scratch.”
He said it takes an average of about 35 hours to make the ThrillSeekers (their most popular model), and from 120 to 200 hours to make a raft.
Taking care of an inflatable kayaks or rafts is not difficult, they said.
A kayak or raft can be inflated in 15 minutes or less with a hand pump. Once removed from the river, turn it over and let the water run out before deflating it.
Once all of the water drains out, open the valve. Any air that remains will be pushed out when the kayak or raft is rolled up. Once rolled up, it is ready to be stored.
Attila said all of their kayaks are available in one- and two-person models.
“Basically, we have any size to fit any type of kayaker in both size and abilities,” he said.
He said there is a kayak model for every age group from youngster to adult.
“We’re in our early 60s,” Ann said. “We like to get out and paddle, but I don’t want to carry a 50-pound boat. I have one made of urethane it weighs 23 pounds. I love it. It makes it easier for me to get in and out of the river.”
Urethane is not the only material one of their custom kayaks can be made of. There is also PVC and hypalon.
Hypalon is more resilient than PVC or urethane. Urethane is the lightest and least abrasive of the three, PVC costs less making it the best value.
Attila said a lot of their friends, who are expert paddlers, have switched over to the lighter model.
“It lets you save your energy for the river,” he said.
Attila said there is not much in the river that can damage the kayak or raft. He said most river rocks are rounded due to erosion. Most of the damage happens on land or when transporting the kayak or raft.
Ann said kayaking is a great sport to pursue during the pandemic.
“We’ve paddled with our friends this summer,” she said. “We keep our distance but we can still have fun together.”
She said it’s also a good way to see wildlife.
“You see deer that come down to the river to drink and all types of wildlife,” Ann said.
Attila said although they have both a website and a Facebook page most of their sales come from referrals.
“The boats sell themselves,” he said. “The customers are happy with their boats so they tell their friends.”
For more information about Custom Inflatables go to http://tseeker.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ThrillSeekers-by-Custom-Inflatables-166089010079460/ or call 1-800-673-3537.
TWEET@DominionPostWV
