Graham Mackereth (UK)

Graham has been a major contributor to the success of the whitewater paddlesports industry worldwide and involved in designing and building kayaks commercially for more than 40 years. Pyranha’s motto “For Enthusiasts, By Enthusiasts” sums up the essence of the company.

In 1971, Graham founded Pyranha Kayaks, where he began a series of firsts. In 1979, he was the first to produce and market rotomolded kayaks in Europe successfully. In 1982, he produced the first low profile plastic kayak with an impact absorbing full plate footrest and large keyhole cockpit. The Pyranha “Bat” series included the Rotobat (1983), the first short whitewater play/pool kayak, the Mountain Bat (1986), the first design to incorporate a release chine and optional safety cage, tested for lower leg injuries at the UK Motor Industries Research Association, and the first highly successful play boats, the Stuntbat (1991) and the Acrobat (1993). The Inazone Series (1997) was the first polyethylene kayak produced in three sizes to suit paddlers of different shapes and weights.

His innovations in boat design also include the first easily adjustable seats and thigh grips, with back band adjustments on the thigh grip. He also designed the Power Pockets, a deck feature for improved aerial performance.

Graham also sponsored a number of expedition, beginning in 1976 with the first descent of the Dudh Khosi, and including expeditions to Tsarap/Zanskar-Ladhak in Northern India, and the Tsangpo in Tibet. With Pyranha, he also sponsored slalom world champions, beginning with Albert Kerr in a Pyranha Elite Equipe. Pyranha also sponsored slalom champion Cathy Hearn in 1979, Richard Fox in 1981, 1983, and 1995. In the freestyle kayaking world, Pyranha sponsored Paul (Cheesy) Robertson, 1995 C1 Freestyle World Champion, with repeat in 1997, and Eli Helbert, who won OC1 freestyle gold in 2001. Graham himself was a British junior slalom team member (BCU) in the 1960’s, and in 1972 was a member of the UK Olympic Team (K1 Sprint).

Graham supports many organizations, festivals, expeditions, first descents and other paddlesports activities as an on-going advocate for the sport. A member of the Historic Canoe and Kayak Association (HCKA) Graham has a rich collection of historical canoes and kayaks.