NYC Is Folbot Country

It makes perfect sense that large urban areas, like New York City, are ideal markets for a folding kayak. Space is at a premium — you either have to rent an expensive spot in a boathouse to store your kayak or live in a building that might be named after you — and transportation is a challenge. But, letting people know that the Folbot option exists is harder than you’d think.

The Citibot (pronounced “City Boat”) was designed with urban paddlers in mind (although any Folbot model can do the trick). It’s so light and small that you can store it in a closet, toss it over your shoulder and walk to the subway, or throw it in the trunk of a taxi. Need a kayak in the city? Problem solved.

Photo Courtesy DiNanno Photography

The catch, however, is making sure all those urban paddlers know that the solution to their paddling problems exists. So, along with Folbot getting in publications from Vanity Fair to Outside Magazine, and using social media (be our friend on Facebook or follow Folbot or me on Twitter) and the Internet, we’ve decided to take things up another notch. We’re coming to you. First stop… New York City.

Cooper in the Hudson River

As a start, we’ve donated a Citibot to the Long Island City Community Boathouse. If you want to see one in person, give them a call or let us know and we can help set it up. We’re also looking for other worthy boathouses — in NY or other major cities — so please pass on any good leads. Additionally, we’re sponsoring Erik Baard — a leader in the non-profit and kayak community in New York, who is spearheading the charge to make waterway use more accessible in New York. Erik will be paddling  a bright orange Yukon on various missions in the New York waterways and writing about them for some New York based publications. He’s also happy to have anyone come visit the Yukon (let us know and we can help arrange it).

On April 23rd and 24th we’ll be at the EarthFair with a Citibot– out on Vanderbilt Avenue right by Grand Central Station. That should be a rockin’ event. Please come visit us and see the coolest little folding kayak on the planet.

Finally, we’re also planning some major activity in the big city for June. It’s going to be fun. So stay tuned!

David A.

What A Year

2008 was quite a year at Folbot. Tony and I completed our first year of ownership during very interesting times in the world. Despite a challenging economy, we launched the new website, successfully introduced the Citibot, added wonderful dealers in Sweden, Norway and Australia, expanded the Folbot Family and helped spread the word about the amazing qualities of Folbot folding kayaks (hey, did you see that Vanity Fair picked the Edisto as one of the “Hot Gifts” for this holiday season?). And, of course, 2008 was the 75th anniversary year of Folbot. That, just by itself, made the year a significant and memorable one.

Even during these challenging days, we are looking forward to 2009 with an optimistic and excited eye. We have a great staff, a fantastic product and lots of terrific things planned for next year. We are deeply appreciative for all our customers and supporters, and will do all we can to continue to uphold Folbot’s reputation for providing top notch kayaks and premier customer service. You deserve it.

So, on behalf of  Tony, Kay, Gillian, Phil, Wanda, Viet, Cindy, Ray, Mary, Phong, Herb, Dot, John, Lymus, Linda, Lillian and Debra — and our amazing volunteer Cliff, I wish you the happiest of holidays and a fantastic new year.

David A.

High Society

Check out who is in this month’s Vanity Fair! Folbots are a “Hot Gift.”

There we are, right next to the $15,000 pillows.

David A.

The Today Show and other good news

October 13th. Circle the date. Get your TV warmed up. Turn on the Tivo. Crank up the VCR. Use whatever techonology you like,  because the Citibot is going to be on the Today Show in pink!

We are really excited to have found out that the Citibot is supposed to have a prominent role in Shape Magazine’s Today Show segment on pink fitness products. Pretty cool.

Also, check out Health Magazine’s website, where Folbots are featured as one of the pink products being made to benefit breast cancer research/awareness.

And, we just heard that Folbot is likely going to be in Vanity Fair’s 2008 Holiday Gift Guide.

Of course, with the way things are going in the world, none of this may happen. No guarantees. We are keeping our fingers crossed!

I wonder what Tuesday will bring?

David A.