News and Updates

Current Designs Introduces New and Updated Models for 2010
-August 7, 2009

Kestrel 140 OC
Following in the footsteps of the shorter Kestrel 120 OC, the new Kestrel 140 OC is an open cockpit kayak for those looking for a very paddler friendly boat. The open cockpit design is more secure than any sit on top and more roomy than standard sit in kayaks. Large enough to fit almost anybody, super stable and comfortable seating, this boat is ready to share with family and friends. Guaranteed fun, its stability and maneuverability make it a great fishing kayak as well. The Kestrel 140 OC comes with CD's Dimension Adjustable Seat Back and thigh pads, offering hours of paddling comfort. A durable Current Designs foiled blade rudder is optional.
Kestrel 140 OC

Vision 120
Sparked from the incredible success of our Vision family of transitional kayaks, Current Designs introduces the Vision 120 to the family line. A 12' kayak like no other on the market, the Vision 120 is a great boat for women, teens, or other smaller paddlers. Its short length allows for superior handling while still displaying surprisngly good tracking for a boat of its short stature.Lower decks and the confidence inspiring 24" width allows the paddler to experience a true kayak fit and feel while developing a myriad of skills at their own pace. Offered exclusively in Current Designs' Composite Hybrid lay-up, this Vision 120 weighs in under 30 pounds, and retail price lists for under $2000. This unique kayak is truly the best combination of light weight, toughness, performance, and value available.
Vision 120

Solstice GT & GTS
Current Designs redesigned the popular Solstice GT & Solstice GTS for 2010. Both models received deck and hull volume improvements resulting in increased foot room and better balance on the water. The cockpits were upgraded to keyhole-style allowing for easier entry and exit, while maintaining a true sea kayak fit. Hidden rudder lines have also been incorporated into the new design, making for a cleaner deck appearance. The Solstice GT & GTS's new design makes them the epitome of North American style kayaks delivering outstanding acceleration, glide, and tracking on all the worlds waters.
Solstice GT
Solstice GTS

Caribou
The Caribou, a classic Greenland style design that has a cult-like following, received some improvements and modifications for 2010. The distinct hard chines were softened a bit and flat sections were given a convex curve. Other modifications include the modernization of the deck with more appealing lines. The cockpit was reshaped into a more user friendly, easy to enter and exit keyhole design. The overall length of the boat was also shortened. Now more appealing than ever, the Caribou is a great kayak that's fast, nimble, and a pure joy to paddle.
Caribou

Current Designs Sponsors the "Go Wild" Expedition
-April 7, 2009

Current Designs and it’s parent company Wenonah Canoe, are pleased to announce sponsorship of Apryle Craig and Phil Magistro’s “Go Wild” sea kayaking expedition. Go Wild will kayak along the British Columbia coast to examine and document the effects of salmon farming on the environment and coastal communities.

The “Go Wild” Expedition, named in support of wild salmon, will follow the historical Inside Passage route, starting in Gig Harbor, Washington, continuing north along the British Columbia coast, and concluding in the glacial waters of Alaska. The four-month-long journey will begin May 5, 2009 and cover over 1,280 miles using only human-power.

The expedition will examine issues thought to contribute to localized extinction of pink and chum salmon, specifically the open-net farming of non-native Atlantic salmon. Craig and Magistro will report their findings to Living Ocean Society (LOS) as a part of “The Eyes and Ears of the Coast” project. This project encourages coastal communities to observe fish farming in the area and report any suspected unethical or illegal behavior to LOS.

Apryle will be paddling a Current Designs Cypress and Phil will be making the trip in the new Current Designs Infinity. “We are really excited to have the support of Current Designs for our latest expedition” says Apryle, “We are looking forward to the acceleration, speed, and tracking these boats will provide as well as the quality of craftsmanship and sleek styling Current Designs offers in all of their boats.”

For more information on The “Go Wild” Expedition visit www.ElevatedAttitude.com

Wenonah Canoe and Current Designs Sponsor the American Birkebeiner
-January 22, 2009

Wenonah Canoe, a major manufacturer of premium canoes and kayaks is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Mike Cichanowski, the owner and founder of Wenonah Canoe is a veteran cross country skier of 30 Birkebeiners. To celebrate Wenonah’s 40th year and Mikes 31st Birkie Wenonah Canoe and Current Designs is a participating sponsor of this years event set to take place February 21, 2009.

Mike and his family have a long history in cross country skiing. Both of his daughters have won the Minnesota State High School Ski Championships and have participated in many other long distance ski races both in the United States and Europe. Mike is an avid skier and is involved in supporting and building ski trails in the Winona, Minnesota area.

To learn more about the American Birkebeiner, visit www.birkie.com

Wenonah Canoe and Current Designs Promotes Jim Brown to Presidency
-April 9, 2008

Wenonah Canoe and Current Designs announces employee Jim Brown’s promotion to President. Amongst other things, Brown will over see manufacturing, purchasing, logistics, inventory control, scheduling, and sourcing.

Former President, Rich Enochs retired on March 28 to mark an end to his five years of service. Enochs is very confident in Brown taking over his position, “He will be a great president. He really cares about the company and the quality services and products it provides. I wish him the best.”

Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Brown moved to Winona, Minn in 1981. Before coming to Wenonah Canoe and Current Designs, Brown held the position of Senior Vice President and General Manager of Winona Knitting Mills. He has been the head of the Canoe and Kayak logistics and planning team for the past three years.

"Jim has really been a key part of our company's success over the past years. I am thrilled to promote him to this position," said company owner Mike Cichanowski.

A devote paddler, Brown and his wife Sue spend most of their free time paddling on the Mississippi River. "This is an outstanding opportunity. Wenonah Canoe and Current Designs Kayaks are two of the premier brands in the paddle sports industry with a rich tradition and a global following. I look forward to representing such a company,” Brown explained.

Wenonah Canoe & Current Designs Finalize Certified Composite Technician Training
-January, 22, 2008

During the week of January 14, 2008, Wenonah Canoe and Current Designs held the final training session for certification of 12 more employees in the CMA (Composite Manufacturers Association) certified composite technician training course. This class has increased the total number of employees that are classified as certified composite technicians to over 50. The majority of these trainees have come directly from the production floors of Wenonah Canoe and Current Designs. Additionally, Customer Service personnel as well as some of the management staff have also succesfully completed the training.

In order to become certified, an employee must go through 24 hours of classroom instruction and they must pass a thorough qualifying written examination. Only those employees who score higher than 80% on the final testing will achieve the CCT certification.

Mike Cichanowski, owner of Wenonah Canoe and Current Designs said, “Having this many certified technicians as a part of our manufacturing, production and management team will allow us to provide ever increasing levels of quality in both the boats we build and the services we provide to our dealers and customers. Our employees are rightly proud of these accomplishments and we are happy to have been able to work with Minnesota State College Southeast Tech. to provide this training. Everyone benefits, our workers and our customers both.”