Classic Models

Three kayaks that trace the entire lineage of British sea kayaking — from the boat that started it all to the one that defined expedition paddling for a generation. These are composite-only, built to order from Valley's factory in Norfolk.

Førti means forty in Norwegian — this is Valley's fortieth anniversary return to the original Nordkapp hull, built as close to the 1975 blueprints as modern production allows. Where later versions of the Nordkapp drifted toward caricature, the Førti goes back to the source: cleaner lines, less exaggerated fish-form, more honest rocker. The result is a kayak that rewards skill rather than compensating for the lack of it.

It is faster and more responsive than the Etain, and less forgiving. It tracks with authority, surfs with conviction, and in rough water reveals exactly why the Nordkapp became the benchmark expedition kayak. Not a beginner's boat — but in the hands of an experienced paddler, nothing else quite compares.

17'6" · 21" beam · 25 kg · 65–100 kg paddler range · Composite only

Every British sea kayak traces its lineage here. The Anas Acuta began as a traditional Greenland hunting kayak brought back from Igdlorssuit by Ken Taylor in 1959 — adapted slightly for western paddlers and put into production by Valley in 1972. It has been in continuous production ever since.

Low decks, hard chines, pronounced rocker, narrow beam — it is the closest thing to a skin-on-frame Greenland kayak that composite construction allows. Highly responsive, demanding, and deeply rewarding. Not a touring boat by modern standards — it lives in rough water, surf, and rolling practice. If you know why you want one, you already know it's right for you.

17'2" · 20" beam · ~22 kg · Ocean or keyhole cockpit · 50–90 kg paddler range · Composite only

The Aleut II is one of the highest-performing expedition tandems available. At 22 feet it is fast, stable, and capable — equally at home on a multi-week coastal traverse as in an adventure race. It can be ordered as a standard tandem or as a two- or three-piece take-apart, which makes logistics significantly more manageable for air travel or vehicle transport.

It paddles nothing like a typical tandem. Two experienced paddlers in an Aleut II will cover water with a speed and efficiency that solo boats struggle to match on long days. Fitted options including bow and stern steering are available on request.

22' · 23" beam · 2 paddlers · Available as standard or 2/3-piece take-apart · Composite only

The following options are available at extra cost on all composite models. Specify at time of order.