HISTORY OF KIRS UK
KIRS UK was set up by Tom Cannon in October 2008. After looking for a new scull, Tom was impressed with the performance and build quality of KIRS boats. He was so impressed with what he had seen that he decided to take a risk and set up KIRS UK to become the UK Agent for Kiwi International Rowing Skiffs. After a couple of months of planning, Tom finally started trading in early 2009. Tom has previously worked for Concept 2 on a placement year whilst at University.
Tom has rowed at Dulwich College, Nottinghamshire County Rowing Association and Leander Club, but now rows at Henley Rowing Club where he is Vice Captain. He has won at a few of the major regatta's in the UK, has several National Championship medals and has competed at the European University Championships (EUSA).
In early 2011 Dan Andrews became a partner in the company, and KIRS UK is now a trading arm of The Rowing Shop Limited.
HISTORY OF KIRS
Kiwi International Rowing Skiffs was established in 1981 when Bob Rout took over his old bosses business (Croker Oar (NZ)). At Croker he had completed his apprentice in boat building and had become Chief Boat Builder.
KIRS early boats were coxed fours which were designed on the 1978 European design concepts. Within four months of production 8+’s, 2-‘s and 2+’s were being manufactured. In 1994 Bob then started to create his own moulds over a whole range of boat types.
The initial market that KIRS focused on were local clubs and schools. But by 1986 the business had a firm foothold in the New Zealand market. This lead to futher sales in Australia and Asia.
Further development and innovation lead to all New Zealand crews using KIRS boats at the Tasmania World Championships in 1990.
KIRS continue to produce results at Olympic and World Championships and have numerous World Best Times. They continue to innovate and develop and try to exploit new markets such as the UK through KIRS UK.