Ed Wolffhardt
Manta Kayaks, Austria
Manta Kayaks is the brainchild of a successful professional kayaker renowned for his achievements in whitewater sports. With a relentless pursuit of perfection and extensive competition experience, he has secured a spot as a runner-up four times in world championships and has been crowned Austrian champion 26 times. Currently, Ed is dedicated to his international racing team and is committed to promoting young talent in canoe slalom, an Olympic discipline.
Manta Kayaks specializes in the development of high-quality slalom kayaks, combining innovative performance with cutting-edge design. The company has developed and patented a completely new geometry, introducing the “Ergonomic Carving Radius.” This breakthrough allows for increased contact surface at the center of gravity, enabling paddlers to harness the power of the water efficiently and achieve remarkable acceleration — gaining up to two seconds per run.
In addition to slalom kayaks, Manta Kayaks is leveraging racing experience to design a touring kayak. Currently in development, this five-meter kayak is tailored for recreational paddlers and is steered via the inside edge, similar to skiing. Optional features include a double stern that can accommodate an electric motor. The design also emphasizes convenience, featuring a three-section structure that allows the kayak to fit comfortably inside a car.
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