Lettmann GmbH

What Lettmann GmbH does

Lettmann GmbH is a family-owned German manufacturer of high-performance kayaks and paddles, founded in 1965 by Klaus Lettmann and headquartered in Moers, Nordrhein-Westfalen. The company designs and hand-builds composite kayaks spanning sea kayaks (Biskaya 2.0, Akaroa, Skinner, Skagerrak), whitewater creekers and playboats (Granate, Manta, The Dude, Rocky, Machete), riverrunners, marathon kayaks, and polo kayaks, alongside a full line of double-blade paddles (Ergonom Pro Sea, Nitro, Speed, Warp, Polo, Sword Pro, Liberty, Perfect Pro). Approximately 400 kayak models have been designed since founding, with current production concentrated in actively marketed models offered in up to seven size variants tied to paddler weight. Core technology rests on three proprietary material systems — DCS (diolen/fiberglass infusion for durability), LCS (carbon/aramid infusion for light weight), and VCS (vacuum-infused, oven-tempered epoxy for 20% higher strength at 5% lower weight) — together with the patented Ergonom shaft geometry invented by Klaus and Jochen Lettmann, an integrated steering-skeg system, and the modular MAC (Multi-Adjustable Cockpit) outfitting.

Lettmann operates a vertically integrated model in which products are conceived, built, and sold through a combination of channels. Pricing is quote-based rather than publicly disclosed. The Moers headquarters doubles as a retail showroom, supplemented by the lettmann-shop.de e-commerce store, an authorized Fachhändler dealer network across Germany and Europe, an online configurator enabling direct material/size/cockpit/steering/outfitting specification, and a paddle home-testing service (EUR 15 fee, refunded on purchase) that removes purchase risk for remote customers. Demand generation relies heavily on European test events — year-round test afternoons at Elfrather See plus festival presence at Devil's Race, Lofer Rodeo, and the Oetztal Kajakfestival — and on a deep ambassador network that includes world champion athletes (Joe Morley, Lutz Liwowski, Steve Whetman, Oscar McBurney, Paul Aubertin) and the strategic Outdoordirekt kayak school partnership led by Christian Zicke.

Revenue is generated primarily from one-time sales of high-end composite kayaks and paddles, with accessories, spare parts, and kayak test/rental sessions as secondary streams. The customer base is fragmented across recreational sea kayakers, whitewater paddlers, marathon and polo competitors, kayak schools, and rental operators, served through direct-to-consumer, dealer, and event-based channels. Ownership remains entirely within the Lettmann family (Klaus, Jochen, and third-generation Michel Lettmann) with no disclosed external shareholders or institutional investors.

Name

Lettmann GmbH

Legal name

Lettmann GmbH

Website

https://lettmann.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Lettmann GmbH is a family-owned German manufacturer founded in 1965 that hand-builds high-performance composite kayaks and ergonomic paddles, serving sea, whitewater, marathon, and polo paddlers across Europe through a Moers showroom, online shop, and dealer network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Composite Kayaks and Paddles Manufacturing

NAICS

Ship and Boat Building (3366)

akta.pro primary industry

Semi-Custom & Series Production Yacht Manufacturing (IMAJAEAM)

Keywords

• Composite kayak manufacturing
• Performance paddle design
• Sea kayak production
• Whitewater kayak construction
• Ergonomic paddle shafts

Headquarters

HQ city

Moers

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Kayak Sales (Boats): Lettmann generates revenue primarily through the manufacture and sale of composite and PE kayaks. Products include sea kayaks (Biskaya, Akaroa, Skagerrak, Skinner), touring kayaks, whitewater creekers (Rocky, Manta, Granate, The Dude, Machete), riverrunners (Plan B), marathon kayaks, and tandem kayaks. Boats are sold through the online shop, physical store, and dealer network. The company offers extensive customization (material, color, cockpit, steering system, accessories) through a configuration tool.
2. Paddle Sales: Sale of handcrafted paddles including Ergonom Pro Sea, Ergonom Pro Tour, Liberty, Nitro, Warp, Speed, Perfect Pro, Ergonom C1, Polo, Sword Pro, Scout, Tramp, and Rent. Paddles are sold across material grades (LCS 70, LCS 70 Light, LCS 70 Extrem, LCS 90 Ultralight, LCS 100 Light, LCS 100 Extrem) and shaft types (Ergonom vs. straight). A paddle testing service (EUR 15 fee, refunded on purchase) drives conversions.
3. Accessories and Spare Parts: Sale of kayak accessories including spray decks, hatch covers, buoyancy bags, compass (Silva 70P), footrests, seat systems, thigh braces, deck lines, toggles, skirt, and repair materials. Paddles and boat accessories are sold via the online shop and in-store.
4. Kayak Testing and Rental: The company offers kayak test sessions (free afternoons at Elfrather See and by appointment) and multi-day kayak rentals as a service. This supports product sales and customer conversion, functioning as a marketing-driven service rather than a standalone revenue stream.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Lettmann GmbH is a German manufacturer that handcrafts composite kayaks and paddles for sea, touring, whitewater, marathon, canoe polo, and canoeing use. Production uses proprietary material systems (VCS, LCS, DCS) with hand-lamination and vacuum infusion processes. The company sells the Biskaya, Akaroa, Skinner, Skagerrak (sea kayaks), The Dude, Rocky, Machete, Granate (whitewater/creekers), Plan B (riverrunner), and Ergonom-shaft paddles, alongside accessories. Customers can configure boats online across material, size, cockpit, steering, and color options, and purchase through the Moers showroom, e-commerce shop, and European dealer network.

Product overview

Lettmann GmbH is a German manufacturer of high-performance kayaks and paddles founded in 1965, offering a comprehensive portfolio of water sports products. The product line centers on sea kayaks (Biskaya 2.0, Akaroa, Skinner, Skagerrak), whitewater kayaks and creekers (Machete, The Dude, Rocky, Manta, Granate), and a full range of performance paddles (Ergonom Pro Sea, Nitro, Speed, Warp, Polo/Sword). The company distinguishes itself through advanced composite material technologies (DCS, LCS, VCS systems), ergonomic innovations including the patented Ergonom shaft design and integrated rudder-skeg steering, and extensive customization via an online configurator. Services include professional test opportunities at various European locations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Biskaya 2.0 Sea Kayak Sporty single sea kayak available in seven sizes (55–100). Models 75/85 feature rounder hull sections for speed and edging; 80/90/100 have a de-chipped U-shaped hull for higher initial stability and maneuverability. Features integrated rudder-skeg system, Z-cockpit for sizes 75 and above, optional compass and electric bailer.
• Akaroa Sea Kayak Sea kayak prioritizing safety and ease of use. Features best straight-line tracking and guidance with high agility, designed for excellent performance in surf, carving, and high initial stability. Available in HV (High Volume) and MV (Medium Volume) versions with Z-cockpit.
• Skinner Sea Kayak Fastest sea kayak in the Lettmann fleet, a modern Greenland-style kayak prioritizing speed. At 560 cm length with 54 cm width, it offers high speed but requires skill in rough conditions. Features integrated rudder-skeg or Kajaksport skeg options.
• Skagerrak Sea Kayak Expedition-ready sea kayak with exceptional cargo capacity, designed for long journeys in all conditions with high load capacity.
• The Dude Creeker All-round creeker suitable for all whitewater difficulty levels, with supersafe and megadynamic characteristics. Available in size 75 for paddler weights from approximately 55 kg.
• Rocky Creeker Modern creeker combining forgiving attributes of Granate with modern features of Manta. Features rounded edges for low sidewater sensitivity and smooth landings after drops. Available in M, L, XL sizes.
• Machete Whitewater Kayak Modern half-slice kayak featuring unprecedented rocker profile for controlled emergence. Wide, flat underside allows surfing over waves and immediate control after drops. Suitable for light creek runs to heavy whitewater. Available in Creek and Race versions.
• Ergonom Pro Sea Paddle Ergonomic paddle designed for sea kayaking with flat paddling technique. Features long, narrow blades that are wind-resistant. The ergonomic shaft has a pre-positioned grip point ahead of the pulling hand for joint-friendly paddling. Foam core blade provides buoyancy and stiffness.
• Nitro Whitewater Paddle (LCS 70 Extrem) Whitewater paddle with extreme construction for hard use in extreme races and heavy whitewater. Features aramid wear edge to prevent blade edge abrasion and additional carbon-aramid hybrid fabric layer for enhanced durability.
• Speed Racing Paddle (LCS 100 Light) Competition paddle developed by world champions Klaus Lettmann and Lutz Liwowski. Features reduced blade area with improved pressure development and forward-positioned pressure point. Extremely lightweight with three different shaft hardness options (10% increments).
• Warp Racing Paddle (LCS 70) Competition wing paddle with wound deep profile avoiding turbulent pressure side. Developed by Klaus Lettmann, Martin Heidrich, and Lutz Liwowski. Features gentle onset with immediate response and massive propulsion.
• Polo Paddle (LCS 90 Ultralight) Polo paddle with foam core for stability and lightness. Features aramid-reinforced edges for edge stability. Large blades make it particularly suitable for goalkeepers.
• Sword Pro Polo Paddle (LCS 90 Ultralight) Polo paddle with profiled blade for best propulsion and ball feel. No ribs or edges to disturb ball acceptance. Features aramid-reinforced edges and is 120g lighter than its predecessor.
• Online Kayak Configurator Online tool allowing customers to configure their sea or touring kayak according to personal preferences, including selection of materials, colors, equipment options, and accessories.
• Kayak and Paddle Testing Service Testing options including regular test afternoons at Elfrather See in Krefeld, test events across Europe with partner Outdoordirekt, and a paddle testing service allowing customers to order paddles home for trial.
• Kayak and Paddle Accessories Sale of kayak accessories including spray decks, hatch covers, buoyancy bags, compasses (Silva 70P), footrests, seat systems, thigh braces, deck lines, toggles, skirts, and repair materials.

Quantifiable outcome

• The Ergonom shaft reduces wrist rotation to 55 degrees and shifts the pressure point approximately 3 cm ahead of the pulling hand, enabling self-stabilizing, flutter-free strokes with reduced hand/wrist strain and joint load
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Outdoordirekt (Kanuschule)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOutdoordirekt, operated by Christian Zicke and team, is a key strategic partner for Lettmann. The kayak school integrates Lettmann boats and paddles into all course offerings across Europe (Croatia, Greece, Slovenia, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Germany). Outdoordirekt staff (Lutz, René, Nadja) have standardized on Lettmann equipment after extensive testing. Outdoordirekt also hosts test events, facilitates product trials, and publishes product reviews that drive customer awareness and sales. Christian Zicke co-designed the Akaroa kayak and contributes product feedback that informs development.
• Paul Aubertin / Eggstream KayakcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPaul Aubertin is a member of the Eggstream Kayak team and competes at top European whitewater events (Devil's Race, Lofer Rodeo, Oetztal Trophy). He carries Lettmann's whitewater test boat fleet and paddles to events across Europe, enabling hands-on product trials by customers. His participation at high-profile races provides brand visibility and credibility within the competitive whitewater community.
• Free Rivers FundminorOthersLettmann supports the Free Rivers Fund, an organization dedicated to preserving free-flowing waterways. This represents a corporate social responsibility partnership supporting environmental conservation in waterways relevant to paddlesports.
• Clean River ProjectminorOthersLettmann supports the Clean River Project, a river cleanup and environmental initiative. This partnership demonstrates the company's commitment to environmental stewardship in paddlesports waterways.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Boreal Design: Canadian manufacturer of composite sea kayaks built to order. Direct peer in the high-end sea kayak category with similar customization, dealer network, and expedition-grade positioning.
• Pyranha Kayaks: UK-based whitewater kayak manufacturer producing creekers, playboats, and river runners. Competitor to Lettmann in the whitewater segment, with comparable athlete-driven marketing and a similar premium craftsmanship positioning across the European paddling community.
• Werner Paddles: US-based manufacturer of premium kayak paddles for touring, whitewater, and SUP. Closely comparable to Lettmann in the high-end paddle segment, with established athlete endorsement programs and dealer distribution.
• Prijon: Prijon is a longstanding German manufacturer of polyethylene and composite kayaks (touring, whitewater, sea), operating from Germany with a similar kayak-focused product portfolio to Lettmann. Both serve the same German-speaking and broader European paddler market through dealer networks and direct channels.
• Dagger Kayaks: US-based kayak manufacturer producing whitewater, touring, and recreational kayaks under major brand ownership (Confluence Outdoor). Comparable to Lettmann in whitewater and touring product range and dealer-distribution channels, but at much greater volume.
• Jackson Kayak: US-based manufacturer of whitewater, fishing, and recreational kayaks with strong whitewater pedigree and global athlete endorsement model. Comparable to Lettmann in whitewater kayak range and athlete-driven marketing approach, with a substantially larger operational scale.
• Current Designs: North American composite sea kayak manufacturer (singles and tandems) offering semi-custom built-to-order sea kayaks. Comparable to Lettmann in its sea kayak niche, configurator-driven direct sales, and emphasis on fit-based customization.
• Nigel Dennis Kayaks (NDK): Northern Ireland-based sea kayak builder producing hand-laid composite sea kayaks for the global sea kayaking community. Closely comparable to Lettmann's sea kayak portfolio (Biskaya, Akaroa, Skagerrak, Skinner) with similar builder reputation and customizable ordering.
• Valley Sea Kayaks: UK manufacturer of composite sea kayaks and touring boats, including well-known models used by sea paddlers worldwide. Direct competitor to Lettmann in the European sea kayak segment with similar semi-custom ordering and high-performance composite construction.
• Wave Sport: US/UK-based whitewater kayak manufacturer with creekers, playboats, and river runners. Comparable to Lettmann's whitewater lineup (Machete, The Dude, Rocky, Granate) with overlapping athlete endorsement and dealer distribution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lettmann-gmbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lettmann GmbH