Since 1923 in Västervik, generations have refined the lines, the details and the journey — discover the story, the craft and the people behind VKV.
It is quite amazing, but I was born into a family where almost everything revolved around kayaks, and only much later did I understand what kind of cultural heritage I have had the privilege to help carry forward. Roots in the archipelago Our roots are in the archipelago, wher…
Roots in boatbuilding The story of Vituddens Kanotvarv begins with Carl Månsson and his sons Carl Anton (b. 1862) and Johan Alfred (b. 1873). Johan Alfred was gifted with a rare talent for boatbuilding: a feel for pure lines, fingertip sensitivity in the choice of wood, and p…
Explore VKV’s full kayak history — from early wooden builds to Olympic icons. Browse photos, short stories and a year-by-year timeline right in your browser.
World’s oldest specialized kayak manufacturer Vituddens Kanotvarv is the world’s oldest specialist company for kayak manufacturing, located outside Västervik. Today the company is run by Kåre Ankervik, the sixth generation of boat builders in the family, together with his dau…