This time, we interviewed Hassy, a user of FOLBOT's "TACTICAL FOLDING KAYAK" who has used it nearly 100 times.
We heard Hassy's passionate thoughts on FOLBOT, from how he discovered FOLBOT, why he chose a FOLBOT kayak, and how a FOLBOT kayak is incorporated into his lifestyle.
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Hassy's Profile: Has enjoyed camping since he was a student, is particular about "black camping gear that nobody else has," and shares his unique outdoor style on Instagram. His camping photos with his pet meerkat are also striking. He has been a fan supporting FOLBOT since its early days.
Instagram ＠hassy_841
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How I met FOLBOT ~ "There's no other cool black kayak like this" ~
- Hassy, were you originally a fan of camping and water activities?
Hassy: Yes, I've always enjoyed camping by rivers and in the mountains. I used to enjoy climbing too, like Mount Fuji, but it got physically tough (laughs), so only camping remained.
- When did you start camping?
Hassy: Since I was a student. When I was 20, I would cycle hundreds of kilometers on a mamachari (a typical Japanese utility bicycle). I guess I'm the type who lives on impulse (laughs).
- How did you discover FOLBOT through camping?
Hassy: About four years ago, I started seeing campers on Instagram and YouTube who had all black camping gear, and I thought, "Black is cool," so I started collecting black gear. I've always liked black clothes too.
As I was getting into black camping, by chance about two years ago, an acquaintance told me, "Hassy, I'm not using my old inflatable kayak, so you can have it." I had never kayaked before, but I decided to take it.
- I see, so then you thought, "Kayaking is fun!"?
Hassy: That's right. Once I started, I was hooked, thinking, "What a luxurious feeling, floating alone on the lake in a kayak! I'm the king of the lake!"
However, the kayak I received was quite old, and after about 4 or 5 uses, it wouldn't hold air anymore.
I thought, "What should I do about this feeling of being hooked? I want to kayak again quickly!" So I started searching online and on Instagram for a cool black kayak.
I found FOLBOT and thought, "What is this cool black kayak?!"
I looked for others, but I decided that "there's no other cool black kayak like FOLBOT!" and bought it.
The Trigger for the Encounter ~ Design and the Reliability of Quality ~
- What aspects of FOLBOT's kayak design do you find appealing?
Hassy: Above all, those deck pads are incredibly cool. And the design is great because at a glance, you know it's a FOLBOT!
When I'm kayaking alone, other kayakers sometimes approach me and ask, "Is that a FOLBOT?" We've even chatted on the lake for about an hour.
I think since I started kayaking, I've had more opportunities to meet people with similar hobbies.
Especially since FOLBOT also organizes events, I keep meeting new people every time I participate.
FOLBOT has also become a catalyst for meeting new people.
☝Hassy's favorite deck pad. He's customized it even further to his liking.
- Besides the design, were there any other deciding factors for choosing a FOLBOT kayak?
Hassy: The reliability of the quality. Knowing that it's made by Fujitacanoe-san, I thought, "This is definitely the one."
I actually visited Fujitacanoe-san's factory, where I saw the people making them and was shown the production process.
They told me, "You can use it a lot, and if something breaks, you can just replace that part. It's something you can use for many years." That reassured me, and I thought, "I'm going to use this until it's completely worn out!"
- How many times have you used your FOLBOT kayak since you started?
Hassy: It's been a year and a half since I started using it, and it's exactly 100 times. I often go camping for one night and two days on weekends, and I definitely go kayaking 2-3 times a day, in the morning, noon, and evening.
It's gotten dirty, but I haven't had to repair it yet. I think it's very durable.
Even if I do need repairs, I'm confident because they offer repair options to fit my budget and even handle minor fixes. At the factory, they were even repairing a 40-year-old kayak. They keep old wooden parts, saying "you never know what might be needed," which is amazing.
- So the balance between cool design and reliable quality is something only FOLBOT can achieve?
Hassy: Exactly! My love for FOLBOT just can't be stopped (laughs).
"A complete companion" ~ FOLBOT seamlessly integrated into my lifestyle ~ A foldable kayak that can go anywhere
- What FOLBOT products do you own, including the smaller items?
Hassy: A kayak, paddle, two life jackets, a setup, a collaboration hoodie with LOG-san, a towel... I have quite a few things.
When I go camping, I load various items and gear into my car, so the fact that the kayak is foldable and can be loaded into a limited space was a deciding factor for choosing FOLBOT. Being foldable was a basic requirement.
I live in Kanagawa Prefecture, and my house isn't that big, so I can't store it there. And I wanted to avoid putting it on top of my car.
☝A limited edition embroidered PFD that he fell in love with at first sight. He further customized it with his own embroidery to make it original.
- Has your camping style changed since you got a foldable kayak?
Hassy: Yes, I can really take it anywhere, so I always keep it in my car.
I might spontaneously go to Lake Kameyama after work, or I even took it to Hokkaido.
Also, I used to go to mountain campgrounds a lot, but once I got into kayaking, I only go to lakes now (laughs).
I've also been to recommended kayaking spots that people I connected with through FOLBOT told me about.
"I love winter kayaking" ~ An activity you can enjoy all year round ~
- Are there times when you don't go kayaking? Like in the dead of winter?
Hassy: I go kayaking all year round, regardless of the season! There's no time I don't go.
I even kayak on Lake Motosu in the dead of winter. And though it wasn't the dead of winter, I went to Shirakawa Lake, a submerged forest in Tohoku, when it was still cold.
- What kind of gear do you wear for kayaking in the dead of winter?
Hassy: I wear a setup with a hoodie, a life jacket, and then a heated vest.
Since I'm moving, it's not as cold as you might imagine. In fact, it might even be more comfortable than the hot summer.
Personally, I prefer the winter season.
Unlike SUP, you generally don't fall off a kayak, so you rarely get wet. And you can cover quite long distances.
The appeal of kayaking is truly that you can enjoy it anywhere, all year round.
It's completely my partner now. Thinking, "Where should I go this weekend?" has become a joy.
"FOLBOT, connecting people and nature"
- Are there any items you'd like to see from FOLBOT in the future?
Hassy: For kayaks, a 4-piece paddle. When flying, the main body of the boat becomes one bag, but the paddle is too long to send together.
Also, while the kayak itself is currently 430 in size, a smaller size like 310 would be great for casual use. It would be lighter and more compact.
And if a complete all-black series came out, I'd buy it instantly! (laughs)
Like a black version of the frame and interior.
- Finally, one word: "What is FOLBOT to Hassy?"
Hassy: "FOLBOT, connecting people and nature."
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- Through the interview
Hassy recounted how peaceful moments on the lake and meeting new friends all started with a single FOLBOT kayak. His words, expressing its appeal, conveyed that FOLBOT is not merely a "tool" but a "companion that expands one's life."
Please also check out the OWNERS MEETING that Hassy participated in.
☞Click here for "FOLBOT OWNERS MEETING 2025 DAY 1"
☞Click here for "FOLBOT OWNERS MEETING 2025 DAY 2"
