Lettmann GmbH

2026 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR – WHITEWATER! 

We’re incredibly proud to announce that the DUDE has been awarded Product of the Year 2026 in the Whitewater category at the Paddle Sports Show!

More than one year of development, 5 prototypes and feedback from 20+ paddlers went into creating the Dude.

The goal was simple: build a creek boat that is forgiving, stable, dynamic and incredibly easy to paddle — from your first serious whitewater runs to the hardest lines.

The result? A boat that skips out of backwashes, lands soft, boofs easy and stays dry through heavy whitewater. Its innovative hull design combines stability with effortless edging, while the rocker and volume give you confidence on waves, drops and big steps.

Since its release, paddlers have been using the Dude in some of the most diverse and demanding whitewater regions around the world — from Europe, Canada, Chile, the USA, Iceland, Norway, China and New Zealand to many other destinations.

From powerful whitewater to huge waterfalls, the Dude is showing its potential wherever paddlers take it.

And Paul is showing that the Dude isn’t just an outstanding creek boat — it’s also a serious racing machine. The results speak for themselves: 2nd place at the King of the Alps, 3rd place at the World Championships, European Champion, 2nd place at the Boss Race and 1st place at the Veko Extreme Race in Voss. In the last 12 months, Paul has stood on the podium more than 9 times with the Dude. That’s no coincidence. The Dude isn’t just a fast boat — it skips like hell, keeps its speed and carries momentum through the hardest lines.

The Dude is available in two versions, making it suitable for a wide range of paddlers: The Dude 95 is designed for paddlers from approx. 75–120 kg, while the Dude 75 covers approx. 50–90 kg.

Thank you to everyone who helped us turn an idea into the Dude — and to our incredible team paddlers, who push the Dude to its limits in the most extreme spots!

Special thanks to all the photographers and videographers for these amazing impressions!

Hey there! We will be at the Devils Race and Hell Train Event from Friday on with a bunch of test boats and paddles. Looking forward to seeing you at the lettmann booth for a chat and maybe get you into one of our Machetes or Dudes! See you in Lipno!

Two days left until the start of the German Championship in Essen!! Already stoked! 🔥

1 📸
1. Meidericher Kanu-Club Kajak-Club Nord-West

Three weeks to go until the German Championship! 🏆

Kanusportverein Rothe Mühle Essen

Jill Rutzen behind the lense📸