About Us
NTB Outdoors is a UK-based watersports retailer founded in 2018 and headquartered in Herstmonceux, East Sussex.
Built from a genuine passion for getting people on the water, NTB Outdoors specialises in high-quality kayaks, paddleboards and canoes, supported by carefully selected accessories and bundle packages designed to make starting simple.
From fishing kayaks and sea kayaks to tandem models and inflatable SUPs, our range has grown year after year to serve both retail and trade customers across the UK. Every product we offer is chosen with performance, reliability and real-world use in mind.
At our core, we believe watersports should promote health, adventure and escapism - and our goal is to make that accessible through honest advice, dependable service and quality equipment.
Our Story
NTB Outdoors began in January 2018, founded by university student Nathan Bates with a simple goal - test the waters and see if there was demand for quality watersports equipment sold with honest advice.
The first collection consisted of just ten products. That summer was spent attending car boot sales across Sussex, learning the market properly and speaking directly to customers. Social media channels were launched shortly after - and the first batch sold out.
It was enough to make a decision. Nathan left university to commit fully to building NTB Outdoors.
In early 2019, supplier negotiations in Germany led to expanded ranges including new accessories and paddleboards. A small garage became the first operational hub. A company vehicle followed, allowing personal deliveries and better after-sales service.
By mid-2019, the website launched and orders began arriving from across the UK - and even internationally. NTB secured strong supplier relationships and quickly established itself as one of the leading watersports retailers in the South East.
Through 2020 and 2021, despite the challenges of Covid-19, the business continued to grow. A safe outdoor handover scheme was introduced to keep customers on the water. A new showroom and office were built. Storage expanded. Stock levels increased. The inflatable paddleboard fleet arrived.
In 2021, after an unexpected illness, Nathan’s family stepped in to keep operations moving — a moment that reinforced what NTB had always been at its core: a family-supported business built on resilience.
From there, growth accelerated.
Bigger shipments. Larger unloads. A growing team. Continuous 5-star Google reviews. Community sponsorships. Industry events. Branded delivery vans. Partnerships with other watersports businesses across the UK.
Today, NTB Outdoors operates with dedicated storage, in-house delivery capability and a growing presence both online and in person. What started with ten test products has become a recognised watersports retailer supplying customers and trade partners across the UK.
The mission hasn’t changed - provide quality kit, straightforward advice and reliable service to help more people get on the water.
Our Values
We carefully select products that meet our standards for performance, durability and real-world use. We only supply equipment we would use ourselves.
From ordering to delivery, we prioritise clear communication and dependable service. Trust is built through consistency.
Watersports should not feel complicated or exclusive. Through straightforward advice and practical bundle options, we make it easier for customers to get started.
Meet The Team
Managing Director
Sales & Partnerships Manager
Sales Executive
Marketing Executive
