KAYAK & SUP DEMO DAY

SAT. JUNE 8TH,  ACKERMAN PARK 9:30 TILL 12:30

OVER 50 KAYAKS AND STAND UP PADDLEBOARDS WILL BE ON THE WATER AT ACKERMAN PARK FOR OUR BIGGEST DEMO OF THE YEAR. MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVES FROM BIC, EPIC, HOBIE, HURRICANE, NATIVE, PERCEPTION, SURFTECH AND WILDERNESS SYSTEMS WILL BE ON STAFF FOR ADVISE AND DEMONSTRATION OF THEIR BOATS AND BOARDS.

We carry over 350 kayaks representing 51 models in our store.  It is our business to match you with a kayak and paddling gear that best suits your needs. Kayakers from beginners to experts will find what they want in our well-stocked kayak center.

The more advanced paddler will appreciate our experienced staff's advice from outfitting for expeditions to selecting a performance carbon kevlar kayak"Try before you buy." Take advantage of our FREE DEMO DAYS offered several times a month allowing you to select the kayak that is right for you.

Please click on our Calendar to view the next scheduled demo.

Click on the logos of our manufacturers below to access their informative websites.

We carry only the best kayaks:

We carry only the best accessories:

Our complete line of quality accessories will keep your paddling
experiences comfortable and safe. We have competitive pricing and discounts on accessories with kayak purchase.

A Basic Kayak Buying Guide

Knowing that some of you may be selecting a kayak and paddle for the first time we've put together some helpful facts to consider when buying your kayak:

• The longer the boat the better the glide, tracking, and ease of paddling at top speeds.
• Shorter boats can be more maneuverable and be easier to paddle at slower speeds though they may not track or glide as well as longer boats.
• Kayak length is NOT gender specific.
  

Kayaks can be broken down into 2 major categories: "Sit-on-Top" and "Sit-In"

Generally speaking, these are the characteristics of each:

• Self-bailing
• Virtually unsinkable
• Wide beam offers good to excellent initial stability (Not Tippy)
• Easy to enter, easy to exit
• Offers large platform from which to dive, snorkel, and outfit with fishing rod holders
• Carries lots of gear topside
• Higher center of gravity
• Less protection from the elements (i.e. sun, wind, spray)

Sit In Kayaks

• Narrower, yet stable hull shape increases €œglide and ease of paddling€
• Cockpit offers protection from wind, spray, sun and colder water
• Properly fitted spray skirt eliminates water and sun entering cockpit
• Lower center of gravity can increase stability and paddling control
• Large below deck gear capacity for longer trips

• In most cases the rudder is operated by the feet
• Assists in keeping the boat on course
• Helpful in controlling the kayak in winds, currents, and waves
• Can be engaged or disengaged at will
• Can be added to a wide range of kayaks

• The U.S. Coast Guard requires each paddler to have in their possession:
• A properly fitted Type III approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
• A whistle
• Flashlight after sunset to signal your position

Additional Gear to consider to meet your specific kayaking needs:

• Small anchor and about 20' to 30' of line
• Cart for easier transport of kayak and gear
• Car Roof Rack
• Dry bags/cases for gear
• Waterproof cell phone case
• Hand bilge pump
• Large Sponge
• Deck light
• Compass
• Paddle float for open water rescue
• Water shoes
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Spray skirt
• Cockpit cover

Paddles

Selecting the right paddle may be even more important than selecting your kayak. While it may seem that paddles are only a few ounces different in weight, over the course of a couple of hours on the water those ounces can add up making a big difference to your paddling comfort and enjoyment.
In most cases the lighter the paddle, the better. Average paddle lengths range from 220 cm to 240 cm

Paddle length is generally determined by 2 factors:

It is the goal of our qualified and courteous staff to provide you with the best kayak, gear, and service available.

Let us know any way we can enhance your kayaking experience today and in the future.