Personalized canoe, kayak and SUP shopping
Expert advice
Whether you're new to paddling or a seasoned veteran we will help you find the perfect solution.
Try before you buy
Take a free, no obligation test paddle to make sure you make the absolute best choice.
PADDLING 101
Here's a primer on some important concepts when considering which type of craft is best for you.
KAYAKS
A popular choice with new paddlers as they are generally a little more stable, easier to steer and offer some protection from the elements. We offer recreational, touring and lightweight models.
CANOES
Canoes benefit from easy access and open storage. Well suited for activities like camping, fishing and family trips. The seat sits higher than a kayak and you alternate your strokes on each side to maintain course. We offer recreational, pack, touring, touring, lightweight and canoes with up to 4 seats.
PACK CANOES
Pack Canoes originated in the Adirondacks and are perfect for exploring the ponds and waterways in this area. They are canoes at heart but their key characteristics are being lightweight, have a lower seating position and are usually fitted with foot pegs, similar to a kayak. They are usually paddled with double blade in the same way as a kayak. The lower seating position helps with stability and being lightweight makes them easy to handle and allows for easy carrying between ponds. We offer solo and tandem models.
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDS
A great paddling alternative that offers a unique and rewarding experience. Enjoy a different perspective and paddling technique. Easy to learn and lots of fun! We offer recreational and performance SUP's.
DESIGN CONCEPTS
Here are some common aspects of craft design that generally apply. The one enduring truth is that for every pro there is a con!
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Length​
The longer the craft the faster and straighter it will travel. The shorter the craft the more maneuverable it is.
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Width
The wider the craft the more stable it is. The narrower the craft the faster it will go but the less stable it will feel.
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Weight
Heavier craft require more effort to carry and transport but are a little less susceptible to wind and chop. Lighter boats transport easily and are important where carrying is required. They are a bit more susceptible to wind and chop. Heavier boats are generally much cheaper than lightweight.
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Stability
Stability is usually achieved at the expense of performance in craft design. Hull shape and craft width play an important part. "Initial stability" is how stable the craft feels when you are sitting level on flat water. "Secondary stability" is how stable it feels when leaning or in choppy water. Flat hulls have good initial and less secondary stability. Round hulls have less initial stability and good secondary stability. New paddlers typically prize initial stability and experienced paddlers often prefer good secondary stability.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
General advice when considering which type of craft will be best for you.
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​Select a craft that is best suited to what you will use it for the most
A common mistake is to try and buy something that will work for all possible use cases. This can often lead to having a craft that is sub-optimal in all scenarios. Get something that you will enjoy paddling most of the time and rent on the occasions you need something different!
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Always consider how it will be to transport and carry the craft when making your selection
A heavier craft can be challenging to move around on your own and limit the places you can reach to paddle. Lightweight craft address these challenges but are considerably more expensive.
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Consider your paddling ability and aspirations
It's very important to be comfortable in your craft and confident in using it. If you get a craft that is too advanced for your current abilities it will discourage you. Buy within your comfort zone but with an eye on how it will work for you as you gain more paddling experience. ​
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Always test paddle before buying
This is the only way to know for sure that you are making the right choice. How a craft feels to you is ultimately all that matters. Design specs and other peoples opinions cannot give you that. We offer free, no obligation demos.