Selling kayaks can be a great addition to any sporting goods store within short driving distance of an ocean, lake, or river. In the right vacation or outdoors activity market, it can even be the basis for a specialty retail and/or rental shop.

When considering getting into kayak retail or rental, it's important to:

1. Assess your inventory space limitations.
2. Know your local kayaking destinations.
3. Learn about different types of kayaks.

There are numerous types and uses for kayaks - ocean kayaks (sea kayaks), sit-on-top kayaks, sit-inside kayaks, recreational kayaks, touring kayaks, fishing kayaks, whitewater river kayaks, folding and inflatable kayaks, and kayaks for scuba diving, surfing, or even sailing.

Even when space limits your inventory, bringing in a few kayaks that suit your area and market can be a smart move. The graceful lines of a colorful kayak catch the eye and can be a draw for customers passing by your store. Who hasn't been lured by the solitude of a glassy lake or the adrenaline of rushing whitewater?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about kayaks and kayaking in general

A quick review of the sport in general will be time well spent. Understanding the activity, products, and kayaking community will get your creativity flowing. Before long you'll find your direction as a kayak distributor.

I recommend: Kayak Online is a general website about this group of paddle sports. American Canoe Association is a good resource for kayak and canoe education, recreation, and stewardship.

Research different kinds of kayaks and their uses

Decide which would sell best to your customers. For example, if there are no rivers for 100 miles, river kayaks may only appeal to the more adventurous customer who'd like to experiment with a play boat in the ocean. Contact a respected kayak manufacturer, or a few, to learn about different types of kayaks.

I recommend: Current Designs Kayaks for recreational, touring, and everything-in-between kayaks. See Jackson Kayak for whitewater river kayaks and Necky Kayaks for recreation, touring, tandem, and more whitewater kayaks. They also offer a recycled kayak for your green customers. Also, check out Ocean Kayak for single, tandem, and fishing kayaks.

Decide whether you want to sell and/or rent kayaks

If you're in a beachside tourist destination, you may generate more revenue with a rental business.

I recommend: California Canoe & Kayak is a good example of a successful business that sells, rents, and offers classes and tours. Napali Kayak is another example of a kayak shop that has done well by offering rentals and specialized tours on Kauai, a popular vacation destination.

Stock accessories for kayaks

Keep an inventory of paddles, personal floatation devices (PFDs or life vests), dry bags, and other accessories needed for your shop's kayaks. Accessories can be a good revenue source.

I recommend: Wildwasser Accessories, from Prijon Kayaks, has a full range of safety and other accessories. Werner Paddles is a good resource for all types of quality paddles, while Aqua-Bound Technology Ltd. is also good for entry level paddles.

Encourage safety first when using kayaks

Whether you sell or rent kayaks, your customers' personal safety is the highest priority. Encourage or offer kayak safety courses, lectures, pamphlets, and/or books. Stock all necessary kayak safety equipment and accessories: PFDs, maps, mirrors, floats, ropes, waterproof lights, dry cases for cell phones or radio accessories, sunblock, first-aid kits, and other essential products.

I recommend: NRS is an accessory manufacturer with a good selection of safety and rescue gear. How To Choose Kayak Safety Gear is a good article to review. Also, the European Child Safety Alliance has published a very helpful pamphlet, Child Safety: Canoeing and Kayaking.

Research liability issues, especially related to the rental of kayaks

This is very important if you plan to get into the kayak rental business or offer courses and tours. Consult with an attorney about reducing your liability, appropriate insurance coverage, drafting and using liability waiver contracts, and other related steps.

I recommend: The Guide to Business Liability Insurance is a great starting point for thinking about these issues. First Flight Insurance is a company that specializes in insuring the recreational industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A cool looking kayak in a window display will draw customers into your store, often with questions that will help get you talking about kayaks, in addition to other products and services you can offer.
• •  Don't forget advertising! A 'kayaks for sale' sign with your window display or in your regular Ad campaign will help get the word out.