Kayaks 

Home » Directory » Retail & Consumer Services » Sporting Goods » Watersports Equipment » Water Paddling Sports » Kayaks
Manufacturers and suppliers of kayaks, paddles and related accessories.
Kayak Sale
Huge Selection of 1-Person and Tandem Kayaks for Sale Now!
www.Calibex.com/Kayaks
Kayaks For Sale Used
We Have 11,100+ Boating Products. Kayaks For Sale Used on Sale!
www.NexTag.com/Boating
Kayaks
Kayaks & Kayaking gear - In Stock Free Shipping. Compare & Order Now
Outdoorplay.com/Kayak-Sales
Kayaks at REI
Flatwater Kayaks, Gear & More. Free Shipping to Any REI Store.
www.REI.com
Fishing Kayak
Sales, Rentals and Repairs. Call for more info (916) 652-2327
www.blackbearoutdoors.net
Kayak Buyers' Guide
Search kayaks from dozens of manufacturers all in one place.
www.paddling.net/
Kayak+
Search, Shop and Save Kayak+
shopping.yahoo.com
Kayak Rentals $12.50/hr.
Ocean kayak rentals Group Discounts On the water. Redondo Beach, CA
www.rockypointfun.com
Colorado Kayak Supply
Free Shipping orders over $99 Sale page, Free Catalog
coloradokayak.com
Point Reyes Kayak/Hike
Family/group fun. Day or camping. Custom tours, rentals, group trips.
bwkayak.com
Cheap Kayaks
Browse Cheap Kayaks and other Kayaks
www.smarter.com/Kayaks
Don't buy a Kayak
Until you visit SeaEagle.com & See our inflatable kayaks. Sale Now.
SeaEagle.com
Related Business Topics
click here
A-Z Kayaks Provider Directory
0-9 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Innova Recreational Products
Manufacturer of portable inflatable kayaks for touring and whitewater.
www.adventuresports.com
Mike Johnson Custom Kayaks
Manufacturer of handcrafted, custom fitted surf kayaks.
members.aol.com
B
Betsie Bay Kayak
Manufacturer of kayaks and equipment for paddlersport enthusiasts.
www.bbkayak.com
C
Current Designs
Manufacturer of touring kayaks and accessories.
www.cdkayak.com
Mako Marine Outfitters
Scuba Certifications (PADI, NASE, CMAS), moblie trailer servicing the North Coast, rentals, sales, air fills, DAN emergency oxygen, as well as kayak sales & rentals.
www.coolmako.com
E
Eddyline Kayaks
Manufacturer of ocean, lake and river touring kayaks.
eddyline.com
F
Feathercraft Folding Kayaks
Manufacturer of folding skin kayaks.
www.feathercraft.com
Folbot Folding Kayaks
Manufacturer of folding kayaks.
www.folbot.com
Folding Kayak Adventures
Provider of Feathercraft™ folding kayaks.
www.foldingkayak.com
H
HammerHead Kayaks
Kayaks for ocean, stream, and lake; shipping within the US available.
www.hammerheadkayaks.com
K
Kirton Kayaks
Manufacturer of racing kayaks, sea kayaks and folding kayaks.
www.kirton-kayaks.co.uk
Kiwi Kayak
Manufacturer of kayaks and accessories.
www.kiwikayak.com
Knu-Pac Portaging System
Manufacturer of the Knu-Pac portaging system for carrying kayaking and fishing gear.
www.knupac.com
N
Nautiraid
Manufacturer of fiberglass kayaks, folding dinghies and kayaks.
www.nautiraid.com
Nookie Xtreme Sports Equipment
Manufacturer of kayaking equipment and clothing.
www.nookie.co.uk
Northwest Outdoor Center
Provider of kayaks.
www.nwoc.com
New York Kayak Company
Kayak sales and consultation, in-water demos, private lessons and group classes in New York.
www.nykayak.com
O
Ocean Kayak
Manufacturer of sit-on-top kayaks.
www.oceankayak.com
P
Perceptions
Manufacturer of kayaks for recreational, whitewater, touring, sea and competition purposes.
www.perception.co.uk
R
Riot Kayaks
Manufacturer of whitewater, surfing and touring kayaks, as well as snowboards.
www.riotkayaks.com
S
Seavivor
Manufacturer of handbuilt folding kayaks.
www.seavivor.com
Seaward Kayaks Manufacturing
Manufacturer of user-friendly performance kayaks.
seawardkayaks.com
Shearwater Boats
Provider of custom-built, handcrafted wooden kayaks and accessories.
www.shearwater-boats.com
Sisson Kayaks
Manufacturer and designer of sea kayaks and multisport racing kayaks.
www.sissonkayaks.co.nz
Futura Surf Ski
Manufacturer of sit-on-top customizable kayaks.
www.surfskis.com
Swift Canoe & Kayak Company
Manufacturer of kevlar, fiberglass and carbon kayaks.
www.swiftcanoe.com
W
Walden Sports
Manufacturer of kayaks that are made from a large percentage of recycled plastic.
www.waldenkayak.com
Wilderness Systems
Manufacturer of touring, recreational, sporting, sit-on-top and surf kayaks.
www.wildsys.com
X
Xstreamline
Provider of windsurfing, kitesailing and kayaking products.
www.xstreamline.com
Kayak Sale
Huge Selection of 1-Person and Tandem Kayaks for Sale Now!
www.Calibex.com/Kayaks
Kayaks For Sale Used
We Have 11,100+ Boating Products. Kayaks For Sale Used on Sale!
www.NexTag.com/Boating
Kayaks
Kayaks & Kayaking gear - In Stock Free Shipping. Compare & Order Now
Outdoorplay.com/Kayak-Sales

close window
Guide author

Guide to Kayaks

Getting into the kayak and kayak equipment retail and rental business

By Jennifer D. Bojanowski

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.
Directory Listings  |  Web Listings  |  Advertise With Us
Find Local Results Near


What WorksTM for Retail & Consumer Services

Guide author

Kayaks

Getting into the kayak and kayak equipment retail and rental business.
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:Assess your inventory space limitations.Know your local kayaking destinations.Learn about different types of ... Read more