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Good kayaks, Real people, Sound advice.

Questions & Answers

  1. What is Kayakshops.com?
    Kayakshops.com is a patch of web territory staked out and reserved for paddlers seeking quality information -- and for the independent kayak shops and specialty manufacturers who can provide it. Most of us are small or medium-sized shops providing highly personalized service.

  2. Why Kayakshops.com?
    Kayakshops.com is designed to make it easier for paddlers to find, visit, & purchase from quality independent kayak shops. The web sometimes feels too big, too baffling, and too impersonal. We aim to be a portal with a human face. Paddlers can learn about new products, get advice, and discuss kayaking.

  3. Why buy from a small independent shop rather than a large sporting goods superstore or internet outlet?
    Member shops of Kayakshops.com are kayaking specialists with a passion for and expertise in kayaking. Plus when you purchase from one of our member shops you tap into a wealth of "local knowledge." Read more.

  4. Can I make online purchases of kayaks or gear?
    Some member shops are set up for online purchasing. Most of us find the telephone to be a vastly superior technology for helping customers purchase the gear best suited to their needs. Better yet, visit one or more of our member shops. You'll be glad you did.

  5. Can I submit an article or photos?
    Submissions of articles and / or photos are welcome. and we'll get back to you with submission guidelines.

  6. How can my shop become a member of Kayakshops.com?
    Send us an email that includes your location and website URL. If your kayak shop is a good fit with other member shops, we'll respond with listing information and rates. (We have kept rates very reasonable as a means of including smaller shops with small advertising budgets).

  7. Who can I contact about this site?
    The site is designed and managed by Ray Wirth, owner of Water Walker Sea Kayak in Belfast, Maine. or call us at 207-338-6424. To join our mailing list, click here.

  8. Does this site accept advertising?
    Our goal is to keep the site content-rich, clean, simple, and fast -- a refuge from the blinking, glitzy world of form over content that has come to dominate much of the internet. To that end we do not accept advertising or place banners on our site.

Join the Kayakshops.com Mailing List  to receive occasional brief emails filling you in on additions to the site -- new shops, new articles, special events, promotions. These will go out with a lot less frequency than the tide and a little more frequency than a proxigean spring tide. We absolutely value your right to a spam-free existence and will not share your email address with anyone.

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Member information-- How to get your kayak shop listed on KayakShops.com



Our Vision
The sea kayaking industry -- designers, builders, distributors, retailers -- is still wonderfully decentralized. The goal of this site is to help keep it that way by promoting independent kayak shops and outfitters.

Some of today's biggest companies got their start with a couple of people working part-time out of a garage. Even today, there are hundreds of manufacturers, distributors, and dealers, many of them small "mom and pop" operations. This has meant that the industry has stayed fresh and has made room for healthy competition, variety, and innovation.This has also ensured the presence of local support-systems promoting safe and enjoyable paddling.

Yet there are forces at work that favor the large corporation over the small business. The internet and print advertising increasingly favor the big market companies that have big bucks to spend. The vision behind this website is that by banding together, local independent kayak shops can remain visible and thus viable.


Characteristics of Our Member Shops:

Our shops tend to be independent local shops. Many started as small part time businesses driven by a passion for paddling. They have grown -- and are still in business today -- because they refuse to compromise when it comes to quality and service.

Very often, the owner is in the store -- and you can talk to him or her. Chances are the person who greets you at the door, answers the phone, or responds to your email . . .
. . . paddles the boats and uses the gear
. . . is a paddler first and a salesperson second
. . . can recommend equipment that is best suited for local conditions
. . . paddles local waterways and is source of local knowledge
. . . will help ensure that you are safe out on the water

Test paddles are often provided.
Instruction is often available
.