Future of the kayak industry?

Me and Kristina discuss the future of the kayak industry and the overall health of the local paddleshop.
#kayak #kayakfishing #bassfishing #paddle #paddleshop

[tylerduncan]

I live in far north Illinois I had 3 paddleshops within an hour and one bait shop that carries BKC. One stopped kayaks all together because their custom rodholder business was expanding and required the focus. My preferred shop carries rec and fishing kayaks of multiple brands(10+) as well as some camping gear, outdoor apparel, and kayak accessories. They also do classes, rentals, and demos. Rocktown Adventures in Rockford IL.

[treverwagner]

Watching the replay...in Amarillo, TX there is no local paddle shop. The closest one is 2 hours plus drive.

[Steven-znqm]

I wanted the Jackson Bite Angler, but it was several hours away. I went with the Perception Outlaw, I'm 6, 4 240 pounds, I only use this on local lakes. I'm thrilled so far. Love your channel.

[kevinclark]

I wanted a Native Falcon 11 for my teen son. Only place I could find one locally was a big box store. And we have 3 local kayak shops that just choose to not carry entry level great quality kayaks. They carry the $1500+ kayaks but not the $1000 ones.

[chandlercole]

Being a local paddle shop, we have seen a drastic decrease in sales this year. This is the first year we've run "end of season sales." Luckily, we are a more overall outdoor store, like a mini cabelas/academy, so we have other areas of revenue to keep us in business. In the past few years, we've grown from 3 brands to 7 brands, but we are definitely looking at what models to cut for 2025. The market is really saturated as well as a rough economy.

[YaknCamp]

I live in nw Indianapolis. We have 1 local paddle shop. They carry bonafide, native, jackson (the American made brands). They are also a fly fishing gear retailer. They also do guide service on some nearby regional rivers. They also do a trip every year to South America.

[mattman_outside]

I bought a Hobie Outback last year when Hobie had that 25% off sale. Prior to that I was interested in getting into an Old Town Sportsman 120. However, I would have had to drive over 2 hours to get the Oldtown. The place that carried the Hobie was 30 minutes away. When I thought about service / what if I have a warranty issue, only having to drive a half hour to get service for my kayak definitely played a roll in my decision to go with the Outback. I agree whole heartedly about entry level price point kayaks as well. It was nice to see Crescent come out with the Primo last year. $699 to start and you can add what you want to it from there. My first kayak was a Feelfree Moken 12.5 V2 paddle version. and I highly recommend that as a budget paddling kayak. You can get one for $799 at the moment. I hate that the trend in the industry is bigger, heavier, expensive, all primary stability, and a trailer is a must.

[aln.]

All 3 near-ish non-big box stores are small outdoors sports retailers carrying hiking, skiing, camping, water sports, fishing & kayaking stuff. Limited inventory on everything but can special order on request. The closest is 45min, the other two are almost 2hrs away.

[beaker]

I live on the north side of Houston. We were super excited to get fin Factory which is had an outstanding reputation. There's a great kayak dealer on the North side. Then with no warning they pulled out on the location after a few months. Leaving H&H rods stuck with trying to cover the entire rent. I'm in an area that has six lakes in easy access. And two Rivers. Fin Factory made zero effort and has now become the bane of our hate. We would gladly support a kayak shop if they actually made an effort to get engaged with the areas. We're just at a loss and an area like ours. Why nobody has come and given a serious effort because the market and the money is definitely there

[kevinclark]

There are either high end pricey kayaks or cheaper entry level kayaks with very few middle priced kayaks.

[MichaelLawrence]

I am in Minneapolis area… only bonafide dealer i know of is Clear Waters Outfitting in Clear Water, MN. Family owned and they are great but the shipping costs of Bonafide are tough on them. Would love your feedback as I have ordered 2 XTRs but can’t get them until March (which is okay)…

[AnAngryAngler]

The term ‘Adapt or Die’ comes to mind. No matter what the industry, big or small. The Covid Years have come and gone.

[NiteWolfeFishing]

Iam on 5 years with my budget 500 buck kayak (sun dolphin boss 12 from walmart.
I do wont a better one and this one is beat to hades. But if not for the budget option i would had never had any kayak.

[kevinclark]

Kayak industry is too focused on bass fishing. Out west we have Kokanee, trout, salmon and the bass kayaks just dont meet the needs to fish for those species.

[NiteWolfeFishing]

Over 100 miles away for a decent one and i have never been to it. Or any paddle shop since there are none close.

[stephenbeaver]

Boats, RV’s, kayaks, motorcycles and Guitars shops closing across the country. Are all a symptom. It is the economy, inflation and the lack of focus from our government to keep American jobs. Sending our tax money overseas. AI will be taking over good paying middle class jobs. We will keep doing this. The rich men north of Richmond are focused on themselves.

[rloera]

Hey! Austin Canoe and kayak is closed it was our way now I have one that’s two hours away from me named No Bad Days Kayak. in Pflugerville

[MichaelLawrence]

I am in Minneapolis area… only bonafide dealer i know of is Clear Waters Outfitting in Clear Water, MN. Family owned and they are great but the shipping costs of Bonafide are tough on them. Would love your feedback as I have ordered 2 XTRs but can’t get them until March (which is okay)…