Shopping for kayak, paddling or outdoor gear? Here is a list of some of the best online shopping sites for essential gear for kayaking, paddling and other outdoor activities.
These shops were chosen because of their size, gear selection, equipment advice, tips, and experience in either online e-tailing or brick-and-mortar retailing. They typically offer plenty of accessories for most paddlers at most skill levels. The kayaks offered are usually mid-priced and lower. Most are low-priced models perfectly suited for newer kayakers.
Alpine Sports Outlet
This Colorado-based ski and water sports shop stocks name brand kayaks and accessories, but they carry fewer paddling products in the Winter months.
Altrec.com
One of our top five stores. Altrec.com is big enough to provide a great equipment selection, yet small enough to offer tips, advice and product depth in each of their departments, including their paddling shop. Plus free shipping right now.
Backcountry.com
Another of our top five stores. It may not be as well-known as some of the others on this list, but you get the sense that it is run by people who are really knowledgeable and truly love the outdoors. They also have free shipping on any order over $50.
Cabela's
Since 1961, they have been outfitting the serious outdoorsman with quality fishing, marine, hunting and outdoor gear and clothing.
Colorado Kayak Supply
A paddle sport specialty store featuring a large selection of the industry's premier products. Shop at either of CKS's two retail stores or shop online at http://coloradokayak.com. Free shipping on all new kayaks priced over $799 or accessory orders over $199.
L.L. Bean
Offers a good assortment of kayaks and canoes as well as a tremendous supply of accessories and outdoor apparel.
Mountain Equipment Co-op
Canadian retail store chain and online shop carries paddling equipment and plenty of other outdoor supplies.
Northwest River Supplies
NRS is a dedicated paddlesports retailer that sells paddlesports equipment, kayaking gear, touring accessories, and boating supplies.
Outdoorplay.com
This popular online retail shop sells whitewater, touring, recreational and inflatable kayaks, canoes, rafts, boating packages and all of the necessary accessories and gear.
Overton's
One of the largest and most popular marine and boating stores, Overton's doesn't carry too many kayaks or inflatable boats, but they do a great job with boating accessories and other gear.
PaddlersCove
This outfitter offers kayaks, paddling accessories and outdoor gear both online and through their New Jersey store.
REI
If I could build a sporting goods store, this would probably be it. They have top products and a 100% guarantee. Plus, you can buy online and have the item shipped to your nearest store, saving you the shipping cost.
Rutabaga / Paddlers.com
Large paddlesport shop in Madison, Wisconsin, offers canoes, kayaks, paddling gear and experienced staff.
Sea Eagle
Sea Eagle builds inflatable boats and kayaks. They sell straight from the factory to the customer and they’ve been doing it long before the Internet came along. Their boats come with great warranties and guarantees. I prefer their kayaks, but you should see some of the other wild boats they have as well.
Sierra Trading Post
This popular outdoor store specializes in discount equipment and gear. They feature outdoor apparel and accessories.
UP Sports
UP Sports is Southern California's premier kayak center. They carry a large selection of sit-on-top ocean kayaks, sit inside sea kayaks and fishing kayaks. They're an authorized dealer for Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks, Cobra Kayaks and Hurricane Kayaks.
WickedWaters.com
Online store offers Riot, Sun and Azul kayaks with free shipping.
If
I were to look for a new inflatable boat, I would first check out Sea
Eagle.
Lotus Designs
produces some of the best kayak wear and PFDs.
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