- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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