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‘More paddling options’ is the immediate answer to the question why Canoe & Kayak recently moved to Silverdale from Whangaparāoa.
Customers can rent a kayak, and wheel it to the top of the estuary (on the industrial side) for a paddle down the Weiti River to Dacre Cottage and Okura.
Owner Pete Townend says they have also found Keith Hay Court, in Silverdale Village, more central for their customers.
While Pete, and store manager Paul Weymouth, both “live and breathe kayaking”, the company also sells and fits roof racks, and roof boxes, and Pete says this is a huge part of the business.
Their range, which features Yakima, Thule and Rhino brands, includes platforms, awnings and rooftop tents.
As far as kayaks go, sit-on models remain popular, as well as fishing kayaks – “catching a free feed is big around here,” Pete says.
For the more adventurous, there is a wide range of sea kayaks including Delta, from Canada.
Pete, who has been paddling for nearly 50 years, says what makes kayaking special is connecting not only to nature, but to people.
“The paddling can be as restful, or as adrenalin fuelled as you want, but magic that happens when you sit around a bonfire together,” he says.
Encouraging people to get out and have those experiences on, and off, the water is something Paul and Pete enjoy, and they provide training for paddlers, as well as guided trips to see things such as the Coast’s famous bioluminescence.
Business Directory: Roof Rack Centre, Canoe & Kayak
