Paddlesports, such as canoeing and kayaking, are very popular recreational activities with many residents of the state of Connecticut. With many rivers, streams, ponds, brooks and other bodies of water spread throughout the entire state, there are a host of places available for people to partake of canoeing and kayaking. Although some general sporting goods stores sell canoes and kayaks, often, staff members at these stores are unfamiliar with these products and cannot provide valuable input and advice that can be gained from people who are knowledgable about paddlesports. That having been said, there are also several very good canoe and kayak dealers in central Connecticut, who offer extensive selections of new and used items, as well as many accessories, classes and workshops and often organize group canoe and kayak trips and outings. Presented here, is a guide which briefly profiles the top canoe and kayak dealers in central Connecticut.
A) Clarke Outdoors..163 Rt 7, West Cornwall, Ct..(860)672-6365
Located in the scenic western Connecticut town of West Cornwall, Clarke Outdoors features canoe and kayak sales, rentals and instruction. Friendly staff members here are very experienced with canoeing and kayaking and always try to match each customer with an appropriate canoe or kayak for their experience and skill- level. Some of the brands carried here are; Dagger Pyranha, Jackson, MadRiver,Wavesport and boats by Perception. A large selection of top- quality Wetsuits, drysuits, paddles, life vests, car racks and paddle jackets are normally in stock here, as are many other paddle sports accessories. This central Ct canoe and kayak dealer also organizes and conducts ten- mile rafting and canoeing trips along the nearby Housatonic River and provides kayaking lessons.
B) Collinsville Canoe and Kayak..41 Bridge St, Collinsville section of Canton, Ct..(860)693-6977
Open Tuesday through Sunday, this central Ct canoe and kayak dealer stocks canoes and kayaks by Bell Canoe Works, Hobie, Native Watercraft, P & H Kayaks, Prijon and Swift Canoe and Kayak. Hobie Bravo and Wave Sailboats are also featured here. A wide assortment of paddling gear, including many car racks, are available from this retailer, at very reasonable prices. Customized group canoe and kayak outings are also frequently organized by this reputable dealer.
C) Country Sports..65 Albany Tnpk, Canton, Ct..(860)693-2267
Although Country Sports is more of a general sporting goods store, selling camping, hiking and winter sports gear, they do carry an impressive line of canoes and kayaks. Some of the brands that they carry include; MTI, Ocean Kayak, Old Town, Pakboats and Stohlquist. A nice selection of paddle sports accessories are also normally in- stock at this central Ct canoe and kayak dealer.
D) Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks..170 Main St, New Hartford, Ct..(860)693-6791
This top- of- the- line canoe and kayak dealer features frequently- changing inventories of new and used canoes and kayaks. Some of the brand- names featured here are; Bell, Cobra, Evergreen, Grumman, Kiwi Angler, Old Town, Prion and Radisson. A wide assortment of paddle sports accessories are offered, as are canoe and kayak instruction and guides. Group canoe and kayak trips are also organized and staged by this reliable business. Prices here are very reasonable and excellent service is always offered.
E) North Cove Outfitters..75 Main St, Old Saybrook, Ct..1-800- 769-6858
Canoes and kayaks from over a dozen manufacturers are represented here. These include; Bell Canoe Works, Eddyline, Liquidlogic, Mad River Canoe, Necky Kayak, Ranger Canoe and Wilderness. In addition, paddles by Aqua Bound, Lendal and Werner, PFD’s by Kokatat, MTI and Stohlquist, drysuits, wetsuits, car racks by Riverside Associates, Thule and Yakima and other paddling accessories are normally in- stock. This central Ct canoe and kayak dealer also holds canoe and kayak courses and workshops.
