Hi Guys, I’m new to paddling and I’ve been browsing the forum. A lot of the links are outdated and broken.
Is there a good online store to get kayak upgrades, like replacement seat, hatch covers etc?
Thanks in advance.
Try https://topkayaker.com/. Although focused initially on sit on top (SOT) kayaks, the site now carries replacement and repair parts for all sorts of kayaks.
-sing
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Family owned business in central Virginia. One of the largest kayak inventories in the country. They ship anywhere.
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REI, NRS, Moosejaw, Backcountry Outfitters
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Thank you so much guys!
On a side note, we revived a 18 year old thread!!! lol
It’s odd to mention a problem and ask where others buy gear, then describe a comment suggesting to buy local as off topic. Did I misinterpret that?!?! Perhaps the point flew past, which is why so many members read but won’t post comments.
In addition to mail order, local outlets like REI, Cabelas, Dicks and other such stores offer a wide assortment of products, including quality name brands and entry level alternatives, as well as junk. The REI store near me has well trained sales clerks who have been very helpful because of personal knowledge. I actively seek those staff members for that reason.
True Local shops like Annapolis Canoe and Kayak is 50 minutes away, and BMO in Marysville near Harrisburg, PA is over 2 hours away. The Annapolis shop is a hangeout for seasoned kayakers who freely pitch in with advice when the staff is busy. The advice is free and you get a real human who interacts with a wide variety of knowledgeable and customers who offer feedback on the products. The benefit to going to a true local store is that they typically sells products popular in that area. BMO is huge, featuring sea and rec kayaks, but they offer a wider range of whitewater gear and canoes. They also have more replacement parts than anyplace I’ve found. Ordering seat pads for the WS Phase 3 seats online became frustrating. I drive to BMO and walked out with three sets that I knew would fit, as well as replacement foot pegs, deck fittings, rudder parts, helpful advice, charts of the river, books of interest, paddles . . . I did a double take when I saw the price (and bought two more), but didn’t think it prudent to tell them they beat the online price (I’m sure they knew, because they have a computer).
Buying local makes perfect sense, whether such advice is welcomed or not. Many paddlers invest in magazine subscriptions and books to learn. Paying a higher price at the local store is like the cover charge or higher prices for beverages when a club features live bands. Local stores stay in business because they have dedicated customers; they survive because of the services they offer. Some even have waterfront access for gear testing.
If that seems unreasonable, trust your purchase to online stores. I buy from Camphor because it has a wide selection. Feel free to buy where you prefer. My go to is the local place because I learn something new every time I visit. Online purchases are especially great when there is no practical option.
CLC also has a pretty good selection of gear and accessories, not just for their kit boats:
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Biased opinion here;
My Store
Real world Brick ‘N Mortar:
The River Connection, Inc.
9 W. Market St.
Hyde Park, NY. 12538
845-229-0595 main
845-242-4731 mobile
Main: [www.the-river-connection.com]
Online Storefront:
Social media doings and gear updates: #gotd
Facebook: [The River Connection, Inc. | Hyde Park NY]
Instagram: Instagram.com/marshall.seddon
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Amazon
All my water/Kayaking needs come from on-line sources because there are no paddle shops in Wyoming that I know of. As far as camping/hunting gear goes, I have not bought any in many years, because I set myself up very well when I was in my 20s and 30s. I did replace my Ensolite pad last year but it is the one I got in 1971 and it was falling apart. (I guess I got my money out of it and it didn’t own me anything at that point)
But I still have much of the same gear I have had for many years. I have replaced sleeping bags a few times and goes through several tents, but at my age now I doubt I’ll got through the ones I now have.
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Amazon…because I’m ultra impatient.
Mariner Sails - local kayaking store
eBay - used paddles, jackets, GPS/camping gear
Outdoorplay
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