Even before fuel prices went through the roof and the economy dropped like a rock, kayaking was hot.
And Powers Outdoors, a Newaygo-based outfitting business with a store located in Montague, is riding the wave. Its display of more than a dozen kayaks is expected to draw some of the most attention during this weekend's West Michigan Spring Boat Show at Terrace Point Marina.
Powers co-owner Jake Slominski said kayaking has been the fastest-growing recreational sport in America the past half dozen years, with participation growing at more than 150 percent a year. An environmentally sound sport, it provides cheap and easy access to the water for paddlers of all ages and physical conditions.
The cost of a boat ranges between $200 and $2,000 or more, but the typical kayaker spends about $700. And there are no fuel costs, insurance or licenses to worry about, Slominski said.
And Powers Outdoors, a Newaygo-based outfitting business with a store located in Montague, is riding the wave. Its display of more than a dozen kayaks is expected to draw some of the most attention during this weekend's West Michigan Spring Boat Show at Terrace Point Marina.
Powers co-owner Jake Slominski said kayaking has been the fastest-growing recreational sport in America the past half dozen years, with participation growing at more than 150 percent a year. An environmentally sound sport, it provides cheap and easy access to the water for paddlers of all ages and physical conditions.
The cost of a boat ranges between $200 and $2,000 or more, but the typical kayaker spends about $700. And there are no fuel costs, insurance or licenses to worry about, Slominski said.
"Even with the economy, people work all week to play all weekend," said Slominski, who owns the business -- which was started by his grandfather Don Powers -- with his father, Greg. "Kayaking is a sport for anywhere, any time and anyone."
Trends in the sport include smaller, 10-foot sit-in boats for running rivers and sit-on-top boats for fishing.
"We see a lot of those into fishing selling their aluminum boats and fishing off of a kayak," Slominski said. "There is no fuel cost nor license. And, you can get them into anywhere you want."
Ease of use and the ability to launch a kayak into virtually any river or lake -- even Lake Michigan -- make kayaks a popular alternative to bigger boats. Slominski said typical kayakers use their boats much more than power boaters or sailors since the 9- to 16-foot boats can be easily carried on racks atop cars or on small trailers.
Trends in the sport include smaller, 10-foot sit-in boats for running rivers and sit-on-top boats for fishing.
"We see a lot of those into fishing selling their aluminum boats and fishing off of a kayak," Slominski said. "There is no fuel cost nor license. And, you can get them into anywhere you want."
Ease of use and the ability to launch a kayak into virtually any river or lake -- even Lake Michigan -- make kayaks a popular alternative to bigger boats. Slominski said typical kayakers use their boats much more than power boaters or sailors since the 9- to 16-foot boats can be easily carried on racks atop cars or on small trailers.
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