Delaware Paddle Sports opens on Route 1

There are any number of ways to enjoy Cape Region’s waters. Many require getting wet and, for the most part, staying in one general area.

But paddle sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding make it possible to leisurely – or quickly – enjoy floating across water for a few minutes or a few days.

New business Delaware Paddle Sports is helping those who want to start kayaking or paddle boarding  – or move their skills to a higher level – get going.

Wife-and-husband teams Erin and Brian Kidd and Jennifer and John Lester opened the business in December.

“We have recreational kayaks and touring kayaks, those are the long ones that are built for speed and long distances. We also have fishing kayaks, and we have some for white water, too. We also have stand-up paddle boards,” Erin Kidd said.

The company’s primary business is paddle-sports equipment sales and rental, but they’re also organizing group outings for paddle-sport enthusiasts.

“We started our first one last week at Lewes Beach, and we’re talking about going back there. We’re having them every other Monday, for the most part. We might do some in the Broadkill River, up in Primehook, and maybe out in the Rehoboth Bay,” Kidd said.

The store sells a complete line of Jackson kayaks, manufactured by a Sparta, Tenn.-based, family-owned business.

“Jackson started in the white-water industry, and because of that, they make a high-end, quality boat. White-water boats have to hold up a little better because they’re going down rivers and banging off rocks. All of their boats are made of the same plastic, and they’re really great,” Kidd said.

The company also sells Angulo and Ashton stand-up paddle boards, Werner and Cannon paddles, Astral Buoyancy clothing, Immersion Research personal floatation devices and Shred Ready helmets. They also have a selection of other equipment such as gloves, dry bags, caps, T-shirts and products that make it easy to carry a kayak on top of a car.

Rental prices vary depending on the boat selected, number of boats rented and length of time they’re used.

The Riviera kayak, made by Jackson, is a basic sit-on-top recreational model. It rents weekdays for $35 for a half day or $50 for a full day. It rents for $80 for a weekend, from 9 a.m. Saturday to 5:30 p.m., Sunday. A week with the Riviera costs $200.

Stand-up paddleboard rentals start at $45 for a half day, $60 for a full day, $100 for a weekend and $250 for a week. Rental reservations are recommended.

Prices include a paddle, personal floatation device, tie-down straps and loading assistance.

Delivery service, starting at $35 roundtrip, is also available.

All rental costs incurred during a 30-day period can be deducted from the purchase price of any kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

“The Riviera is good for beginners because it’s a sit-on-top, and it’s easier to get in and out. It can’t be swamped, and you can flip it over and easily jump back into it without a problem,” Kidd said. The Riviera costs $499.

The Regal is also a beginner’s kayak, but it’s a sit-inside design. “Some people prefer that. It’s a wide-open cockpit that’s also easy to get in and out of,” she said.

Kidd said kayaking is easy to learn and, surprisingly, so is stand-up paddle boarding. “Stand-up requires a little more balance, but it’s easier than people think. You can go out on your knees at the width of the board, paddle along, and then slowly stand up,” Kidd said.

She said stand-up paddleboards are up to 12 feet long and 33 inches wide, which makes them very stable. Prices for the boards start at $650.

Grand-opening specials include: Purchase a kayak or stand-up paddleboard costing more than $750, and receive a free paddle, free T-shirt and 20 percent off all other accessories.

Purchase a kayak or stand-up paddleboard costing less than $750, and receive 50 percent off a paddle, a free T-shirt and 15 percent off all other accessories.

Everyone gets 50 percent off Delaware Paddle Sports T-shirts, and 10 percent off all other accessories.

Delaware Paddle Sports also sells used kayaks and paddleboards on consignment and gives the seller 100 percent of the selling price if the money is used to buy a new kayak or paddleboard from the store. Otherwise the seller receives 70 percent of the selling price.

Delaware Paddle Sports’ grand-opening barbecue party is set for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, June 25. In addition to free food, there will be raffles for a kayak, supplies and rentals. Giveaways include T-shirts, goodie bags for kids and other items.

From 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, June 26, free demonstrations of all boats the store sells will be at the end of Oyster Rock Road on the Broadkill River. Call the store for directions.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The store is closed Wednesday.

Visit Delaware Paddle Sports, 18068 Coastal Highway, Lewes, next to Citizens Bank and Kitchen & Co. For additional information, call 302-645-7300, or go to delawarepaddlesports.com.