Canoe and Kayak Exhibitions

[TedMaul]

I understand few retailers can afford to stock one of everything, which is why exhibitions are good... but cant for the life of me find any decent exhibitions for kayaks and canoes, shirley there must be the odd one each year? Looked at London boat show website and they didnt have many retailers last year

Any ideas?

PS looked at Welsha nd Perth shows and again, looked very small.

[mcdjl]

Try some of the big events where you might have more than one shop supporting, or the outdoors and adventure shows. I don't think there's anything more specific and as you say the boat show tends to focus on engines or sails, though has hosted kayak polo tournaments in the past so is still worth a look.

[Wedg1e]

Check out http://www.canoekayak.co.uk/, there's bound to be something on there. I know a lot of the sea kayak makers use the symposiums to let people try their boats.

Haven't had my two out for over 2 years now...

[DJFish]

Most big retailers do try-a-boat days, or there's this: http://telegraphoutdoorshow.co.uk/

[zed4]

Where are you based? What sort of canoe/kayak are you looking for?

[T25 Clive]

How about the South West Canoe Show?, thinking of going myself,

http://swcanoeshow.co.uk/

[TedMaul]

zed4 said:

Where are you based? What sort of canoe/kayak are you looking for?

Based in sheffield, looking at beginner sots and a tandem for me, Perception Gemini and RTM Loko, Ocean Kayak Yak board, that sort of stuff. Big place in Stockport closed down.

Have seen the Telegraph one, but few exhibitots listed yet, maybe there will be something similat at NEC early next year.

[mcdjl]

The peak and Desperate Measures shops in nottingham aren't that far from you then! Added bonus of being near the water sports centre for demos.

[eggchaser1987]

Can I ask a bit of advice on this subject with out wishing to hijack the thread. Looking to get into canoeing/kayaking. I occasionally get down to the beach for a bit oc a surf but there are more canals/rivers near me.

Want a bit of a raft thag can turn its hand to all of it really, what kind of thing should I be looking at and price should I be thinking £200ish or more £600 ish?

Thanks all

[mcdjl]

eggchaser1987 said:

Can I ask a bit of advice on this subject with out wishing to hijack the thread. Looking to get into canoeing/kayaking. I occasionally get down to the beach for a bit oc a surf but there are more canals/rivers near me.

Want a bit of a raft thag can turn its hand to all of it really, what kind of thing should I be looking at and price should I be thinking £200ish or more £600 ish?

Thanks all

How new a boat do you want? Plenty of capable second hand boats on ebay for new £200 (more likely 300), new boats will be closer to £600. If you want a sit on top they tend to be cheaper, but i'd say less capable in bigger surf/moving water. I'd offer you a Pyranha i3 for £50 but the price should tell you something about its condition!

[zed4]

TedMaul said:

zed4 said:

Where are you based? What sort of canoe/kayak are you looking for?

Based in sheffield, looking at beginner sots and a tandem for me, Perception Gemini and RTM Loko, Ocean Kayak Yak board, that sort of stuff. Big place in Stockport closed down.

Have seen the Telegraph one, but few exhibitots listed yet, maybe there will be something similat at NEC early next year.

Ah ok. I have a lot of canoes and kayaks (mainly the Ocean Kayaks) in stock you could have looked at/sit in, but I'm in Lymington. Were about to start a huge stock clearance sale as it's our end of year and we're relocating, so you may get a bargain! Don't want to count everything or move it!

Let me know if you need any help or advice, I'll be happy to help.

[Ali_D]

There is an annual event at the NEC at the end of February, not purely kayaks, think it's the outdoor show. This used to be the biggest show in the UK but I've not been for a number of years.

[Ali_D]

There is an annual event at the NEC at the end of February, not purely kayaks, think it's the outdoor show. This used to be the biggest show in the UK but I've not been for a number of years.

[mcdjl]

zed4 said:

Ah ok. I have a lot of canoes and kayaks (mainly the Ocean Kayaks) in stock you could have looked at/sit in, but I'm in Lymington. Were about to start a huge stock clearance sale as it's our end of year and we're relocating, so you may get a bargain! Don't want to count everything or move it!

Let me know if you need any help or advice, I'll be happy to help.

Are you likely to have any kags/dry trousers/ dry suits going? I maybe interested...

[Ali_D]

Grrr stoopid phone reposted

[eggchaser1987]

mcdjl said:

eggchaser1987 said:

Can I ask a bit of advice on this subject with out wishing to hijack the thread. Looking to get into canoeing/kayaking. I occasionally get down to the beach for a bit oc a surf but there are more canals/rivers near me.

Want a bit of a raft thag can turn its hand to all of it really, what kind of thing should I be looking at and price should I be thinking £200ish or more £600 ish?

Thanks all

How new a boat do you want? Plenty of capable second hand boats on ebay for new £200 (more likely 300), new boats will be closer to £600. If you want a sit on top they tend to be cheaper, but i'd say less capable in bigger surf/moving water. I'd offer you a Pyranha i3 for £50 but the price should tell you something about its condition!

Thanks for the advice. Hmm £50, is it useable or is it a total write off? May be good enough to give me an idea if I really want to give it a proper go.

[mcdjl]

eggchaser1987 said:

Thanks for the advice. Hmm £50, is it useable or is it a total write off? May be good enough to give me an idea if I really want to give it a proper go.

Useable, but it'll ship about an inch of water through one of the bolt holes. I should have tried to fix it years back but never did as I usually needed to stretch my legs first. It'd suit you better if you're under 6" otherwise your likely to be cramped up.

[eggchaser1987]

mcdjl said:

eggchaser1987 said:

Thanks for the advice. Hmm £50, is it useable or is it a total write off? May be good enough to give me an idea if I really want to give it a proper go.

Useable, but it'll ship about an inch of water through one of the bolt holes. I should have tried to fix it years back but never did as I usually needed to stretch my legs first. It'd suit you better if you're under 6" otherwise your likely to be cramped up.

Is your profile correct? Are you around the Loughborough area? I occasionally go up towards derby/ ambergate area for work so not too far away. If I'm up there soon I will give you a message if you didn't mind.

Thanks a lot

[mcdjl]

Yeah that's right. No worries if you message me, hopefully I'll be around!

[zed4]

mcdjl said:

zed4 said:

Ah ok. I have a lot of canoes and kayaks (mainly the Ocean Kayaks) in stock you could have looked at/sit in, but I'm in Lymington. Were about to start a huge stock clearance sale as it's our end of year and we're relocating, so you may get a bargain! Don't want to count everything or move it!

Let me know if you need any help or advice, I'll be happy to help.

Are you likely to have any kags/dry trousers/ dry suits going? I maybe interested...

No, not really. May have the odd smock top, most likely be Gul. I'll have a look. Got a lot of wetsuits though. Don't want to breach the advertising rules here, so might be best to contact me if you want something specific.