Above left to right: Tony, Austin, and yours truly
On our way to Colorado we had the pleasure of stopping by one of Jackson Kayak's incredible dealers, OKC Kayak. These guys definitely have it going on and despite the lack of whitewater, they have put together quite a shop and rental program! When you first walk in you can tell they're family, but that alone isn't what sets these guys apart. Hours from any whitewater, OKC has a paddlesports specific shop with kayaks and canoes everywhere and a constant flow of traffic. What really blew us away was their connection to the local community, the secret to their success. I've never found an outfitter or livery with consistent volunteers helping with everything from sales, to stocking, etc... just to be closer to the people they paddle with. OKC has weekly "Social Paddles" where the shop rents kayaks and paddles with their local club, community, and customers. Once they're hooked or ready for something new, OKC not only sets them up with gear and boats, but with a whole group of friends to paddle with. To us, this is what kayaking is all about.
Thanks OKC!
Boyd Ruppelt & Samantha Brunner
