Introduction

The Baltimore / Washington area is quite fortunate to have a number of great outfitters where you can purchase quality boating gear. When starting out, it is wise to try out several boats to see what works best for you. You will need to determine what type of paddling interests you the most:

• River Running / Creaking
• Play Boating
• Flat Water & Sea Kayaking

No boat is a perfect match for all of these disciplines. Choosing the right style and fit will greatly increase your pleasure in the sport. Many find it best to purchase a used boat when starting out and that makes great sense. Each of the local clubs allows members to post sales of used gear and is a great place to start. Some of the outfitters sell used, demos, as well as new boats.

After the boat is selected, you will need several accessories. Some examples are the paddle, spray skirt, life jacket (PFD), and helmet. The helmet is a very special piece of gear that warrants close attention. It really makes sense to purchase the helmet at a full service local outfitter and have them help you size and custom fit the helmet. A good outfitter can also provide excellent guidance in selecting the other gear mentioned.

One other accessory you should purchase along with the boat is flotation aka - airbags. This is very inexpensive insurance for your boat in case you swim (all of us swim from time to time - even the experts).

I am listing the outfitters in alphabetic order with no specific recommendations. Each provides unique services of one type or another. Most contribute time and materials to local boating causes like the Cheat Festival, Rescue Clinics, free training, C&O Canal Repair, and much more. Many employ seasoned boaters on their sales staff so they can provide expert advice.

Blue Mountain Outfitters (BMO)

BMO has been in business for over 20 years and is located near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. BMO is a full service outfitter that also provides lessons. One this that is unique about them is they actually do customization and repair work. I believe they are the only local outfitter to do so. They also provide rentals and local shuttles. Their web site is: Blue Mountain Outfitters Web Site.

Chesapeake Light Craft (CLC)

If you are serious about sea kayaking, you really should check out CLC located in Annapolis, Maryland. They also provide boat building materials and instruction. Their web site is: Chesapeake Light Craft Web Site.

Potomac Paddlesports (PPS)

This store has a very rich history starting with Brad Riordon and used to be called Spring River Outfitters. In their heyday, they had three stores with the headquarters in Rockville, Maryland and were the only store that was mostly dedicated to whitewater paddling gear. Brad retired several years back after he found someone that he felt comfortable taking over this business - we all miss Brad. Sunny Pitcher has had a thriving whitewater training business and is now the new owner. PPS hires a number of very talented paddlers for their staff and they are free to be very honest with their customers. A great example of a former employee is the legendary Joe Stumpfel (who moved on to Washington State). The new store was given a major facelift (gone are the exercise equipment) and they now stock the latest whitewater gear. They run many sales throughout the year and I highly recommend signing up for their mailing list. This is a full service outfitter located in Rockville, Maryland that will certainly help you outfit your boat, custom fit that helmet, and assist with roof rack installations. They also provide extensive training classes in whitewater and flat water paddling. Their website is: Potomac Paddlesports Web Site.

River & Trail Outfitters (RTO)

RTO is located in Knoxville, Maryland (just outside of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia). RTO has been in business for over 30 years. They have a great selection of boating gear, run numerous trips on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, and have well trained guides and instructors. RTO is one of the few outfitters in our area that provide rentals. Their website is: River & Trails Web Site.

Starrk Moon Kayaks

Starkk Moon has been around for over 20 years (first shop in the country to call itself a Kayak Shop) and still is run by the original owner - Brad Nelson. The main store is located near Muddy Creek in Pennsylvania (an hour North of Baltimore) and Brad often runs shuttle trip for paddlers. This is a very low overhead firm that carries a very wide variety of new and used boats at very attractive prices. Brad also sells a number of paddling accessories as well. In fact, Starrk Moon is the only local vendor that actually takes trade-ins and sells boats on consignment. Brad is a very frequent poster on all of the local club websites and is very easy to reach. Starrk Moon has always been quite generous to the canoe clubs and has loaned many boats to our rolling sessions. Starrk Moon has sponsored several kayak videos, contributes to the Cheat Festival, and has done a great deal of work on Holtwood Dam access. Starrkmoon's phone number is (717) 456-7720 and email address is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Upper Yough Outfitters (UYO)

UYO is the new kid on the block located in Friendsville, Maryland. Don't let that scare you since the owners, Pat & Ellen Hamlin live and work in the Baltimore area. Pat is a very seasoned paddler and often shares his knowledge with new and seasoned boaters with free lessons. Pat is very choosy in the boats and gear he carries - all are excellent. UYO is definitely a full service outfitter and do whatever it takes to get you expertly outfitted. UYO contributes and participates heavily to a wide variety of local whitewater causes. Their phone number is (301) 746-5699 or (443) 801-3310.

Valley Mill Kayak School (VM)

VM is located close to the put-in for Violettes Lock on Seneca Road in Germantown, Maryland. The shop is run by seasoned paddlers and Jackson Boats is the only line of boats they carry. They also carry other paddling gear like helmets, paddles, etc. As the name implies, Valley Mill provides paddling instruction and has done so for many years. They are very generous in providing free demos. Jackson Boats are excellent in the play boat line of boats. Their website is: Valley Mill Web Site.