Kayak dealers are also witnessing unprecedented demand and high sales, as
people are flocking to the sport in record-breaking numbers in the wake of the
pandemic.
“As of now, most of our ongoing kayak orders are pre-sold before the kayaks land
in our building,” says Leah Bradley, sportswear contact at Great Outdoor Provision
Company Wilmington. “We see a lot of people new to kayaking and enthusiastic
about pursuing this hobby.”
With the Cape Fear River, the Intracoastal Waterway, Greenfield Lake, Lees Cut and
Banks Channel and many other waterways, the area is perfect for both experienced
and new paddlers.
“This is the prime location for leisure kayaking and kayak fishing,” Bradley says.
Chris Tryon of Hook, Line & Paddle also reports an uptick in sales.
“More people have decided to reconnect with the outdoors through kayaking,
spending more time with the family having fun,” he says. “Kayaking has always been
a great way to get away from civilization and make your own adventure. There is
nothing better than getting out on our local waterways to enjoy some kayak fishing,
working the marshes behind our barrier islands.”
The reason kayak dealers and bike shops have been classified as essential is likely
because they provide a form of stress relief and a safe form of outdoor recreation.
“We’ve been deemed essential not because of transportation; it’s more because of
the benefits to mental and physical fitness,” Mincher says.
Tina Weldon, a first-grade teacher at College Park Elementary, is new to mountain
biking. The appeal of the sport is centered on how it allows her to get outside.
“Mountain biking has given me an opportunity to enjoy nature more often, while
being able to social distance at the same time,” she says. “It is a great activity for the
entire family. I feel lucky that our state has so many bike parks and trails to explore.”
WBM FILE PHOTO
Above: Whether for transportation or recreation,
the beach remains a popular location for cyclists.
Below: Paddlers glide through the creeks of
Harbor Island, Wrightsville Beach.
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