It’s been about three weeks since the South River Outfitters had their fleet sale. My young friend, Zach, as well as his father, went with me to the sale. Zach wanted to buy what I considered to be the best kayak of the sale. The same one I went to look at.
Knowing of the fishing kayak being offered, the same one Zach was most interested in, I took every opportunity to do what older men do to younger ones -tease them. “Too bad the guy in the very front is going to be getting that Trident”. Zach offered to jump out and run ahead. “That wouldn’t be fair to me”, I said as I locked his door. One of the great things about growing older and wiser is the ability to use it against youth 🙂
Bt the time we arrived, 40 minutes before the gates opened, we were still fourth in line to get in. By the time the gates opened, I believe there were 15 vehicles lined up along the road. Unfortunately, a reckless driver passing on the left as we entered, took one of the vehicles out. No real damage, just information exchange required, long enough to get them out from in front of us, so we moved up to position #3 in the line.
As we approached the parking lot, you could see all of the gear spread out on the grass with plenty of room to walk around each item. Sit-in as well as sit-on kayaks, a canoe, and a several bicycles all were part of the display. Off to one side was a table full of kayak seats, and another of paddles.
The sale process they have is simple enough. Each item has a price tag on it. Pick up the price tag, walk it in to the register, and the item is yours. Control of the tag is crucial.
So as soon as we walked up to it, I looked into Zach’s eyes and reached for the tag, saying “MY kayak!” His face fell, so I finally relinquished. “I don’t really need another kayak, as much as I’d like to upgrade to this one, grab the tag before someone else does”.
So Zach bought the Queen of the Kayak Sale. As soon as he confirmed that Zach was going to buy, the owner/operator, Ed, showed the paddle and seating options that were also marked down as part of the sale. Zach opted for a seat, but held off from buying a paddle, as I had a spare I told him he could have. He was all set 🙂
(Somehow, I have no pictures of him in it!)
We loaded Zach’s new `yak on my empty Hullavators (OK, I was contemplating getting another kayak for myself…), and gathered a small crown in doing so. I showed of a bit, giving a couple demonstrations of their use. I cannot stress how great the Hullavator is for ease of loading a kayak.
Overall, according to Ed, the sale was a huge success. From what I saw, most of the items were gone within the first ten minutes. It definitely pays to arrive early.
I need to mention is how impressed I still am with the level of customer service offered at South River Outfitters. In the store was Ed’s better half, Suzanne, answering questions, running the register, keeping everything in order, and smiling the whole time. On hand to assist outside was Greg Timmer, a member of Ocean Kayak Pro Staff, Team Ocean Kayak Florida, HOOK 1 Crew & Columbia Pro Team. He offered us several tips and tricks, as well as insights into inshore fishing from a kayak, the real reason we own them. He can be contacted at Lt.FireDog@gmail.com.
According to an email exchange after the sale, Ed still has a Pamlico 100 & 120 & (2) 135t’s, Rip 10, Chatham 16, Trident 11, as well as two bikes left.
That Trident 11 Angler has some potential as a “Backup” `Yak…..Hmmm…
Call ahead to check stock and pricing, or email Ed at sriveroutfitters@comcast.net
One last thing, from Ed:
If you do mention on FloridaHillbilly be sure to remind people we are on vacation until Sept 1. see you soon..Ed
So give the guy a break until then, he’s probably somewhere in the Keys…fishing….from a kayak, of course!
Peace,
db
Great coverage of the sale! Ed is a topnotch guy.
Talking with you guys was nice and I could tell Zack was thrilled with his new ride. You did a nice thing giving that up for the kid! 🙂
Well, it was a little selfish…now I have yet another person interested in kayaking, so have increased my “people I can call to go” list by 1.
db