Aquan Sports becoming California Canoe and Kayak

Went into Aquan yesterday in San Carlos to find Keith, owner of CCK, in there redecorating. He said they have bought out Aquan, who will be moving their store to Utah. The first thing Keith is doing is clearing out all the Ocean Kayaks and replacing them with Hobies! He wants to give NCKA a heads up so they could go in and get the clearance deals first - All the OK's, at least 20% off. They have three T-13's left (one yellow, two sunrise), several T-11's and looked like one T-15 Prowler down to $699. He also mentioned they have a few of last years Hobies in their Oakland store at 15% off.

Crazy...
Good deals though!

congrats to the parties for closing the transaction

Paging Darius. Get your ass to Aquan/CCK now!

Paging Darius. Get your ass to Aquan/CCK now!

make sure you keep your receipt

CCK also has great deals on the Revo 11 right now

I stopped by CCK San Carlos today and met Keith the owner.  He said all 2014 Hobies are 20% off.

As of 12:01 AM 1 September CCK officially took over the former Aquan location in San Carlos although some minor details are still in limbo. Small things like the check I wrote Vince being good at some point and the City of San Carlos granting CCK the special use permit to be there. Apparently Vince had a zoning variance which needs to be transferred or re-issued to CCK. Details, details.

The deal came together very fast. Vince surprised me with a phone call right before Outdoor Retailer in early August in Salt Lake City. We met there, inked a letter of intent, then "poof", a month later we are done. CCK did NOT buy Aquan Sports; rather, the transaction was an asset purchase only. Vince Pao retains ownership of the name and intellectual property.

In the short term I need to liquidate a lot of stuff, and I mean a lot. Anyone reading this wanting anything at the store can get a minimum of 20% off remaining stock, just mention NCKA. If you are looking for a 1st or 2nd sit-on-top fishing kayak or a touring kayak, or simply want to save a chunk of change, now is the time. I want to sell off everything with a Mad River, Necky, Ocean Kayak and Perception label on it. That's about 30-40 boats and a shop load of stuff. The above kayaks and canoes have been priced at wholesale plus shipping. Some Wilderness Systems kayaks carry a similar discount; for example the “Commander”. Tell a friend, buy local, save some loot. Remodeling started today; we need floor space.

In the long term I expect to provide a greater selection of high quality paddling gear than previously seen. Brands found in Oakland will now be found in San Carlos. Anything Johnson Outdoor will be gone (Necky, Ocean Kayak); I am contemplating maintaining a Confluence presence there (Dagger, Wilderness Systems) although I will be eating some crow doing so. Rumor has it the new owners of Confluence, or at least one of them, actively paddles, which is a good thing for quality. Hobie will definitely be there as well as Jackson and Feel Free. People are already asking for them. 2015 Hobie models are expected late September – early October. The Dive/Scuba component will stay, SUP will stay, wind and kite surfing will be gone, as will board surfing. Anybody need a short board cheap?

Please give us some time to get things together. I figure it will take 1-2 months to sort things out, redesign and populate the store. Please stop by and say hi and if you see something you like don't forget to mention you are with NCKA for a discount. Cullen remains in place as manager and is accepting the challenge with vigor. Young Mike is an avid kayak fisherman, uses a Tarpon 120 now, and is anxious to join the CCK Fishing Team with an Outback or Revo 13.  For the short term we are closed Monday and Tuesday.

That's it for now. I am happy to join the populated side of the Peninsula to augment our coastal presence; I am thankful to Sean Morley for connecting Vince and myself; and I am especially thankful to Vince Pao for his kindness and generosity.

Cheers – Keith

PS – Eric, not sure what you mean by “make sure you keep your receipt”. If you have/had an issue with Aquan or CCK please let me know. In a computerized world if your name and sale is in the system a receipt is not necessary since your history is recorded. Aquan’s POS system is different than CCK’s, an area we are fixing. And although not obligated – I purchased assets, not liabilities – we are handling Aquan returns and issues on a case by case basis, so far to the complete satisfaction of two former Aquan, now CCK, customers. Not a guarantee, but if I can help, tell me. - k

Good luck with your new venture!

Thats a big deal. Congrats Keith and the CCK crew.

Out with Johnson and in with Chinese plastic. Awesome.

Out with Johnson and in with Chinese plastic. Awesome.

Are Hobies made in China?

Apologies. Let me re-phrase that. How come you don't keep the Johnson brand in the store? Is it the quality of the product? Or some other reason?

Congrats and good luck Keith/CCK.

Congrats and good luck Keith/CCK.

+1!

Out with Johnson and in with Chinese plastic. Awesome.

Are Hobies made in China?

No...and neither are Jacksons...and neither are Wilderness Systems....

Not 100% sure about FeelFree...but I think they are made in North Carolina?

http://feelfreeus.com/about-us/

 

Sincerely,

Jim