What Happened To Austin Kayak Company?

Austin Canoe and Kayak, a Texas paddlesports retailer with five stores and a robust e-commerce platform, has closed on January 1, 2021. The closure comes after over half a year since the retailer’s abrupt closure on New Year’s Eve. The company, founded in 1993, was one of the first businesses to capitalize on the growing popularity of stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.

The closure occurred on January 1 for both its Texas stores. Austin Canoe and Kayak was a go-to site for local paddlers, but when the author moved back to the Austin area in 2018, they discovered that they were no longer in business. They were bought out by Camping World, a publicly traded, anti-hunting, anti-gun company headquartered in Illinois.

The new site, called The House, is now officially part of Austin Canoe Kayak. The House is committed to providing the widest selection of paddlesports and outdoor adventure. Austin Canoe and Kayak has been a go-to site for local paddlers, offering rentals before buying.

In summary, Austin Canoe and Kayak, a longtime Texas paddlesports retailer, has closed its stores and e-commerce platform. The company’s closure has left a lasting impact on local paddlers and the wider outdoor adventure industry.