Pack & Paddle has been around since the 70’s! What started out as a small backyard operation selling canoes on the banks of the Vermillion River has blossomed into one of the premier outfitters in SOLA (Southern Louisiana).

The store front today has grown to over 6000 square feet, stocking all kinds of cool gear to get you outdoors. John and Becky Williams own the store and provide a smorgasbord of info in the store and also on their website, things from daily kayak tours to info on where to kayak fish in the area. Pack and Paddle is your one stop shop for adventure!

Pack and Paddle serves as one of SOLA’s Jackson Kayak and Orion dealers. If you find yourself around the area, don’t hesitate to swing in and check out the showroom. The knowledgeable staff will guide you thru each model and can also get you out on the water for a demo too!

BEER & GEAR SOCIAL NIGHT
In early March I was able to head over to attend the 10th annual Beer & Gear Social Night put on by Pack & Paddle. Boy…let me tell you about the fun and shenanigans that ensued! So, here is what all goes down. Paddlesports reps come in from across the states and bring some of their local Brew in for the attendees to enjoy. You walk around and get to sample some of those “brews” the vendors brought in and talk about the new products coming out! Sounds good right?

Well…if you have heard Jackson’s saying “We Make Fun” then you know we had something up our sleeve. Cue the Casting Game!

Place a Yak Attack track mounted cup holder on the displayed Bite FD and try and pitch into it with a kiddie pole! HA, I can guarantee there were plenty of laughs had over this. Some cool prizes were awarded and ribbing by friends took place too.

There were plenty of other vendors attending as well. Reps from Yak Attack, Yak Gear, Yakima, PAC Kayak, and many more were on hand displaying products and talking shop! JK also had a new Blue Sky Boatworks 360 Pro on display.

KAYAK DEMO
The following day there was an on the water demo day. A big thanks to Pack & Paddle for organizing this event and bringing all of the companies together to get new people into kayaking. The opportunity to paddle a kayak before purchase helps the paddler decide what fits them best. Plenty of fun was had and many enjoyed learning about new models and the differences between them.

Thanks to all the staff at Pack & Paddle for a memorable weekend and I am looking forward to next years event already!
Check out Pack & Paddle online at www.packapaddle.com

Dustin Nichols – Jackson Kayak Factory Team