blue mountain outfitters

the absolute best place in south-central PA to get advice on and in purchasing kayaks and kayaking gear. The sales folks are all seasoned professionals with lots of on-the-water experience. Their advice is rock-solid and honest. The kayak and canoe selection is easily the best, from inexpensive beginner boats to top-shelf expedition and white-water kayaks and everything in-between. Friendly staff is not pushy. Store layout is very cool and stuffed with gear. If you're considering buying a kayak or canoe, you have to stop here. And, they are right next to the Susquehanna River, so you can test-paddle your dream boat.

While Blue Mountain Outfitters has a great selection of paddle sports gear, it may have you interested enough to explore the entire store. Visited for about half an hour to explore the kayaks on offer. A salesman pitched to me while showing me around. I wanted a 10 foot kayak, but the girl talking to me kept pitching a 12 foot kayak and of course the longer the length the larger the price starting on average of 500 a kayak. I did some more looking around at Dunhams and Dicks, since I'm in and out of the harrisburg area constantly anyway. Prices are more reasonable, but if I need a specialty item on my kayak I would return.

Had a great afternoon of canoeing on the Susquehanna river. This place is just north or Harrisburg, PA, the state capitol. At first, we were hesitant to take the south-bound trip, because we worried the riverbanks would be so developed it would not seem wild. Not so. the river is beautiful. The outfitters gave us directions to an island along the way in which birds like cormorants and herons were nesting. It was spectacular. the river is very wide and smooth, with only a few places where you need to navigate around rocks or shelves. the outfitters were excellent in giving guidance and suggestions and very quick picking us up at the pull-out point, which is across from the state capitol. They also run other canoeing itineraries. Highly recommended.