New York's Largest Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard Dealer, and Complete Wilderness Outfitter
We've been helping outdoor enthusiasts enjoy nature since 1993. Mountainman is locally owned and staffed by men and women who love the outdoors!
New York's Largest Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard Dealer
We stock over 1,000 boats so that you can always find the perfect canoe, kayak or paddleboard for your paddling needs, experience and budget.
Whether you are going for a short hike, a weekend camping trip, or an extended expedition to the backwoods, we have all the clothing, gear and footwear you’ll need! Our staff will answer your questions and help you choose the right gear for your outing.
Moose River Kayak Trips
Canoe, Kayak, Paddleboard and Gear Rentals
With over 3,000 lakes and 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, the Adirondack Park is a paddling paradise. Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company is strategically located in the heart it all right on the Moose River at the beginning of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
Throughout the year, we host numerous special events at Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company for our customers.
These events feature special sales and promotions on Canoes and Kayaks, Paddling Gear, and Outdoor Gear. Paddlesports Industry Representatives are on hand to answer your questions and give lectures and demonstrations. And of course, these events are a great chance to meet fellow paddlers.
Special Events
MooseFest Whitewater Festival
Shop for Paddling Accessories, Clothing and Gear at our online store or visit our clearance closeout store on eBay!
You don't have to wait to visit one of our stores to shop! We carry a large selection of paddling accessories, clothing and outdoor gear online.
We have five store in upstate New York to serve you. Click for complete store information and maps.
Old Forge Paddlesports: (315) 369-6672
Old Forge Gear & Clothing (315) 369-2300
Old Forge Rentals & Trips: (315) 369-6670
Saratoga Paddlesports: (518) 584-0600
Saratoga Gear & Clothing: (518) 584-3500
Paddlesports Stores
Paddlesports Inventory
Before You Buy
Kayaks Brands We Carry
Canoes Brands We Carry
Paddleboards Brands We Carry
Whitewater Kayak Recommendations
Old Town Sportsman Series
Livery & Rentals Distributor
With the numerous manufacturers and hundreds of kayak models available, how do you know which one to purchase? Determining what you want to do and what type of water you plan to paddle will help you narrow your choices.
Even the most apprehensive of paddlers find recreational kayaks simple and fun because they offer a stable, easy-to-handle, and very affordable option. They are perfect for lazy rivers, as well as smaller lakes and ponds, or along protected shorelines of larger bodies of water.
Ranging in length from around 9 ½’ to 14’, they are wider than their touring counterparts. The cockpit of a recreational kayak tends to be large, making entry and exit easier. Some have very open cockpits that provide room for the larger paddler, extra gear, a paddler plus a small child or pet, or for individuals with physical limitations. Many featurea a stern storage hatch, which provides gear storage for day use.
Recreational kayaks have greater “initial stability,” the degree to which the boat resists that feeling of tippiness when at rest upon the water. It is also a desirable characteristic for paddlers who will be sitting in their kayak for long periods of time.
Touring kayaks, longer length (usually topping out at 18’) and narrower width (approx. 21 to 25”) yield a straighter tracking, more efficient craft that significantly reduces paddler effort when traveling greater distances or contending with stronger wind and wave conditions.
They have better “secondary stability” (resistance to capsize) than recreational models and usually have both a bow and a stern hatch which offer more gear storage for extended trips and serve as flotation chambers. An important safety feature especially in cold water, this allows paddlers to re-enter the boat on open water.
Importance of a Good Fit: A touring kayak that’s too large for the paddler can be compared to wearing the wrong size shoe: If it’s several sizes too large, it’s difficult to walk, much less tackle tougher demands. With smaller cockpits, narrower width and less volume, touring kayaks provide better physical contact between paddler and boat, which results in better control. Most touring models include thigh braces along the inside of the cockpit which further enhance control in turbulent conditions or when leaning the kayak into turns.
Polyethylene (PE): A tough, resilient plastic that can withstand years of use and is of moderate weight and price.
Thermoplastics: Not as light weight as fiberglass or Kevlar composites but have a tougher exterior surface than PE and represent a mid-point between PE and composites in terms of price, weight and durability. Hurricane Kayaks are constructed with thermoplastic, under the trade name Trylon.
Composites: Fiberglass, Kevlar & Graphite are all used, often in combination, to produce the lightest weight. An exterior gel coat offers abrasion and UV protection, but is less impact resistant than PE or Thermoplastic. In addition to reducing weight, composites produce a stiffer hull and dramatically improve glide.
Many models offer a rudder system that is designed to compensate for the effects of wind and waves. Attached by cables to the foot pedals, rudders simplify course adjustments and reduce correction strokes. Greenland or British style boats offer a drop down skeg which aids with tracking but lacks the turning benefit or ability to continually alter course provided by a rudder. Responsiveness to turning in this style kayak is a function of hull design and paddler skill. Generally there is less “drag” with a skeg than a rudder, and paddlers retain their solid foot bracing.
Ultimately your selection will depend on your intended use and your priority of the topics above, but should include an element of your personality and comfort on the water as well.
We offer you the unique opportunity to test paddle several boats to make sure you select a great boat for YOU. Whether you come to one of our stores or to Paddlefest, we’ll assist you to make sure kayaking becomes as much fun for you as it is for all of us.
Old Forge Locations
Paddlesports, Outdoor Gear and Rental Store
2855 Route 28, Old Forge, NY 13420
Paddlesports Shop: (315) 369-6672 ext. 1
Moose River Trips & Boat Rentals: (315) 369-6672 ext. 2
Outdoor Gear & Apparel Shop: (315) 369-6672 ext. 3
Saratoga Springs Locations
Saratoga Outdoor Gear & Apparel Shop
490 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 584-3500
Saratoga Paddlesports Shop
251 Staffords Bridge Road on Fish Creek, Saratoga Springs, NY
(518) 584-0600
Copyright Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company. 2014.
Prices are subject to change with out notice. Call us at (315) 369-6672 to verify prices and availability. Mountainman is not responsible for typographical errors.