Whats the scoop on Austin Canoe and Kayak? It appears the website has been sold to a company called House and the KATS (fishkats.com) website is for sale. Maybe a victim of covid? Anybody know?

They merged with Summit Sports five years ago. Maybe it was "flip time"? IslandJim

went SS website, got this...
"Summit Sports Is Now Part Of The House"
havent been by the old ACK shop on Burnet but will see if its open soon.
No more KATS then? That would be a shame. Any competition kayak anglers know the score on KATS?

Searched for hobie dealers in austin, they showed ACK. Clicked the link and it went to the House website which only sells 10 off name brands of kayaks?

That sucks. Maybe that will leave an opening for someone else to start up fishing kayak shop in the Austin area. The big box stores kayaks are terrible. Glad I drove down to Houston to pick up my new kayak rather than waiting to see if ACK would have any in stock soon. Guess we know the answer now.

Wouldn't be surprised if they went under. The guys in my local shop are friendly and helpful but I feel there are institutional issues with the business that make them a second tier kayak shop. Looks like I'll have to order from Mariner Sails more often.

Mariner Sails has pretty decent selection. Fishing Tackle Unlimited out of Houston is good too but their web site has been down for almost two months. Still in business but I guess they’re not counting on any online sales right now.

I quit going there (to the Austin store) a while back and started ordering everything for my kayaks. They were always trying to get me to buy from whatever vendor was giving them the most kickbacks. For a while it was Feel Free kayaks, then it was Wilderness (including parts). The installer was always drinking (breath was just a little noticeable) and when he incorrectly installed Boonedox landing gear on a brand new 2021 Hobie Outback that was the last straw for me.

I'm sure material supplies are affecting them just like they are many businesses but my guess is they're losing the battle with online sales.

Checked their web site for the store in S.A. and they are selling a limited amount of some off brand China made kayaks.
If you want a peddle kayak for $1100 I guess that would be a cheap alternative for a starter kayak.
Also a few inflatables as well.
Not the same store by a long shot!
I don't see them to be around very long!

Good explanation in the link below. Always liked doing business with ACK

https://paddlingmag.com/paddling-business/austin-canoe-kayak-closed/

Support your local shops if you can

I kept getting emails from "the House", mostly clothing stuff and I couldn't figure out where they harvested my email account from. Finally made the connection between the now defunct ACK and the House. Thanks

I unsubscribed from "the House" by the way.

Well just like I thought it was institutional issues. Specifically inventory management. Too bad. Hope I never need some plastic welding done.