Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (Grassroots) is pleased to announce that NuCanoe has joined our organization as a Vendor Partner.
NuCanoe started as an idea. Tim Niemier, founder of Ocean Kayak, wanted to put “a billion butts in boats.” This idea led to the innovative NuCanoe design that enabled people to do things on the water fish, hunt, row, dive, crab, paddle, or just relax.
The first NuCanoe was built in early 2006 while NuCanoe was still part of Tim Niemier’s Wild Design business. By the fall of 2006, Tim partnered with current owner Blake Young to create NuCanoe, Inc. an independent business that would move forward with the NuCanoe vision. Blake did not know too much about canoes or kayaks then, but he did see the opportunity for a watercraft that just about anyone could use for just about anything. With the growth of kayak fishing, kayak hunting, stand-up paddleboarding, and “staycations”, that opportunity has turned into reality.
NuCanoe, Inc. is based in Bellingham, WA. They take great pride in the quality of their products and build lasting relationships with their customers, dealers, suppliers, and employees. NuCanoe boats are roto-molded in Ashtabula, OH. More than 95 percent of the parts and accessories that go into their boats are made in the USA.
“NuCanoe is committed to providing innovative products, building strong relationships with our customers, and selling exclusively through specialty retailers,” said Young. “Partnering with the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance provides the ideal way for our business to grow in harmony with these objectives. We look forward to a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship with Grassroots.”
John Williams, co-owner of Pack & Paddle and a member of the Grassroots Paddle Committee was excited to hear about NuCanoe coming on board as a Vendor Partner. “We started carrying NuCanoe two years ago. To be honest, I wasn't even sure we would sell the few boats that we originally brought in. The Frontier has caught fire and become one of our best selling fishing models. Blake has been very supportive of our events in the past and great to work with. I am excited to have NuCanoe on board with Grassroots and look forward to seeing more of our members tap into the success we've seen with the line. Blake and his wife Deanna are what we in South Louisiana call ‘good people’. We look forward to working with them even more as a Grassroots Vendor Partner.”
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance has 45 members with nearly 100 retail locations across the United States. Grassroots unites independent outdoor retailers as a strong voice to protect and promote the experience of outdoor enthusiasts across the United States.
