I just want to officially say a huge public thank you to Charles over at Aquasports.

The word is official and public, but many might or might not know that Charles as of Monday will be closing AquaSports down.

Before another word is said I want to publicly thank Him, personally and as a business. Charles supported our events big or small every year and season with the largest contributions of any sponsor, he would help gather support and consolidate product for us with absolutely no requests for recognition. He wanted to run a good business but he always has and most likely will care about this community more. What not a single person knows is that on multiple occasions he offered to fully fund the operational costs of this website "no strings attached" didn't want a banner or ad space or anything, just wanted to see it continue as a free community tool for everyone.

Do not fret, the doors will remain open under a not so new name. Those that are into other forms of paddling may have heard of Cascade Canoe and Kayak a local business that deals mainly in Flatwater paddling, rentals on Lake Washington, classes etc.. They will be the new name and outlet for whitewater supplies in our area!

http://www.canoe-kayak.com

So while we are glad to have a new business to serve our needs, we say goodbye to a very very supportive business to this regions paddling community. The good news is that we will now get to paddle with Charles, free from his bondage of retail rigor, I am sure he will be frequenting the banks of your local river.

I will release my soapboxing and let others chime in to say thanks !

Thank you Charles!
You sold me my 1st whitewater kayak, it was a few years ago and I cannot thank you enough for your initial advice or more importantly the support you have always given to the ww paddlers.
Thank you again for your many years of service and advice.
Tobin

Thank you Charles. You're advice on boats and gear throughout the years was invaluable. I remember buying my first Wave Sport Evo from you when i was about 12 years old and learning how to roll on the powerhouse. Hopefully I'll see you out on the river more now!

David

Cascade Canoe and Kayak Centers has been serving paddlers in the Seattle area since 1997. Our instructional programs have focused on Sea Kayak Touring, Canoeing and Youth and Adult Flatwater Racing as well as providing the area with two Lake Washington rental locations, Cedar River Park in Renton and Enetai Beach Park in Bellevue.

This past year Cascade has expanded to include Whitewater and Stand-up Paddling. This move has introduced Cascade Paddle Sports, a title that more accurately encompasses our desire to provide the Greater Seattle Area with a complete paddle sports resource.

Aqua Sports owner, Charles, has decided that it's time to spend more time on the river and less time sitting behind the counter, he's decided it's time to retire. Charles is a great friend of Cascade Paddle Sports and I'm sure you'll continue to see him around the shop from time to time. Cascade Paddle Sports will take over operations of the Aqua Sports retail shop and move our Renton retail shop to the Redmond location.

We look forward to meeting and becoming friends with all of the paddlers that supported Charles over the years and promise to continue to provide quality gear, a knowledgeable staff of paddlers, and expert instruction.