We really like this store and are amazed that it is in Alexandria! We bought 6 kayaks from the store over the past few weeks. The employees will help you load it up. I don't think the employees kayak any. The employees didn't know much about kayaks, but that was ok with us. What we did was to look and sit in the kayaks we liked. Then we went home and looked up reviews and mfg. webpages. This was really super helpful. I got a good feel for what a fair price was. Dunham's sale prices were good, and I don't think they can be beat by anyone else. They do not have sales on Fri and Sat, BUT if you go to their webpage and click weekly circular, you can download a 20% off coupon which is real close to sale price. They also have a 30 day price guarantee, so if you come back on a day within 30 days they will refund you the difference with your receipt.
We really liked all the kayaks that they have on display and how readily they are to touch and feel. When you go to Walmart, they are up high and it would be a huge deal to look at one. We will probably buy either two more kayaks or one canoe, and I know we will be back to Dunham's to get it. We are tightwads and are on a strict budget, so this was a big deal for us to spend so much money.
We bought 4 of the Old Town Vapor 10 kayaks, and they are great! Easy to get in and out of with the large cockpit, and they are very stable. Also, the nice handles at the front and rear are great for running the straps through. We also bought a Pelican and an Old Town Otter, which worked fine for the kids who got them. Kayaking is a great sport that really doesn't cost you more money over time once you have them. Just load them up, paddle and have fun!!
more