When you look up quickwater in the dictionary, the first definition that pops up is “the part of a stream that has a strong current.”
And for those canoers and kayakers out there, that’s music to their ears when it comes to navigating a river. It requires a lot less energy in the paddling department and can make for one crazy ride. It’s also kind of like when we bust out our rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.”
So when Aaron and Denise Constant decided to reopen their riverside business on the Merrimack last year off Hannah Dustin Drive, they wanted something to generate more traffic to their website and better represent what they’re all about. No offense to the former name, Hannah’s Paddles, but after taking close to a decade off, it was time for a change.
“We didn’t want to sell the business,” Aaron Constant said. “We had an opportunity to reopen it in 2013, and we didn’t want to be Hannah’s Paddles anymore because it was known just for rentals.”
The rebirth of the business last summer, now famously known as Quickwater Canoe & Kayak (or at least it will be famous after everybody reads this story) not only took on a new name, but an expanded role in the water flotation device game. When it was Hannah’s Paddles, it offered a variety of trips down the river, and while that’s still the case, the number of options available has grown, now including a retail establishment to fit just about any water sport enthusiast’s needs.
“This year we brought on more boats on the rental side and more products on the retail side,” Constant said.
Prior to the business taking a hiatus in 2005, canoes were the hot commodity. But things have changed, and now kayaks and stand up paddle boards are the rave and the Constants have made sure to stock up.
So if you’re a seasoned paddler or someone going out on the water for the first time, Quickwater has something for you. For trips down the Merrimack, there are three options available: there’s the 5-miler ($35) that will take about two hours; the 10-mile float ($40) can last anywhere from three to four hours; and for the adventurous types who want to spend upward of six hours on the river, there’s the 15-mile jaunt ($45). The previously listed prices are for single kayaks and paddle boards, but it’s only an extra $10 for a tandem kayak and canoe, which can comfortably fit three average sized adults or two Bonner brothers.
“The 15-mile trip has more expertise involved,” Constant said.
The trips run Tuesday through Sunday, and here’s how it works. You can make a reservation for a canoe, single kayak or tandem, or paddle board – or just show up and take a chance there’s a boat available. Choose the length of the Merrimack you’d like to see and show up at the time that works best. Shuttles run every hour, on the hour, to drop you off up the river for your trip back to Quickwater.
“Weekends are our busiest,” Constant said. “We highly recommend reservations.”
The 15-miler begins at Franklin High School, the 10-mile trip sets sail at the Merrimack County Nursing Home, and Welch Park is the starting destination for the 5-mile quest. But just so you know, because the boats need to be off the water by 4 p.m., the 15-mile trips only leave at 9 and 10 a.m., while the last 10-mile shuttle is at noon and 2 p.m. for the fiver. You can even bring the family dog.
“We are dog friendly as long as the dog is friendly,” Constant said.
But if a trip down the river isn’t your cup of tea and you’d rather just go out for a quick hour or two, there’s that option as well. Since Quickwater is located right on the river with a little beach, you can rent a canoe, kayak or paddle board for $16 for the first hour and $5 each hour after that, and they’ll even give you a little demonstration.
“Our business is about selling the experience and not the product. We always try to lead people in the right direction,” Constant said. “We want people to have a good time. It’s our job to understand their needs.”
And whether you’re looking for a new watercraft to call your own or want to take one on that family vacation this summer, the Constants can help with that, too.
“They can just stop by and pick up a canoe, kayak or paddle boards and take it with them,” Constant said. “They can take it anywhere they want to go.”
They’ll even transport your canoe or kayak to one of the starting points, so you don’t have to set up a confusing two-car drop system, for a small fee. There’s also a chance for a few special paddles for the fall.
“We’re hoping to do some foliage trips,” Constant said.
For more info, visit quickwatercanoe.com
