Ottawa Valley Air Paddle

06/19/2026

Sometimes the weirdest directions lead to the best places.

This one was absolutely worth the drive, the paddle, and the portage. Have you experienced Barron Canyon?

06/19/2026

"A product page can tell you specs. A demo shows you what it actually feels like on the water."

A kayak can look perfect online. It can have great reviews, the right colour, the right price, and all the features you thought you wanted. Then you sit in it on the water and realize something feels off. Maybe it feels too tippy. Maybe the seat doesn't support you the way you expected. Maybe it turns beautifully, but it doesn't track as straight as you had hoped. Maybe it is technically the right kayak, but not the right kayak for you.

The best way to actually see if you like the kayak you're purchasing is to try it out on the water first.

Buying a kayak? Learn why testing one on the water helps you choose the right fit, comfort, stability, and performance before you commit.

06/18/2026

🛶 Brand Spotlight: Oru Kayaks!

Some brands you carry because they fill a gap in your lineup. And then there are the ones that feel like part of your story. For us, Oru Kayaks is the latter.

Scott had been following Oru since their Kickstarter campaign back in 2012, long before we ever imagined opening a shop. The idea was bold and brilliant: a fully functional, high-performance hardshell kayak that folds flat like origami and fits in a bag. He watched the brand grow for years, quietly hoping that one day we would get to try one out.

When we started OVAP in 2018, we began where most people would not expect... with paddleboards. But in 2021, the Oru Inlet came through our doors, and just like that, we sold our very first kayak. 🧡 That boat holds a special place in our hearts, and so does every Oru we have sold since.

More than four years later, Oru is still our number one selling kayak, year over year, without exception. Our customers love them, our community loves them, and honestly, so do we. We love them so much that we use Oru Kayaks on our guided tours on the Rideau Canal! 🌊

So what makes Oru so special?
Founded in San Francisco in 2012 by Anton Willis, Oru Kayaks was built on the idea that getting on the water should not require a truck, a roof rack, or a storage unit. Using an ingenious origami-inspired folding design, Oru boats are made from a single sheet of double-layered corrugated polypropylene that is lightweight, durable, and genuinely fun to paddle. Setup takes just a few minutes, and the boats perform far beyond what you would ever expect from something that folds flat.

From calm lakes to coastal touring, Oru has a boat for every paddler, and we carry the full lineup right here at OVAP. Come see them in store at 67 Madawaska Street, Arnprior, try one at our demo centre at McLean Beach, or shop at ovap.ca! 🍁

06/17/2026

Would you rather paddle a sit-on-top kayak or a sit-inside kayak?

Sit-on-top kayaks are easygoing, stable, and great when you want to hop on, hop off, and enjoy a relaxed day on the water.

Sit inside kayaks give you that classic paddling feel, with more protection from wind and splashes, plus a cozy cockpit for cruising longer distances.

Both have their place. It really comes down to how you like to paddle.

Which one is your favourite?

06/16/2026

Fireworks from the water? Now that’s a core memory. 🎆🛶

Thank you, Alexi, for sharing such a wonderful review of your kayaking experience on the canal during our Kaleidoscope Kayaking tour!

There’s something pretty special about paddling through calm water while the sky lights up above you. Peaceful, stunning, and totally unforgettable.

We’re so happy to hear the experience felt organized, easy, and memorable from start to finish. That’s exactly what we hope for every guest who joins us on the water.

Thank you for paddling with Ottawa Valley Air Paddle. 💛

06/15/2026

Your Oru Kayak just became even more adventure-ready. 🛶🎒

Our Product of the Week is the Oru Pack, built to help you carry your Oru Kayak farther, easier, and with way less awkward “how am I carrying this?” energy.

Perfect for hiking into remote launch spots, travelling with your kayak, or keeping your Oru setup simple and organized, this rugged pack features padded shoulder straps, a comfy hip belt, extra handles, mesh paddle pockets, and compression straps for extra gear.

Compatible with the Oru Beach LT, Bay ST, and Coast XT. We also have the Oru Pack for Lake & Inlet available.

Oru Pack
Now on sale for $209.97
Save $69.03

Because the best paddling spots are not always beside the parking lot. 🌲🌊

06/14/2026

Never lose your sunglasses to the lake again!

This week in Gear, Explained, we’re looking at Cablz Zipz: a simple, low profile retainer that keeps your sunglasses secure while you paddle, fish, hike, boat, or spend the day outside.

Made with coated stainless steel wire and high grade silicone ends, Cablz Zipz are lightweight, adjustable, and designed to fit comfortably under hats, hoods, and helmets. Cinch them up when you want your glasses snug, or loosen them so they can rest around your neck when you don’t need them.

Small piece of gear. Big save when the wind picks up or your glasses almost take a swim.

Have you ever lost a pair of sunglasses on the water? Scott is guilty of losing at least 1 pair to the Madawaska River.

06/13/2026

Only 6 solo tickets remain for Kaleidoscope Kayaking! 🎆

Our Canada Day glowing kayak adventure is almost sold out.

Tandem kayaks are now SOLD OUT, and we only have 6 solo spots left for this unforgettable evening on the water.

Join us on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, as we launch from McLean Beach in Arnprior and paddle into the sunset aboard our LED lit Oru Kayaks. We'll float along the Ottawa River before making our way toward the marina docks for a front row view of Arnprior's Canada Day fireworks display.

This beginner-friendly paddle is approximately 3 km round trip and includes:

✨ LED lit Oru Kayak rental
✨ All required safety equipment
✨ Guided group paddle
✨ Local history and stories
✨ An incredible water level view of the fireworks

📅 Wednesday, July 1, 2026
⏰ 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
📍 McLean Beach, Arnprior
$79 solo

Once these last 6 tickets are gone, this event will be completely sold out.

Reserve your spot today: ovap.ca/tours