About Us

The Kansas City metro areas largest inventory of in-stock kayaks, canoes and SUPs

In addition to a large inventory of in-stock canoes, kayaks and SUPs, KC Paddler has a large selection of in-stock gear and accessories.

Kansas City Paddler, established in 1996, has been the premier paddlesports shop serving the Central Midwest region for the past 18 years.

Kansas City Paddler, located in Peculiar, Missouri, just minutes south of the Kansas city metro area features a 300 boat inventory representing 20 canoe/kayak/SUP manufacturers as well as an unmatched selection of paddling gear. (Contact Information)

Owner Lynn Lyon and staff are committed to assisting customers in selecting a canoe/kayak that meets the specific need and budget of the individual paddler. You can even begin the selection with our online Meet your Dreamboat program.

Kansas City Paddler strives to ensure satisfaction on the water with the purchase of a canoe, SUP or kayak.

The Kansas City Paddler Instruction Program is expanded -- offering canoe, SUP and kayak clinics.

Lynn Lyon has a particular passion for introducing children and youth to paddling as a means of fostering a sense of independence and enhanced self-esteem in preparation for the "River of Life."

Lynn has established a paddlesports program for urban youth in the greater Kansas City area. This program provides an opportunity for these young people to experience the joy and support of being connected to nature as well as experience a sense of confidence and pride as they start to explore new horizons for their lives.

The Paddlesports Industry Association awarded Lynn Lyon the 2007 PIA Award in recognition of his on-going efforts to involve children and youth in paddlesports as well as the continued commitment of Kansas City Paddler in supporting paddlesports in the central Midwest region.

Come paddle with us.

	KC Paddlers Diary . . . Stories of the Water
	On a recent kayaking excursion, we thought we’d paddle the clear water (by KS standards) of Lake Wilson and paddle the coves where limestone bluffs are found. We stayed at the famous Midland Hotel in Wilson where some of Paper Moon was filmed. Unfortunately, the wind the day we were there was howling and much too high to enjoy open water kayaking. The proprietors of the hotel were kind enough to shuttle us and our boats to a stretch of the Smoky Hill River that they had recently run by canoe. In that part of Kansas, the river only crosses private property so without their help, we’d have never found a place to put in or take out. The Smoky Hill was running pretty good for a Kansas river and sand bars and overhanging trees were pervasive so this made navigating the river more than just a float trip. Coupled with the “swift” water, it made the paddling excursion very enjoyable even though it was a bit short. The river snakes through so much protection in this area that the high winds typical to this area were not a problem. We really enjoyed running the river in our Wilderness Systems Tsunamis that we bought from Lynn at the Peculiar store. The Wilson Hotel is a very quaint place to stay although the town of Wilson, like many small KS towns, is struggling to stay alive. Tom and Heddy, the gracious hosts of the hotel really saved this trip for us. At the time we stayed there, the hotel had just changed hands and the restaurant wasn’t yet open, however I’ve recently read that it is now up and running. Paddler: Streve and Reea L. Kayak: Wilderness Systems Tsunamis Optional Equipment: Rear Rudder Trip Location: Smokey Hill River near Wilson, Kansas. Kansas City Paddler wants to share your story on our website. Click here to share how you enjoy your KC Paddler canoe or kayak.