HOULTON, Maine — A new southern Aroostook County kayak rental company will help to give locals and visitors access to regional lakes and rivers.
Slated to officially open on Father’s Day, The Riversbend Paddle Co. at 431 Bangor St. in Houlton will launch a new chapter in the region’s outdoor recreation scene, said founder Johanna Johnston, who also leads Southern Aroostook Development Corp.
“One of our region’s greatest untapped resources is its potential for outdoor recreation,” said Johnston. “But access has been a barrier for many. This business makes it easier for people — whether they live here or are just visiting — to get out on the water and fall in love with what southern Aroostook has to offer.”
Following several years in Florida and California, Johnston, who grew up in central Maine, moved to the area to be near her parents, and when she saw the Bangor Street property, she fell in love, she said.
When she purchased her house, situated on three acres on the Meduxnekeag River, four years ago, she thought it would be a perfect place for a kayak business, she said.
Riversbend Paddle Co. will offer 1-hour, 4-hour, and 8-hour kayak rentals with flexible options including on-site launching at the Bangor Street location or convenient delivery and pickup at Nickerson Lake or Meduxnekeag/Drews Lake. The fleet includes four single adult kayaks, a tandem inflatable kayak and a child-sized kayak.
“I am starting small and growing sustainably,” Johnston said.
Whether patrons just want a quick 45-minute river paddle to downtown Houlton or a daylong lake adventure, Riversbend Paddle Co. will open many new opportunities for the region, said Johnston, referring to Houlton Attraction Committee discussions about expanding outdoor recreation in the County.
“The Maine Office of Tourism said that tourists nowadays don’t plan, they just show up and say, ‘What can I do?’” she said. “So we have to make sure we have what they need.”
Johnston, who helps other entrepreneurs launch new businesses through Southern Aroostook Development Corp., also sees her business as a living case study in entrepreneurship and is taking notes on every step to help others.
The corporation’s board members offer free mentoring services, but Johnston wanted that hands-on experience too, she said.
“I’m learning firsthand what it takes to build something from the ground up,” Johnston said. “I believe this will make me a stronger mentor and advocate for other entrepreneurs in the region. Our success is tied together.”
A day before the official opening, there will be a season kick-off party at the Bangor Street location.
The Grand Opening Paddle Party on Saturday, June 14 runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m, with a ribbon cutting at noon. The free event celebrates not just the business launch, but the power of local collaboration with a lineup of partners and vendors that showcase what makes the community special, Johnston said.
It will include kayak demonstrations, live music, a bounce house, photo booth and various foods and drinks for purchase from local businesses.
The kayak rentals at Johnston’s business will be by reservation only. She’s currently taking reservations for the season. Rates range from $25 for a quick trip to $75 for eight hours.
More information is available at riversbendpaddle.com or on Facebook.
