On April 25 and 26, WaterDog Outfitters is turning a familiar part of its business into something much bigger.
The shop has always encouraged customers to try kayaks and electric bikes before buying. But this time, it is not just about testing gear. It is about bringing the entire experience together in one place, with the people who know the products best.
A Bigger Stage for a Proven Approach
WaterDog’s Kayak and E Bike Demo Days will take over Covell Park, creating a hands on environment where attendees can explore, compare, and test a wide range of equipment side by side.
For owner Steven Crooks, the difference this year is scale.
“This is our first annual, all inclusive demo weekend, where manufacturer reps from all parts of our business will attend,” Crooks said. “We have done similar events in the past, but nothing this extensive involving all lines at WaterDog Outfitters.”
That expansion turns what is usually an in store experience into a full event. Instead of trying a limited selection, visitors will have access to multiple brands, models, and setups all in one visit.
Direct Access to the People Behind the Products
One of the biggest shifts is who will be on site.
Manufacturer representatives from leading kayak brands like Native, Bonafide, Old Town, Crescent, and NuCanoe, along with electric bike companies Magnum, Euphree, and Aventon, will be available throughout the weekend.
That means attendees are not just trying equipment. They are having real conversations about fit, performance, and use.
“Along with having our manufacturing reps on hand to answer all questions, we have rented Covell Park, giving us more space for customers to look, touch, and demo all of our bikes and kayaks,” Crooks said.
WaterDog staff and members of its fishing team will also be on hand to help people get comfortable, whether that means getting in and out of a kayak or understanding different bike options.
Finding the Right Fit, Not Just Making a Sale
At the center of the event is a simple idea. These purchases matter, and getting them right matters even more.
“This event is for anybody looking for a kayak or electric bike,” Crooks said. “We understand that these items are a huge investment and something that should not be taken lightly.”
That mindset is where WaterDog separates itself from online retailers or big box stores. The goal is not to move inventory. It is to help customers leave confident in what they chose.
Crooks summed it up with one of the shop’s core phrases.
“Butts in seats,” he said. “Bikes and kayaks are not a one size fits all piece of equipment.”
The expectation is not that attendees will find the most popular option. It is that they will find the right one for them.
A Space Designed to Test and Compare
The location plays a key role in making that possible.
Set along the Hart Montague Trail and at the White River boat launch, Covell Park offers immediate access to both riding and paddling environments. Attendees can move between different models, test them in real conditions, and make direct comparisons.
WaterDog has expanded into the park with tents, additional space, and support throughout the area to make the experience easy to navigate.
For those exploring more specialized options, like fishing kayaks or pedal drive systems, that ability to test in real time becomes even more valuable.
What to Expect This Weekend
In addition to the demos, the event will include food trucks, safety equipment, and multiple parking options near WaterDog Outfitters, the White Lake Chamber of Commerce, and along Hanson Street.
From there, it is a short walk down the bike trail to Covell Park.
For Crooks, the most exciting part is not any single product. It is what the event allows people to do.
“Simply having the ability to try out our entire kayak and bike line all in one space,” he said.
Why It Matters
For anyone considering a kayak or electric bike, the biggest challenge is often uncertainty. Online research can only go so far, and recommendations do not always translate to personal fit.
This weekend is designed to remove that guesswork.
Instead of hoping something works, people can experience it for themselves. Instead of choosing based on someone else’s opinion, they can make a decision based on their own.
And in a purchase where comfort, performance, and confidence all matter, that difference can shape the entire experience long after the event ends.
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