After just over three decades in the paddlesports business, Clavey Paddlesports, based in Petaluma, Calif., is throwing in the towel. Owner Jeff Kellogg posted that he is “headed for the sunset,” thanking all of their customers, friends, and associates for all of the years of support.” He made the announcement along with one touting clearance sale pricing, with plans to shutter the longstanding paddlesports retailer by spring. “The shop has been a huge part of our lives, and we’ll miss all of the customers who’ve become friends over the years, but we’re ready to move on,” he says. “We’ll be around for a few more months getting rid of inventory etc., so stop on by and say hi. With luck you’ll see more of us on the water in the coming year.”
We caught up with Kellogg for more on the state of the industry, his future plans, and what made the shop so successful over the years.
Paddling Life: When and why did you start Clavey?
Kellogg: Clavey Equipment (the original company name) was a rafting equipment distributor that was owned by a river outfitter. I was hired as sales manager in 1989, and put together a deal to buy the business along with a partner in 1994. It was renamed Clavey River Equipment, and as our offerings expanded—we diversified into kayaks, sups, tours and lessons—it became known as Clavey Paddlesports…