Virginia's Paddlesports Specialists · Since 1977
The Right Boat.
The First Time.
Fitted, rigged, and ready — chosen with people who actually paddle.
The PaddleVa Boat Finder
Not sure where to start? Let's find your boat.
Answer a few quick questions and we'll match you to the right boat — for your body, your water, and your budget. The way we would in the shop. No jargon, no wrong-boat regret.
Find your boat
Find your people
Shop by how you paddle
Rec & Family
Stable, forgiving boats for calm water and good weekends.
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Fishing
Rigged pedal & motor boats, built to haul.
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Whitewater
Nimble boats for moving water and rapids.
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Touring & Sea
Go the distance on open water.
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SUP
Stand-up boards for flatwater and fun.
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Canoes
Classic craft for the family and the haul.
Explore →Why PaddleVA
We'd rather you buy the right boat than the expensive one.
Bob Taylor started with one boat and the Appomattox River. Since 1977 we've done one thing — fit paddlers to the right boat. We didn't follow the sport. We helped build it.
The Crew
Real people who paddle — guides, anglers & whitewater.
Authorized dealer for Jackson Kayak · Hobie · Old Town · Wilderness Systems · Native Watercraft · Pyranha · Dagger · NRS · Werner · YakAttack
Authorized dealer for
Staff Picks
Loved by paddlers like you
Not a catalog dump — a short list our team actually stands behind.
Astral Loyak Men's Shoe - Clearance
The Astral Loyak is a low volume, high performance shoe providing durability, superlative grip, and...
Yakattack Omega Rod Holder
The YakAttack Omega Rod Holder is a truly universal rod holding solution —...
Esquif Adirondack Lite Canoe
The Esquif Adirondack Lite is designed in the tradition of classic Adirondack pack canoes...
Crescent CK1 Venture Kayak
The CK1 Venture is an 11-foot, high-capacity throw-and-go kayak built with an emphasis...
Build your kit
Your build sheet.
Choose each piece — pictures, options and prices update your spec live. Then continue to fitting & delivery.
Boat
Your spec match — swap if you like.
Customer Favorite✓Old Town AutoPilot 120 Fishing Kayak
The Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot is a high-end,...
Customer Favorite✓Dagger Axis 12.0 Crossover Kayak
📞 Call 1-800-442-4837 for shipping information and pricing....$1,219.00
Customer Favorite✓Old Town Vapor 10 Kayak Sunrise - Clear...
Compact with a lot of volume — that's...$419.00Paddle
Lighter shafts mean less fatigue on long days.
Customer Favorite✓Aqua Bound Aerial Major Carbon Cranksha...
Go bigger, harder, and further with the most...
Customer Favorite✓Werner Journey 1pc Canoe Paddle - Clear...
The Werner Journey is a classic single-piece canoe...
Customer Favorite✓Old Town Standard T-Grip Canoe Paddle
The Old Town Standard T-Grip Canoe Paddle is...PFDs
Required on the water — pick your comfort level.
Customer Favorite✓Astral Indus PFD
Whitewater athletes continue to push the sport on...
Customer Favorite✓Astral EV-Eight PFD-Closeout
The Astral EV-Eight is the world's first breathable...
Customer Favorite✓Stohlquist Woman's Brook PFD
The Stohlquist Brook is a comfortable, women's-specific life...Learn before you launch
Learn before you launch
Free, honest help from people who paddle — no jargon walls, no sales pitch.
Used vs. new kayaks: Which option gives you the best value in 2026?
Buying a kayak in 2026 doesn't always mean choosing the newest model. Used kayaks can offer excellent value, while new...
10 costly kayak buying mistakes to avoid before you spend your money
10 min read
How to choose the right fishing kayak: 7 features that actually matter
9 min read
5 best kayak types for different water conditions: flatwater, rivers & ocean
10 min read
Kayak vs. Canoe: Which one is better for fishing, family trips & recreation?
10 min read
Keep reading
More guides & how-tos
Chestnut Canoes: How a Canadian Classic Still Shapes Today’s Canoes
A look at the wood-and-canvas heritage that continues to influence modern canoe...
How to Choose a Canoe: Canoe Buying Guide for Beginners
If you’re wondering how to choose a canoe, the best place to...
Types of Whitewater Kayaks
Whitewater kayaks are highly specialized craft designed to respond to turbulent currents,...
Essential Items for a More Comfortable Day on the Water
Paddling is a rugged sport, but we have plenty of gear to...
Paddlesports PFD vs. Boating Life Jacket
A PFD, or personal flotation device, is the broad safety category that...
Open now · 9–5
Come visit us.
Our Main Street showroom is a real place, with real people who paddle. Sit in the seat, get fitted in person, or just come talk boats.
Visit
614 North Main Street, Farmville, VA 23901
Hours
Trusted by Virginia
Trusted by Virginia paddlers since 1977
Great company. Colton was very helpful in selecting a great paddle. Very knowledgeable.
You guys rock — super fast shipping and my kayak got to my doorstep without a scratch, packed with care! I'm already recommending you to all my kayak friends!
Kayak delivered without a scratch! Really appreciate the extra effort your company put into packaging it for shipment. The video and email with instructions on receiving the shipment were very helpful.
Loving my new kayak and the experience at Appomattox River Co was wonderful! Thank you!
Completely blown away by how nice and friendly the customer service was. I needed Yakima racks for my RAV4 and they knew exactly what I needed. The most selection I have ever seen!
Their inventory blew me away — I've never seen anything like it. The staff was super helpful and friendly. Well worth the 2½-hour drive; I'll happily go back for my next purchase.
Let's get you on the water — in the RIGHT boat.
50 years of fitting paddlers to the perfect boat. Summer's finite — your turn.
