We carry a lot of great kayak brands at Ottawa Valley Air Paddle, and we love them all, honestly, we do. But if you ask us which brand holds a special place in our hearts, we're going to let you in on a little secret: it's Delta Kayaks. And the reasons why come down to three things we care deeply about. Where they're made, how well they paddle, and how long they last.

Proudly Canadian, Through and Through

Delta Kayaks are built in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, right here in Canada. That matters to us. When you buy a Delta, you're supporting Canadian craftsmanship and a company that has been perfecting its product on Canadian waters for over 35 years. Every kayak is designed using computer-aided technology and then finished by hand at their facility on the West Coast, where the conditions are about as demanding as paddling gets. If a kayak can prove itself on the BC coast, it can handle the Ottawa River, Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence, and everything our province throws at it.

There's something genuinely satisfying about recommending a product made in this country by people who paddle the same lakes, rivers, and coastlines as our customers. Delta is a Canadian paddling brand in the truest sense.

The Technology Behind the Paddle

Delta builds exclusively using thermoform construction, and that focus on doing one thing exceptionally well really shows. Their kayaks feature an ABS base layer for impact resistance and rigidity, topped with a Solarkote exterior surface that resists abrasion and UV damage while keeping those colours looking sharp year after year. The result is a kayak that is lighter than fibreglass, tougher in impact situations than polyethylene, and better at holding its shape over time. It's a genuinely impressive material choice, and it's part of why Delta kayaks feel so refined on the water.

All Delta models also feature a long waterline and upswept bow for an efficient, dry ride, with flush-mounted hatches and recessed deck fittings that give the boats a sleek, snag-free look. These aren't design choices made for aesthetics alone; they're decisions made by paddlers, for paddlers.

Comfort That Makes You Want to Stay Out Longer

One of the most underrated things about a kayak is how it feels after two or three hours on the water. Delta's Contour II Seat System is one of the best standard seating setups you'll find at any price point. The ergonomic design provides genuine lumbar support, the channel-vented foam cushioning drains and breathes well, and the backrest adjusts easily without any hardware. You can change your seat position without getting out of the boat, which is exactly the kind of thoughtful detail that makes a real difference on a long paddle.

Pair that with Delta's Seadog foot braces and integrated thigh pads, and you have a kayak that fits your body rather than asking your body to adapt to it. Comfort equals confidence on the water, and Delta understands that better than almost anyone.

Scott Paddles a Delta 14 — and That Says Something

Our owner Scott paddles the Delta 14 as his personal kayak, and he didn't arrive at that choice casually. The Delta 14 is a 14-foot touring kayak that weighs in at just 45 pounds, with a moderate V-shaped hull that delivers a genuinely impressive combination of speed and stability. It has a day hatch, generous bow and stern dry storage, and handles beautifully in everything from calm lakes to more challenging conditions. Canoe and Kayak Magazine called it a fine choice in its category, noting that Delta is known for beautiful, well-finished kayaks — and the 14 is no exception.

When the person who runs the shop chooses a kayak for his own paddling, that's not a marketing decision. That's a real endorsement.

A Range for Every Paddler

One of the things we love about Delta is that they build kayaks for everyone. Whether you're just getting started on calm lakes and want something stable and approachable, or you're a seasoned paddler looking for a performance touring boat that can eat up miles and handle rough water, there's a Delta for you.

At OVAP, we carry Delta kayaks across their lineup. Come in and talk to us about which model suits where you paddle, how you paddle, and what you're hoping to get out of your time on the water. We know these boats well, we paddle them ourselves, and we're happy to help you find the one that's right for you.

Browse our Delta Kayaks selection and see the full range of models we have available. There's a reason they're our favourite, and once you get on the water in one, we think they might become yours too. Test one out at our Demo Centre this summer!