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🎥 Watch the video below to see how our Demo / Fitting works—and find the right path to your paddling journey.
Find Your Perfect Fit – Before You Buy
Choosing the right kayak can be the difference between a frustrating outing and an unforgettable day on the water. That’s why Ottawa Valley Air Paddle offers a dedicated Demo / Fitting Centre—so you can test out kayaks and SUPs before making a decision. We're proud to be the only outdoor recreation shop in the Ottawa area that lets you try before you buy.
We offer our full lineup of kayaks and paddleboards to test, so you can feel confident you're making the right choice. Whether you're after a high-performance touring kayak, a lightweight thermoform, an open water sea kayak, a beginner-friendly paddleboard, or a feature-packed fishing kayak to help you catch the big one—we’ve got it ready for you to try on the water.
No guesswork. No compromises. Just expert guidance and hands-on experience to help you find your perfect match.
The Demo Centre is open select Thursdays through Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm, depending on availability. Because our schedule is based on booking volume and is subject to change, we highly recommend reserving your time slot in advance. Walk-ins are not guaranteed.
Select Your Demo / Fitting
Basic
$25Per Booking
Select Date & Time2 Spots: You + 1 Guest
10-15 mins with Kayak Fitter
Basic product guidance and recommendations
Up to 45 mins of on-water time
Try as many kayaks as you'd like
Wait times based on kayak availability
Credit Towards Purchase: $25
Semi-Private
$99Per Booking
Select Date & Time2 Spots: You + 1 Guest
20-30 mins with a Kayak Fitter
Needs assessment, product guidance
Up to 75 mins of on-water time
Try as many kayaks as you'd like
Short wait times based on availability of product
Credit Towards Purchase: $75
Private Fitting
$399Per Booking
Contact Us2 Spots: You + 1 Guest
2 full hours of undivided time with our top Kayak Fitter
Needs assessment, product guidance, + customization options
Up to 2hrs of on-water time
Try as many kayaks as you'd like
No wait times - guaranteed
Credit Towards Purchase: $200
WEATHER POLICY:
At Ottawa Valley Air Paddle, the safety of our guests and staff is our highest priority.
In the event of severe weather conditions—such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, thunderstorms, or lightning—the Demo Centre may be closed for the day. If your scheduled demo is affected, our team will contact you at least 2 hours in advance to reschedule your appointment at a convenient time.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all paddlers.
Jenn S.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’m SO glad I did the demo because I ended up choosing a completely different kayak than I had originally planned, the Delta 12S, and I couldn't be happier with it! I was so impressed that I went straight back to the shop after the demo to make the purchase.
Honestly, I can’t recommend them enough. Every single person we interacted with was helpful, kind, and clearly passionate about what they do. They’ve got the customer service game down. Don’t hesitate to go see them, you’ll be in great hands!
Duncan C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A couple of weeks ago, I participated in one of OVAP's Demo Days and had a tremendous experience. It was so good that I drove away that afternoon with a new orange Delta 12.10 kayak (and Wilderness Pungo paddle).
I'd been looking for a new kayak for months with little success and after googling kayak sales in the region I decided to reach out to OVAP through the website.
Scott and Lana were very approachable and receptive to my many questions and specific needs (I have a few physical limitations including Parkinson's Disease). I felt very comfortable with them and encouraged to challenge them with my specific concerns. I love my new boat - it's comfortable, light and fast.
Eas S.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I attended an ORU folding kayak demo and was very impressed by how thorough and informative it was. The team was welcoming and friendly, and I especially appreciated the easy access to the water, which allowed me to test the kayak firsthand. That hands-on opportunity was one of the deciding factors in my purchase. The in-store service was equally excellent. Attentive, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the process. A first-rate experience all around.