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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 by appointment. 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.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
We keep a large and varied fleet at McLean Beach so you can compare across styles and brands. Our current lineup includes:
Oru Kayak Lake
Oru Inlet
Oru Beach
Oru Bay
Oru Coast
Oru Haven
Pakayak Bluefin
TRAK 2.0
Delta 10AR
Delta 12AR
Delta 12AR SOT (sit on top),
Delta 12s
Delta 12.10
Delta 15s
Delta 15.5GT
Delta 16
Delta 17
Hurricane Tampico
Hurricane Sojourn
Liquid Logic Saluda
Perception Expression 115
Perception Carolina 14
Bonafide RS117
Bonafide SS127
Native Slayer Max 10
Native TitanX 10.5
Native Slayer 10 LTE
Pelican Seek
Pelican Argo
Pelican Catch Mode 110.
Not sure where to start? That's what we're here for.
We strongly recommend booking ahead — walk-ins are not guaranteed. Our schedule is based on booking volume and can change day to day, so reserving your spot is the best way to make sure we're ready for you when you arrive.
None at all. Whether you've never sat in a kayak or you're looking to upgrade from something you've had for years, we'll match you to the right boats and get you comfortable before you head out. Our team will be with you every step of the way.
Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet — or bring a change. Water shoes or sandals with a heel strap work well. We provide life jackets and paddles. If you have a specific paddle or PFD you like best, feel free to bring it along to your demo.
Yes — and we encourage it! We offer demos so that you can compare kayaks. You're welcome to try as many boats as you like during your time on the water. Basic bookings are subject to wait times based on availability; semi-private and private fittings have shorter or no waits.
Yes. Your booking fee goes toward any same-day purchase. Basic demos credit $25, semi-private fittings credit $75, and private fittings credit $200.
Each booking includes space for you plus one guest. If you're bringing a larger group, reach out to us at hello@ovap.ca and we'll figure out the best option.
Your safety comes first. If conditions aren't safe — thunderstorms, lightning, high winds — we'll close for the day and contact you at least two hours in advance to reschedule at no extra charge.