Try our boats For FREE before you buy them at our Demo Centre
Come and see us at our demo centre at McLean Avenue Park on Saturday and Sundays
Book a Free DemoOVAP Demo Days
Join us at Ottawa Valley Air Paddle for our exciting kayak demo days! Whether you’re struggling to choose between several models or you're completely new to kayaking and need some guidance, our demo days are the perfect opportunity. We encourage you to visit our store to discuss your options with our knowledgeable team. If you’re unable to visit, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email, and we’ll help you narrow down your choices to two models for testing.
We offer a chance to test paddle many of our popular kayaks and paddleboards at McLean Beach in Arnprior. Please note that we currently do not provide demos for most inflatable kayaks. However, models like the Advanced Elements AirVolution series and the Wilderness Systems iATAK are available for demos. Make sure to sign up in advance through our calendar to ensure that your preferred kayak is ready and waiting for you. After you submit the sign-up form, a member of our team will contact you to confirm your kayak selection and the details of your demo.
2024 Schedule
May 18, 2024 | Mclean Beach, Arnprior | 11 am - 3pm
May 19, 2024 | Mclean Beach, Arnprior | 11 am - 3pm
June 1, 2024 | Mclean Beach, Arnprior | 11 am - 3pm
June 29, 2024 | Mclean Beach, Arnprior | 11 am - 3pm
July 6, 2024 | PADDLEFEST, McLean Beach, Arnprior 11 am - 3pm (no need to book demos, just show up!) demos will be done on a first come, first served basis.)
July 13, 2024 | Mclean Beach, Arnprior | 11 am - 3pm
July 27, 2024 | Mclean Beach, Arnprior | 11 am - 3pm
August 10, 2024 | Mclean Beach, Arnprior | 11 am - 3pm
August 31, 2024 | Mclean Beach, Arnprior | 11 am - 3pm
September 21, 2024 | Mclean Beach, Arnprior | 11 am - 3pm
September 28, 2024 | Lake Wilcox, Richmond Hill | 8:00 am - noon *booking required*
If available, customers can schedule a 1-hour private demo. OVAP will provide transportation for two boats, and a staff member to accompany you to the lake. A $150 fee applies. $75 of that fee is transferable to the purchase of a new boat within 30 days.
**Not to be combined with sale pricing. Demos do need to be booked in advance to ensure staff and boat availability.
Available Boards & Kayaks
Check out some of the products you can try on location
Common Questions
You can just walk up, but we suggest you book a time. Demo bookings will get first priority over walk-ups, and if we have to close the demo centre due to weather or another extreme factor, we can contact you to let you know.
We account for approximately 10-15 minutes of water time per boat that you are trying. We don't place a hard stop on the trials, but this is not intended to be a kayak rental.
Yes, we provide PFDs, safety kits, and the paddle and kayak for trial. If you would like to bring your own equipment to use, you can also do that.
Yes, our on-site staff are trained to help you select the right kayak or paddleboard for your skill level and the type of paddling you want to do.
If you decide to purchase a kayak on site, we can often send it home with you that same day. In some cases, the kayak needs to be ordered in from a supplier, and our staff member will be able to provide you with an approximate timeline.