Jon Kahn’s light-bulb moment—when he realized that kayaking and outdoor adventuring would be lifelong passions that he would pursue—came at the age of 11 on a family rafting trip on the San Juan River. A lot has happened for Jon since then, from working as a rafting guide and kayaking instructor to earning a degree in Chemistry. But they all culminated in the founding of Confluence Kayak & Ski, a downtown mainstay that has been serving the Denver community for more than 25 years.
“After moving back to Denver in 1994, I decided to start a kayaking school,” says Jon, owner of Confluence Kayak & Ski. “At the time, the Confluence Park boat chutes had just been rebuilt and had really improved kayaking on the South Platte River. It seemed like a great opportunity to open a kayaking and outdoor recreation shop, and so a partner and I took the leap.”
Today, Confluence Kayak & Ski shares the sport of kayaking with Denverites and visitors alike. The business has also expanded to be a comprehensive adventure hub, equipping eager participants with gear and rentals for aquatic fun such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), rafting and tubing. If you want to stay dry while exploring Denver, they also rent bikes and Onewheel electric skateboards. In the winter months, the shop converts to a full-service Alpine and backcountry ski shop.
“I think there is a lot of pent-up demand for people to get outside and to travel this summer,” Jon says. “We are excited to see visitors coming to Denver again to enjoy the amazing access to so many outdoor activities that we have.”
Ready to be equipped for your summer 2021 adventures? Here is a quick round-up of some of the unique outdoor gear you can find at Confluence Kayak & Ski.
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Inflatable Kayaks
A great option for camping with their easy packability, inflatable kayaks continue to evolve in performance and sophistication. Newer high-performance boats include drop-stitch technology for increased stiffness and speed.
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Inflatable SUPs
Easy to travel with and store, inflatable SUP boards are stiff, high-performance, and ideal for diverse paddleboarding adventures. SUP is an activity that’s growing immensely because it’s so family-friendly and easy to share as an adventure.
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Onewheel
One of the shop’s best-performing products, Onewheels represent an exciting new way to explore on-road and off.
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Drysuits
This specialty water wear is perfect for hard-core outdoor enthusiasts whose paddling seasons start well before summer.
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Rescue Gear
From throw bags to pulleys, carabiners and more, safety gear is essential to ensuring an optimal outdoor experience.
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Guidebooks
Seeking inspiration for your next outdoor destination? The shop’s vast selection of guidebooks can help you peruse and choose your next adventure pit stop.
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LavaBox Portable Campfire
The product of a new Denver-based start-up, this is a portable campfire that’s equally at home on the river, car camping or even on the patio.
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Kayaking Basics
When it comes to its roots, the shop offers the full suite of gear you need to be outfitted for kayaking, from boats to paddles, life jackets, helmets, spray skirts and cold-water gear.
