Good morning everyone. Can anyone tell me a store where I can purchase a kayak or small boat in the Bern/Thun/Interlaken area? I thought that sports outlets like Migros SportXX would have them, but no luck. I want a kayak to take on Lake Thun. Thanks.

You can save a lot buying a canoe (open) second hand. Watch the weight though. I bought a 4 man which needs 2 people to load it onto the car. Some canoes will take an outboard easily. What do you want to do with it?

You haven't specified, but if just for some light recreational use, have you considered an inflatable canoe?

These seem to be more readily available, with a wide selection of varying sizes, qualities and prices.

Easy to transport - and with more efficient hand/foot pumps or compressors/pumps run from a car cigarette lighter socket - not too much hassle to inflate.

Here's one thread I recall -
WANTED: Inflatable Kayak / Canoe - maybe there is some relevant info. (haven't checked myself).

- but I am pretty sure there have been a few others, if you search the forum.

I bought a Sevylor over 15yrs. ago in California, which has been used in several different locations and conditions, and is still going strong - not as full-on or fine-tuned controllable as a fibre-glass (or equivalent), but is fine, for a bit of paddling.

Every few weeks there seems to be offers on at Aldi, Jumbo, etc - maybe not top quality, but would certainly get you going for not much outlay.

Not looking for anything super advanced. I want something to paddle around lake Thun with my daughter. I have been looking at inflatable kayaks and I may take that route. I also wanted to look at a foldable or plastic kayak that I can daily load on the top of the car. What would be the best store for outdoor sports? I have seen some things here and there, but I wonder if there is a one stop major outdoor store.

Hi ,
I would recommend using Ricardo.ch as they have a few boats on all the time. I've bought my zodiac and canoe on Ricardo with no problems.
Stellacat

Check these out:

http://www.siestaoppi.ch/

ELEKTRO-BIKE SHOP WENGER
BERN, 3608 THUN, WYLERGASSE 4

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http://www.nauticsport.ch/

http://kanuapotheke.ch/shop.html

http://www.kanubern.ch/site10/

I just remembered this thread.

http://www.englishforum.ch/sale-want...p-up-tent.html

That particular brand is wellknown and that model is fine for what you are looking at doing with your daughter. It's also suitable for having fun on grade 1 or 2 river water - not high performing, but generally will take the knocks and bounce off rocks etc.

I have a more expensive touring folding boat, but meant for longer distance touring. For casual , fun paddling in Switzerland, I would tend to go for an inflatable - less parts to have to maintain, with the advantage over a plastic, rigid boat being that you do not have to worry about doing a return trip or having someone do a shuttle for you as you can just hop on a train or bus with the deflated boat.

On the other hand, a good quality rigid touring boat will get you across lakes faster. (prijon, etc)

www.globepaddler.ch has some good bargains at times ( though not at the moment) You may find it useful to visit one of their shops though to get info on what is available, before you buy.

I second the inflatable route: I have two very abused Sevylor inflatables. Repairing them is easy and they are very durable. I would really recommend getting the rigid back rests if you have choice. Mine are work horses and I'm amazed how few times I've had to repair them. Both have survived 3" rips where they've been impaled and dragged over detritus at the bottom of shallow rivers. Also inflatables ride over weirs where rigid canoes drop in.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I whink I will go the inflatable route first and get something heavier duty if needed down the road. Very excited to start paddling the lakes of the Bernese oberland.