Demand for outdoor sports gear waning after pandemic boom - Action News
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Ottawa

Demand for outdoor sports gear waning after pandemic boom

After an abrupt spike in demand for outdoor sporting equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, sporting goods stores in Ottawa and the Outaouaissay business is gradually returningto pre-pandemic levels.

Water sports equipment now back in stock, but supply chain woes will continue to hamper bike sales

Canoes wait to be rented at Expditions Wakefield in Chelsea, Que. While demand for new paddle sport equipment has declined, the market for rentals remains strong. (Alexander Behne/CBC)

After an abrupt spike in demand for outdoor recreationequipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, sporting goods stores in Ottawa and the Outaouaissay business is gradually returningto pre-pandemic levels.

Businesses selling equipment including bicycles, kayaks, canoes, golf clubs,and even home fitness gear such asdumbbells and barbell plates, saw unprecedented demand during the early phase of the pandemic.

That demand, combined with supply chain problems, meant that many items were out of stock for months.

"It got very busy very quickly," saidBill Burton, who works at Ottawa Valley Canoe & Kayak. "Demand skyrocketed."

Bill Burton at Ottawa Valley Canoe & Kayak says demand 'skyrocketed' at the start of the pandemic as families struggled to find activities amid lockdowns. (Alexander Behne/CBC)

Becausetravel wascomplicated and often onerous during the pandemic, and with summer camps and other activities for children and youth in perpetual limbo, families flush with unspent vacation money turned to the great outdoors, Burton said.

Demand declines as restrictions lifted

This year, however, the buying frenzy for outdoor sporting goods is subsiding.

"It's like the Gold Rush," he explained. "The Gold Rush was great, but it calmed down."

Vicki Schouten was worried about the future of her business at the start of the pandemic, but instead found herself 'sold out of just about everything.' (Alexander Behne/CBC)

VickiSchouten, owner of Expditions Wakefield, nestled on the bank of the Gatineau River, is having a similar experience with her business.

She initially feared having difficulty staying afloatas businesses were ordered closedin an attempt to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

Instead, she saw an unexpected spike in business.

"We went from being very nervous about the future to trying to manage people's expectations," she said. "The first summer [of the pandemic] we essentially sold out of just about everything."

Supply shortagespersist

Schouten addedthat while demand remains strong for paddle board, canoeand kayak rentals, sales of those items have begun to slow down.

"A year ago, you couldn't buy a canoe, or kayakor paddle board," she said. "Now there are some available."

Bicycles and bike parts are a different story, andSchouten saidshe expects the shortageswill persist for at least another year.

It's the same situation just to the south in Chelsea, Que.

Tim van Dyke, director of alpine ski racing at Kunstadt Sports, saidthe local chain's Chelsea location saw demand go "through the roof" as early pandemic lockdowns left people with few options for leisure aside from exploring the great outdoors.

Now things have hit "a plateau," van Dyke said.

Tim van Dyke of Kunstadt Sports says lingering supply issues leave his business 'at the mercy of the global supply chain.' (Alexander Behne/CBC)

He points out that poor weather in the region to kick off the summer has been a contributing factor. There have been few good days for cycling, the most popular activity in the region during the summer months.

Difficulty getting inventory has forced van Dyke to plan much further ahead than before.

"We're forecasting two years out to secure those inventories," he said. "[It's] a huge challenge."

To compensate for the supply shortage, van Dyke saidthe Chelsea location has increased its focus on servicing bicycles.

Technician Austin Upper works on a bicycle at Kunstadt Sports in Chelsea, Que. The store has increased its focus on service and repairs as supply of new bikes has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. (Alexander Behne/CBC)

Interest in group activities rebounding

While demand for new equipment may have diminished, interest in exploring the great outdoors is holding steady, and the desire for group activities is increasing.

Rob Burnfield, president of the Ottawa Outdoor Club, says memberships are returning to pre-pandemic numbers as people once again feel comfortable participating in group activities. (Alexander Behne/CBC)

The Ottawa Outdoor Club organizes a variety of activities for its members including canoeing, cycling, skating on the Rideau Canal and even urban walks.

Rob Burnfield, the club's president, saidhe would expect roughly 200 members in an average year. That number dropped to roughly 100 during the pandemic, he added, but is now bouncing back.

"Our numbers have definitely climbed back up," he said. "We have people who are young, people who are old. People just seem to really enjoy it."

Corrections

  • A previous version of this story incorrectly spelled VickiSchouten's name.
    Jul 07, 2022 9:26 AM ET