Everyone enjoys the classics: pedal boats, kayaks, canoes. Now let’s skip a gear and switch it up for something new.
The classic idea of pedaling your boat has just taken a massive leap forward, thanks to Red Shark Bikes. They’ve combined all the aquadynamic speed and stability of a stand-up paddle board and added a highly efficient cycling system to it: it’s all the fun, but with speed to boot!
The result is a fast, fun, completely new way to get out on the water – and get a bit of low-impact exercise at the same time.
“When we saw these, we knew we had to bring them to our customers,” says Kim Arnett of Indian River Trading Company, the area’s only distributor of Red Shark Bikes. “They are absolutely insane and so much fun!”
The 13-foot inflatable board has a fibre-reinforced core for maximum strength and stability. Mounted on top is a high-efficiency cycling setup, featuring a 1:10 ratio gearbox connected to a prop mounted on the underside of the board.
All metal components are either aluminum or stainless steel – this is a quality water cycle that is built to last.
“We offer two different models – the Enjoy and the Fitness,” says Kim. The Enjoy is aimed at every level of cyclist – and even non-cyclists – who just want to get out on the water and have a good time. The Fitness is for keen cyclists who want to extend their workout onto the water.
Both models come with a set of interchangeable props (two for the Enjoy, four for the Fitness) to let the rider customize their ride. They’re steered with a straightforward rudder, and you can pedal in forward or reverse for maximum maneuverability.
“We’ve been out on them ourselves, with our staff, and everyone is just having a blast on them!” says Kim. “They’re just fantastic.”
GoBoat
The Red Shark isn’t the only innovative vessel at Indian River this summer. Check out the GoBoat, which may well be the most stable floating platform on the water.
“You know how you sometimes look at a new product and think ‘why didn’t I think of that?’” says Erin of Indian River. “The GoBoat is one of those. An inflatable disc with an electric motor? Brilliant!”
The inflatable disc is made from Aircore composite drop-stitch material, so it’s tough and highly puncture-resistant. Mounted on top is a super-comfortable seat – including a double version that has enough room for two friends to share.
A nearly silent 35-pound-thrust electric motor and an onboard battery drive the boat forward at an impressive 8 km/h, and steering is just a matter of rotating the handle.
Depending on the battery you choose, you can enjoy up to 8 hours of run time before you need to plug it in and recharge: plenty of time to explore all the hidden nooks and crannies of the lake.
Back on land
Sooner or later, of course, you need to come back to shore. That’s when you’re going to appreciate having some comfortable and stylish furniture waiting for you.
Indian River has a long history of supplying high-quality furniture made from recycled plastic. Our classic Muskoka chairs, of course, and so much more. “We have pub sets, dining sets, recliners – if you want to sit outdoors, we have what you need,” says Kim.
It’s all heavy-duty – so it won’t blow off the dock. It’s designed to stay in place, all four seasons. Since all the products are made from recycled material – and made in Ontario – there are some pretty serious green credentials at play here.
Whether you want to stand out, or blend in, they have a plethora of colours to choose from: something for everyone and every property.
One long time customer uses the iconic red chairs as a landmark. Their guests just look for the red chairs on the boathouse roof when arriving by water.
No matter what you’re looking for, Kim adds, Indian River can make it happen. “We are your cottage lifestyle store.”
TEXT A. Wagner-ChaZALON
www.IndianRiverTradingMuskoka.ca
