Dealer Profile: Eb's Source for Adventure

We are thrilled to feature another one of our fantastic Western Canadian dealers, Eb's Source for Adventure in Saskatoon, SK, proud Esquif Canoes, Kokatat Watersports Wear, Seals Sprayskirts, Werner Paddles and Jackson Kayak dealer.

Thanks to staff member, Edith MacHattie for the writeup!

Eb Fass and James Briens, photo: Saskatoon Star Phoenix

Eb admits that if he knew what retail was all about before he opened his store in 1973 it may never have happened at all.  Being an enthusiastic sailor and cross country skier, he had found it almost impossible to find equipment for these sports in Saskatoon – thus he decided to take on the job himself.  “I had to learn the retail aspect of the business from the ground up,” Eb confesses.  “It certainly was a learning experience.”

 

Kevin and James, photo: Edith MacHattie

Since those early days, “Eb’s” (as it is affectionately called) has become a hub for local outdoor enthusiasts.  Ownership changed hands in 1996 to James Briens and Kevin Robinson, both of whom had been working for decades with Eb.  True to Eb’s original philosophy, James and Kevin only sell products for activities they are personally involved in, and all of the staff they hire are chosen for their passion for outdoor adventures.  When you come into Eb’s you will find genuine, welcoming staff with firsthand knowledge of the products they sell.  Most of them are actively involved in the local ski and boating communities as recreational club members, competitive racers, coaches, and board members.  

Eb’s influence on Saskatchewan’s sporting scene was significant.  He was instrumental in the formation of several sailing clubs, very involved in promoting cross country skiing in the province, and was the one who spearheaded the formation of Eb’s Trails in the Nisbet Forest, an hour north of Saskatoon.  The store has remained a focal point for local outdoors people – it’s the place where connections are made and maintained, boats rented, trips scheduled, kayak lessons and waxing clinics hosted, and public and private boat demos planned.  

 

Eb’s staff, photo: James Briens

Come on in and join the community!

For more information on upcoming events please contact the store at 1-888-652-0385 or access our new website at www.ebsadventure.com.

Dealer Profile - Wilderness Supply

One of the things I want to do to keep my blog going through 2013 (it was a New Year's Resolution to start one in 2012) is to feature shops in Western Canada that I work with, and Outfitters for that matter.  That's a hint to all my outfitters ;)

These Dealer Profiles will tell readers a bit about the great shops we work with throughout our territory and ideally entice people to go check them out, either in person or on line.

We are super happy to feature Wilderness Supply in Manitoba as our first Dealer Profile!  I have been working with this crew since the late 90's when I was at North Water and they are a proud Esquif Canoe, Kokatat Watersports Wear, Seals Sprayskirts and Werner Paddles dealer.

Special thanks to Buffy Cowtan at Wilderness Supply for answering all my questions.

Wilderness Supply opened  in 1995 with a small, family-runstorefront on Winnipeg’s Ferry Road.  Theirmom-and-pop outdoor gear store soon became a place worth traveling to, withemployees who spent as much time using gear as they did talking about it.  In 2004 they opened a second location inThunder Bay, ON, and have been growing ever since, expanding their original FerryRoad store and opening a second Winnipeg location.  In 2009 ownership of the store was passedfrom founders Frank and Jan to their son-in-law Rick, who has continued thefamily tradition with a focus on quality, tested gear, experienced staff, andknowledgeable customer service.

Ferry Rd. in Winnipeg - photo: Rick Shone

The staff love the outdoors as much as theircustomers—which gives them a great opportunity to get out and test gear forthemselves!  Whether customers want aguide through their first sleeping bag purchase, to discuss the finerdifferences between GORE-TEX and Dry-Q, or just to chat about weekend paddleroutes from the city, the staff are happy to help.  Their experience comes from a combination oflistening to their customers and their own passion for the outdoors. There are lotsof places to earn a paycheque – the staff work at Wilderness Supply because they love theoutdoors, and are excited about helping others get out and enjoy themselves!

Wilderness Supply Team - photo: Buffy Cowtan

Knowledgeable staff and a local focus bring people to Wilderness Supply.  Their customers appreciate that they will go the extra mile—if they don’t see what they’re looking for in store oron the website, they will work to help them find that perfect piece of gear.  Wilderness Supply's commitment to their local communities findsthem hosting and sponsoring a variety of events around Winnipeg and Thunder Bay,from climbing competitions and film screenings to food drives and communityfundraisers.  With all their growth, theyhave never lost that ‘small store’ feel, and they take pride in being the bestresource for local gear, knowledge and support in their communities.

Speaking of being involved in their community, Wilderness Supply is very involved in Adventure Racing.  For those of you interested in this aspect of outdoor pursuits check call them for information on The Donkey races.  For 2013 the Ice Donkey race will take place February 10th, the Dirty Donkey race will take place August 17th and the Swamp Donkey race will takeplace September 21.  Pain in the Assiniboine is June 23rd. 

Also watch their website for in store events like their annual tent salein June and the rental/demo boat sale in September.

*****thanks Frank, Jan, Rick and crew for all your business over the years, it's been a real pleasure!!!*****