Success in business can largely hinge on location and timing. If those are accurate indicators, then it should be smooth sailing for Dave and Juliann Klafehn, owners of the new Braddock Bay Paddlesports. Due to a fire at the former west side hangout Docksiders (316 Manitou Road), the facility became available at just the right time for the couple. Standing out on the deck on a hot summer day watching families paddle up and down the creek, it becomes apparent that Braddock Bay Paddlesports is in just the right place. From the back deck, the water glistens as it carves intriguing paths throughout the local landscape. "People are going to come from a long distance away," said Juliann. "This is fantastic water around here to paddle." Braddock Bay Paddlesports opened May 15 and business has been picking up each day. Visitors can rent kayaks or canoes, sign up for instruction, or buy any equipment associated with either venture. Rentals can be launched from the store or taken to any choice destination. Most customers have opted to launch right from the store. There are several paths to take, including: southwest on Salmon Creek for two miles; a one-mile jaunt on West Creek; and trek northeast on Salmon Creek to Braddock Bay. Dave said visitors are blazing new routes each day. Whichever way one paddles, they'll find virtually uninterrupted natural surroundings, and an abundance of wildlife. "Kids always come back with their eyes bugging out of their heads because they can't get over how many turtles they've seen," Juliann said. "Some have literally spotted 50 turtles on their way." Juliann said both she and Dave were concerned at how business would impact the local environment. They were shocked to see that, thus far, business has been beneficial to the local waterways. "Almost everyone who goes out comes back with some debris that they found on their journey," Juliann said. "It is great to see people taking care of the water." The couple enjoys providing instruction to first-time paddlers. They also have a real niche with youth, as Juliann is a physics teacher at Hilton High School. The Klafehns believe that kayaking, or canoeing, makes for quality family time and that was the hook for them. They were first introduced to kayaking while on vacation in Old Forge about five years ago. Since then they have traveled to places including South Carolina, Michigan and Maine to kayak. Their three children Alex, 15, Joe, 13, and Bailey, 5, have all taken to kayaking. Dave, a 1978 Hilton High School graduate, has spent his life in Hilton and the Klafehns have made the lakefront their home for more than 20 years. Before starting Braddock Bay Paddlesports, Dave owned an injection molding company in Rochester. The couple's newest venture is really a dream come true. "This has really been a treat for us," said Juliann. "We spend a lot of time here, but it is a great place to be. We are blessed to have really good kids." Juliann jests that a perk of the job was supposed to be the commute. Dave said he would kayak back and forth to stay in shape. However, the nine-mile ride has yet to seem inviting after a long day's work. Braddock Bay Paddlesports is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached by calling 392-2628. |
Above: Juliann and Dave Klafehn, owners of Braddock Bay Paddlesports, say that when the weather's good, business is great. They are pictured taking a bit of a break by some of the Kayaks they rent to boaters.