In 2009, Simon Coward and his equally adventurous business partner and wife, Nikki, took the plunge and acquired AQ Outdoors (formerly known as Aquabatics). With Simon already a seasoned hand in managing the kayaking school, and with Nikki by his side, it seemed like the perfect fit. They figured owning the business would keep Simon hooked on the outdoor scene while providing a steady backdrop for their growing family. Proudly rooted in Southern Alberta, they've built some solid bonds, and owe a big thanks to everyone in the river community who has helped shape AQ Outdoors into what it is today.

Along the way, they brewed up a couple more brands like Splitboard HQ, Roof Racks Calgary and Roof Racks Edmonton, even venturing up north to open AQ Outdoors Edmonton branch. Fast forward to today: Simon and Nikki are now parents to three mini rippers, and the AQ Outdoors staff & ambassador team has grown to almost 50! The grassroots paddling store is still dishing out excellent service, fun and educational courses, and industry leading products.

We're more than just a team—we're a tight-knit crew of paddlers and friends. Rooted in our shared love for the outdoors, we bring our passion for adventure into everything we do. You won't find any corporate stuffiness here; we're down-to-earth, honest, and always up for a good laugh. If you own a cam strap belt, a pair of old chacos, or a sunbleached cap that should have been retired 5 years ago, you've found your tribe with us.

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For us, it's not complicated.
Supporting and enriching the paddlesports and outdoor community is at the heart of everything we do here. We offer accessible education, premium products from like-minded brands, and we foster meaningful connections through programs and initatives. As we grow, we remain focused on building real connections with our customers, suppliers, and the wider community. Our shared passion and firsthand experiences are what bring us all together.

At AQ Outdoors, community outreach isn't just a box to check—it's at the core of what we do. Through our partnerships with organizations like the Calgary Centre for Newcomers and Hull Services, we aim to make paddlesports accessible to all, including newcomers and families in need. We support events like the ForeAbility Golf Tournament to back the vital work of Rocky Mountain Adaptive. Our partnerships with groups like the Paddle Junkies Kayak Club and associations such as Alberta Whitewater Association and BC Whitewater highlight our ongoing commitment to fostering a thriving paddling community.

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Knowing we are far from perfect and acknowledging that it has taken our industry a little while to catch up, at AQ Outdoors, sustainability isn't just a buzzword. We understand the significant impact of partnering with manufacturers who prioritize planet-conscious production methods. That's why we proudly collaborate with industry leaders like NRS, Immersion Research, Astral, and Level Six, who are at the forefront of environmental and social initiatives in our industry.

In addition to our supplier partnerships, we take proactive measures in-house to minimize our environmental footprint. Our annual Boat & Gear Swap, a tradition spanning over two decades, encourages customers to re-use and re-purpose gear, keeping it in circulation and out of landfills. We also embrace "ugly" packaging to reduce waste, opting for reusable materials whenever possible.

Most importantly, we believe in the power of community to drive positive change. By fostering a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts and river stewards, we're indirectly contributing to a more environmentally conscious culture.