When Kitt purchased his first kayak, he was happy with it until he tried some different boats. Then he realized the sales person that he dealt with did not have the technical knowledge to fit him to the right kayak. Kitt decided there was a real niche in the Syracuse market for a shop that specialized in kayaks. At the time, kayaking was just coming into its own as an outdoor activity just about anyone could enjoy. The shop opened with 6 boats, representing 2 manufacturers, and 24 kayaks were sold that first year. Kitt became known as “that kayak guy in Camillus” since 1998, the Camillus Kayak Shop has outfitted hundreds of kayakers from all over Central New York. The Shop now stocks over a hundred boats, year-round, representing a variety of leading kayak manufacturers.

The purpose of the Camillus Kayak Shop is to make sure that every buyer is fitted to the kayak that best suits their body-type, skill level, and lifestyle – the equipment that will best ensure their enjoyment of kayaking. Many customers return to purchase a second or third kayak, not because the first one was unsatisfactory, but because they enjoyed it so much that they want another one for a family member or friend, or their skills have improved such that they want to expand their kayaking activity into racing or physical training.

As the sport of kayaking became more and more popular, Kitt and his wife, Kathy, recognized a common desire in their customers to paddle with other kayakers. They began contacting their customers for the purpose of meeting every Sunday to paddle and socialize. Out of this endeavor came the CNY Kayak Club. From 4 paddlers on the first outing in July 2000, to 40 to 50 on average in 2002. Every year since it opened, the Camillus Kayak Shop has added new kayak lines, inventory, and has kept pace with the continually improving kayaking accessories. In 2001 the shop began offering kayak rentals, and in 2002, weekend and week-long rentals were popular, as more folks stayed closer to home for their vacations.