Need A Roof Rack? The Yakima Winter Rebate Program Is On Now!

Hey There Paddlers,

Are you tired of struggling to tie down your canoe or kayak on your roof? Do you always end up fighting with knots in your ropes or having to continually dig through the trunk of your vehicle for your missing foam blocks? Ever get nervous when a big truck goes by and you can see your boat wiggle in the wind? Well thankfully there's a remedy for these troubling tripping realities, and it's called a roof rack. And it just so happens that Yakima, the industry leader in multi-purpose user-friendly roof racks is offering great rebates over the holiday season. It also happens that Swift is a Yakima dealer, and we've got everything you need to get a roof rack for your vehicle!

Between now and January 15th, 2012, Yakima is offering up to $50 off their racks. Check out Yakima's website HERE or give us a call for more information at 1-800-661-1429.

It's the holiday season folks, get ready for paddling in 2012!

The Great Outdoors/DIY Weekend Show is Going on NOW at the Toronto International Center!

Howdy Paddlers!

Our booth at the show. Pretty nice huh? The neon sign doesn't lie!

Just a quick note that Swift (along with our partners over at Badger Paddles) will be at the Fall Cottage Life/DIY Weekend Show THIS WEEKEND. As in, right now! If you're in the GTA and need something to do this weekend, come on out and get ready for the 2012 outdoor season. Not only are there really great exhibits from a variety of outdoor companies, Swift is offering amazing discounts on in-stock boats and 2012 orders. There's even an indoor paddling pool, an indoor zipline, and there are events and showcases with some of Canada's most interesting outdoorspeople. Check out the details HERE.  Hope to see you there!

The Cottage Life Website:  http://www.greatoutdoorsdiy.com/
Follow Us On Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Swift_Canoe
Join Us On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SwiftCanoeandKayak
Paddling Tips and Tricks: http://www.scribd.com/SwiftCanoe

Swift Is Heading Across America This December, Delivering Boats Along The Way!

This could be under your tree on Christmas morning...as long as you have a really big Christmas tree.

'Sup Paddlers?

Starting around mid-December Swift will be travelling across America delivering boats with the help of our good friends at KAS Transport in Rochester, NY. We've already got stops planned in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and Arizona, but we can (and will!) deliver a boat anywhere in the lower 48 states (excluding Oregon and Washington...sorry guys and gals). So, if you want to get a new Swift canoe or kayak this holiday season now is your chance! We will deliver a new boat direct to you, anywhere in the lower 48, and it's guaranteed to arrive damage free. Orders for custom builds must be made within the next 2 weeks in order to make the shipping date (deadline December 1st), so don't delay! Prices are going up for 2012 so this is your last chance to score a deal on a brand new Swift boat!

We've also got a great selection of 2011 inventory that we need to clear out, so we're offering great discounts on stock boats. For questions/inquiries about availability just e-mail swift@swiftcanoe.com or call us toll free at 1-800-661-1429.

Just add mistletoe. And a paddle. 

*NOTE* U.S deliveries are only available for NEW Swift canoes or kayaks as we are unable to ship used products. The cost of delivery varies depending on location. Shipping cost is based on distance from Ontario headquarters. The maximum shipping cost is $450/boat for West coast (CA) and Southern U.S (AZ, TX, LA, FLA). Give us a call and we'll get you a quote!

It's Movember! Grow Facial Hair and Promote Men's Health!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! No, not Christmas. Even better. It's Movember. And to celebrate this momentous occasion the good chaps over at Portageur.ca convinced a bunch of outdoor companies to grow sweet mustaches. So we are. And you should to. Why you ask? Because Movember is a chance to increase awareness about men's health, and by participating you're doing a small part to help keep other outdoor enthusiasts happy, healthy, and on the move. So let's all get together for a change, shall we?

The other incentive is that you can win awesome prizes from all of the great companies shown above. Click on the flyer above for more information, or check out any one of the sites above for all the details. Oh, and remember this one very important thing....

Growing mustaches can save lives. It really can. It's also awesome. 

Winter Reading Assignment (Kinda, but not really...)

+
= Quality Reading Material

‘Sup Paddlers?

We figured since its looking pretty bleak and increasingly ‘blah’ out there that we’d offer you some delightful reading material to get you through those upcoming difficult, snow-filled months. What can we say, we’re thoughtful like that. It just so happens that we have a growing database of paddling articles that have got some pretty nifty information about stuff like winter storage tips, gel coat repair tips, maintenance suggestions for canoes and kayaks, whitewater outfitting instructions, and a bunch of other cool information I can’t recall right now.

- So if you find yourself sitting by the fireplace, sipping on some hot cocoa and watching the leaves turn, here’s a little reading material to help improve your evening. Just click on over to our Scribd page here: http://www.scribd.com/SwiftCanoe

- We’re always looking for people to submit stuff too, so if you’ve got a cool article or piece about paddling you’d like to share, submit it to swift@swiftcanoe.com and we’ll put it up!

- And if that doesn’t strike your fancy, you can always interact with us and read our various musings about life in paddlesports. That’s all on our Twitter page, which you should totally join. That’s here: http://www.twitter.com/Swift_Canoe

- And of course there’s the token Facebook page, which you should totally “Like.” That will make us friends, and that’s pretty cool. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/SwiftCanoeandKayak

And as always, there’s some pretty hot deals on right now on new and used canoes and kayaks. It’s the end of the season and it’s a buyer’s market out there! Give us a call at 1-800-661-1429 or check our clearance inventory at http://www.swiftcanoe.com if you’ve been saving up your rupees and want to get yourself a nice boat!

The Algonquin Paddlesports Assembly Is Coming Up!

(click for larger version)

(click for larger version)

Hey Paddling Peeps!

The biggest fall event for Ontario paddlers is coming up this weekend! The Algonquin Paddlesports Assembly is back this year, and Swift Canoe & Kayak and Algonquin Outfitters are teaming up to put together an awesome events for paddlers of all types. Not only will there be clearance pricing on everything from canoes and kayaks to tents and sleeping bags, we've got an entire weekend full of demonstrations, seminars, test paddling, and all around fun!

Some of the industry's best paddlers will be coming out to give demos on solo canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, introduction to kayaking, introduction to rowing, and much more. Both Swift and Algonquin Outfitters will be selling off boats at end-of-season pricing, including both new and used canoes and kayaks, as well as camping gear, paddling gear, and all kinds of other goodies.

For more information on the Paddlesports Assembly, check out the links below:

http://algonquinoutfitters.com/evt/event_calendar.html

http://swiftcanoe.com/events/algonquin.htm

Hope to see you there!

You can also stay up to date with all things Swift at the following sites. Join us, won't you?

http://www.facebook.com/SwiftCanoeandKayak

http://www.twitter.com/Swift_Canoe

http://www.scribd.com/SwiftCanoe

Our Annual Fall Sale At Guelph Lake Is THIS WEEKEND!

(Click on me.. you know you wanna)

Yo Yo Yo!

It's that time of year again, Swift Canoe & Kayak will be at the Guelph Lake Conservation Area this weekend (Sept 16-18) for our annual fall demo and sale! If it's got a scratch or a dent it's coming to Guelph and we want you to have it (for a fair and reasonable price, of course ;). We'll be taking down trailer loads of canoes and kayaks in all shapes and sizes, so we're pretty confident we'll have you covered. We've got rental boats, demo boats, big boats, and little boats. We're taking down a large stock of NEW boats too, as well as all kinds of paddling gear (PFD's, paddles, tie-downs, etc). There's FREE test paddling too, so you can try before you buy!

For more information about the Guelph Lake sale click on the flyer above, or give us a call at 1-800-661-1429.

*Note* there is a small entrance fee to the park, all proceeds go to the GRCA.

Good pep talk, see ya out there!

To stay up to speed about Swift events and promos, may we suggest the following:

Wanna check for upcoming events? Click it:http://www.swiftcanoe.com/events/index.htm

Got "the Twitter"? Follow us: www.twitter.com/Swift_Canoe

Got "the Facebook"? Like us: www.facebook.com/SwiftCanoeandKayak

Wanna read sweet paddling articles? Click this:www.scribd.com/SwiftCanoe

Wanna watch sweet canoe vids? Check this:www.youtube.com/SwiftCanoeKayak

We're Starting Early! The Fall Demo/Rental Sale Starts THIS WEEKEND!

So many pretty colors to choose from...

So many sweet boats available...

Stop drooling. Start buying. Save money.

Howdy Paddlers,

We couldn't resist any longer, so starting THIS WEEKEND (Sept 10-11), Swift South River and Swift Georgian Bay will start selling off their used/demo/rental canoes and kayaks. If it's got a scratch or a dent (or "character marks" as we like to call them), then it's on sale and priced to move. This includes rental boats, trade-ins, and demos of all shapes and sizes. We got canoes, we got kayaks, we got rental gear, we got it all. Fall sales season starts NOW!

For more information regarding availability, models, etc, give us a call at:

Swift South River- 705-386-0440

Swift Georgian Bay- 705-538-0881

We'll be putting up new boats on clearance as well, just check out www.swiftcanoe.com and click on the "Clearance Inventory" link on the right hand side. It's like shopping on eBay, except better. New clearance boats are available at all Swift stores, including Swift Muskoka and Swift Algonquin.

And fear not, there will still be plenty of boats available at the Guelph Lake Fall Sale, Sept 16-18th. If you're in Southern Ontario and want to check it out, we'll be at the Guelph Lake Conservation Area starting Friday the 16th until Sunday the 18th. There's free test paddling, gear for sale, and we'll be bringing trailer loads of new and used boats to sell. For more information about the Guelph Lake sale give us a call at 1-800-661-1429. (*Note* there is a small entrance fee to the park, all proceeds go to the GRCA)

Good pep talk, see ya out there!

To stay up to speed about Swift events and promos, may we suggest the following:

Wanna check for upcoming events? Click it: http://www.swiftcanoe.com/events/index.htm

Got "the Twitter"? Follow us: www.twitter.com/Swift_Canoe

Got "the Facebook"? Like us: www.facebook.com/SwiftCanoeandKayak

Wanna read sweet paddling articles? Click this: www.scribd.com/SwiftCanoe

Wanna watch sweet canoe vids? Check this: www.youtube.com/SwiftCanoeKayak

Does "September" Rhyme With "Clearance"? Because It Should!

Buying one of these right now...

Will save you lots of this...

Because we all know money doesn't grow on these...

So you can take the money you save and run like this...

And put your money back in here...

Which is awesome.

The End.

PADDLING PEOPLE!

September is almost here, the season is winding down, the leaves will soon turn the colors of canoes, and just like the sun must rise tomorrow, the boats must sell. So, to commemorate this momentous occasion we're selling off as much as we can to make room for next year. So if you've been a Patient Peter (or Patient Patty if you're female) now is your chance to score. A boat, that is.

We've posted a "Clearance Inventory" for all of our Ontario stores, so head on over to www.swiftcanoe.com and click on the link on the right hand side. Scroll through the tabs at the bottom to see what's available at each of our Ontario stores. If you find a boat you like, give us a call at 1-800-661-1429 and biggity BAM, you've got yourself a boat and scored an amazing deal.

We'll be keeping this up until everything is gone, but don't delay, once they're gone they're gone. And you don't want to be left sulking sans boat until next year, because that's no fun at all.

If you have any questions or want to inquire about a boat, give us a call at 1-800-661-1429 or send an e-mail to swift@swiftcanoe.com.

Make the most of the rest of the paddling season!

Got Twitter? Follow us for updates on sales, events, and hilarious paddling musings when we're feeling cheeky. Hit us up at www.twitter.com/Swift_Canoe. "Like" us on Facebook too, www.facebook.com/SwiftCanoeandKayak. Thanks, you're awesome.

NOTE- All clearance pricing and sales are based upon purchase and pick-up at Swift Ontario store locations only.

The Long Weekend Is Here And We're Here For Ya!

The store hours for the holiday long weekend are:

Swift Georgian Bay

Friday, July 29- 9am-8pm

Saturday, July 30- 8am-6pm

Sunday, July 31- 10am-5pm

Monday, August 1- 9am-7pm

Swift Muskoka

Friday, July 29- 9am-8pm

Saturday, July 30- 9am-6pm

Sunday, July 31- 9am-5pm

Monday, August 1- 9am-6pm

Swift Algonquin

Friday, July 29- 9am-7pm

Saturday, July 30- 8am-7pm

Sunday, July 31- 9am-6pm

Monday, August 1- 10am-6pm

Swift South River

Friday, July 29- 9am-6pm

Saturday, July 30- 9am-6pm

Sunday, July 31- 9am-5pm

Monday, August 1- 9am-6pm

And we've got great savings this weekend too! Wilderness Systems Pungo 120's are on for $799 (regular $925) and we've got aalllll the colors of the rainbow in stock! There's extra incentives for in-stock purchases as well, so be sure to ask a Swift staff member if you stop by this weekend!

Introducing the Newest Member of the Swift Canoe Family: The Keewaydin 16

The official unveiling. Using water instead of champagne of course. It's only fitting.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Paddlers and Purists,

Swift Canoe & Kayak is proud to finally unveil the all-new Keewaydin 16! We've quietly been showcasing this boat at some of our dealers' stores so if you're a real hardcore paddler you might have already caught a glimpse of this new machine, but now it's finally time to present this awesome new canoe it to the masses. The Keewaydin 16 will join it's older brother the Keewaydin 17 as part of our "Touring Canoe Series" and will be an excellent option for trippers who need a boat with diverse capabilities. The Keewaydin 16 is remarkably fast for it's size, so much so that it was dubbed "the rocket" by the R&D boys. Even more, it's got the same keynote features of the Keewaydin 17 with narrower paddling stations, lowered seats, and refined tumblehome. This makes the boat incredibly easy to paddle, regardless of your size or position in the boat, while maximizing efficiency and glide. The Keewaydins are also the first Swift boats to incorporate gradual rocker, a technique utilized by designer David Yost that creates a gradual increase in rocker as you move closer to the bow and stern. This helps to maximize glide by shaping the hull for increased water deflection. That's really just a fancy way of saying the boat cuts through the water like a knife through butter, but hey, it's a good tagline.

The Keewaydin 16 is now available for order and purchase at all Swift stores and Swift dealers. If you'd like to follow the evolution of this boat from prototype to production just check out the links below:

The Building of the Prototype Plug- http://swiftoutdoors.blogspot.com/2010/11/behind-scenes-new-swift-prototype-is.html

The Completed Mould- http://swiftoutdoors.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-swift-canoe-is-coming.html

The First Test with the Keewaydin 16 and Prospector 15- http://swiftoutdoors.blogspot.com/2011/01/sneak-preview-part-v-first-test-of-all.html

THE PHOTO TIMELINE

DY finalizing the shape of the bow during fall 2010

The completed plug arriving at Swift early winter 2011. The plug was then used to build the final mould for production

Test paddling the plug before finalizing mould design. Winter 2011. (and a cold day for paddling...)

The completed mould. Spring 2011.

Bill Swift himself taking the first completed Keewaydin 16 on it's maiden voyage in July 2011

Putting the boat through it's paces

She turns on a dime!

A happy boat builder

If you're interested in checking out the new Keewaydin 16 and are looking for more information, send us an e-mail at swift@swiftcanoe.com or give us a call toll free at 1-800-661-1429.

See you on the water!

MEC Paddlefest is THIS WEEKEND!

Hey there paddling people,

This weekend Mountain Equipment Co-op is hosting it's annual Paddlefest event as Sunnyside Park in Toronto. If you're looking to buy a boat, paddling gear, or even if you just need an excuse to check out outdoor sports and sportswear, come on out! There will be paddling lessons and demos, and if you register online you can take part in all kinds of paddling clinics. You can get all that info HERE. But fair warning, registration closes TONIGHT (Thurs) at midnight!

Swift will be there in full regalia with boats and gear. We'll be in the "Marketplace" and will be on hand to help customers all weekend long. Just look for the big tent with the Swift logo and come say hi! Everything you need to know about the event, from directions to what to eat at the event, is HERE.

Hope to see you there!

A New Swift Canoe Is Coming...

Sneak Preview Part VII coming soon: "Welcome To The Swift Family"

Here's a hint: It's the boat from here http://swiftoutdoors.blogspot.com/2010/11/behind-scenes-new-swift-prototype-is.html

Stay tuned...

The Un-Official Start to Summer in Ontario

While it may not quite feel like summer yet, it's quickly approaching. Of course, we true Canadians know that the May 2-4 weekend is the unofficial start to summer! That means all you paddling people will be loading up and heading to cottages and campsites across the north.



Because we are excited about this, we've extended our hours at all of our stores for the long weekend. We've got everything you need to get out on the water this long weekend so be sure to stop in and say hello. If your timing is right, you may just catch us with the BBQ on!

Swift Muskoka Hours
Friday May 20 - 9am to 8pm
Saturday May 21 - 9am to 5pm
Sunday May 22 - 9am to 5pm
Monday May 23 - 9am to 5pm

Swift Georgian Bay Hours
Friday May 20 - 9am to 8pm
Saturday May 21 - 8am to 5pm
Sunday May 22 - 10am to 5pm
Monday May 23 - 9am to 7pm

Swift Algonquin Hours
Friday May 20 - 8am to 6pm
Saturday May 21 - 8am to 6pm
Sunday May 22 - 9am to 5pm
Monday May 23 - 9am to 5pm

Swift South River Hours
Friday May 20 - 9am to 9pm
Saturday May 21 - 9am to 5pm
Sunday May 22 - 10am to 6pm
Monday May 23 - 9am to 5pm

For more information on our stores, you can find us 24/7 at www.swiftcanoe.com

It's That Time! Swift's Spring Demo & Sale at Guelph Lake!

We'll be unveiling the all new Badger Cub Watercolors paddles too. They're awesome! Check'em out here

Hey There Buoyancy Enthusiasts,

It's that time of year again. Swift will be coming back once more to the Guelph Lake Conservation Area this weekend (Apr 29/30/May 1) for our annual spring demo and sale! We'll be bringing trailerloads full of boats, paddles, PFD's, and all kinds of paddling gear. So if you're anywhere in Southern Ontario and want to come check things out, now's your chance!

We're going to have our trained sales staff on hand to help you find your boat, and there is FREE test paddling. We'll So come on out and hop into a boat and help us jumpstart the 2011 paddling season!

The Details:

Where: Guelph Lake Conservation Area (7743 Conservation Drive, RR#4 Guelph, ON)

When: Friday 12-8 pm, Saturday 9-5 pm, and Sunday 9-4 pm.

What: new and used Swift canoes and kayaks, as well as Wilderness Systems, Perception, Hobie, and Pelican. Paddling gear from brands including Badger Paddles, Kokatat, Harmony, NRS, Fox 40, and more.

Notes: There is a small entrance fee payable to the GLCA. All proceeds go to the Grand River Conservation Authority. Due to the cold water temperatures this spring we do not recommend test paddling with children under the age of 12).

You can check out more information on the Badger Paddles Blog HERE

Need A Little Help Getting That Boat On Your Car?

(this picture should demonstrate our mastery of the art of tie-downs)

'Sup Paddling People?

We were sitting around the shop and realized that with spring coming and all, you're probably getting pretty antsy to go paddling. We know we are (and sitting around the shop isn't helping). And since we have a vast knowledge of all things buoyant we know that getting your canoe or kayak on your vehicle isn't always easy. In fact, sometimes it's a downright pain and can make getting on the water a hassle. So we decided to write down some helpful tips so that you, the joyous paddler, can get out there and ride the waves (or just flat water, if that's how you roll. Pun intended). Check out our database of cool articles over at www.scribd.com/SwiftCanoe and read up on some helpful tips for tying down your boat and getting you where you need to go! You can also read up on all kinds of helpful information about paddling, from winter storage tips, to understanding how to find the right boat for you, to learning how to "speak good boat"!

You can also check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SwiftCanoeKayak and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Swift_Canoe. Join us, wont you?

Come On Down To The Cottage Life Show in Toronto This Weekend!

Our fancy booth at the Cottage Life Show this weekend

Howdy Fellow Swiftians (or is it Swiftinites?),

Our whole crew has made their way down to the International Center in Toronto this weekend for the annual Cottage Life Show. If you're in the GTA (and even if you're not) you should head on over and check it out. You can get all the details at www.cottagelife.com. The Swift instructors will be doing daily demos on rowing and solo paddling, and there are a host of other cool activities that will get you excited for the upcoming summer season! As Bob Barker used to say, "come on doooowwwnn!"

The Details:

Show Information- www.cottagelife.com

Swift Information- http://www.swiftcanoe.com/events/index.htm

Join us on Facebook- www.facebook.com/SwiftCanoeandKayak

Follow us on Twitter- www.twitter.com/Swift_Canoe

Hope to see you there!

Swift Is Coming To Western Canada This Spring!

Hey Western Canucks,

Swift is making a trip through Western Canada in early May, so if you live west of Ontario and have always wanted a Swift boat, but weren't sure how to get one, now is your chance! We'll be heading through Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Yukon, and British Columbia, culminating with stops in Whitehorse and Vancouver. Give us a call if you'd like us to bring a Swift boat on the trip just for you!

Call us toll free at 1-800-661-1429 or e-mail us at swift@swiftcanoe.com for more info!

Rejoice Ye Paddlers- Thy Prospector 17 Is Here!

Hey Paddling People,

Wanna see something awesome? It's the first ever Swift Prospector 17, and it FINALLY arrived at our store today after making the rounds at the trade shows. Doesn't it look nice, all clean and elegant sitting on the rack? Here's another question: don't you think it would look nicer sitting on your dock, or gliding gracefully beneath as you traverse the majestic wilderness? Answer: Yes, yes it would.