Link to original story with video: https://www.kxnet.com/video/explore-701-with-missouri-river-kayak-rentals/7866823/
Author: Sandy
Digital Original: KX News Interview 4-27-20
How a ND kayaking business takes precautions during the pandemic
Link to original story with video: https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/digital-original-how-a-nd-kayaking-business-takes-precautions-during-the-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR2GDPCiJXO7x46fWjgldAhEbkuZNQ37j9bt5KHMsU0vcq7j48oKcG5YSMQ
Despite the shutdown, one watersport business is still open. Meet Sandy McKay, owner of Missouri River Kayak Rentals.
This kayaking business began about 12 years ago when this water sport was just beginning to become popular and there were no rental places in the area. It began with only six kayaks and has bloomed from there.
Missouri River Kayak Rentals is located in Pick City. Trips usually begin at the tailrace area between Pick City and Riverdale, ND. From there, you can paddle downstream to places like Stanton, Washburn, Cross Ranch, Steckle Landing or go on to all the stops in Bismarck. Those include places like Misty Waters, the Lewis and Clark boat ramp, Fox Island and the Desert.
McKay says she’s had groups from one person up to 42 people. In a normal summer, she rents kayaks out to around 200 people, depending on the weather.
She says this year should be no different. Due to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines, plenty of businesses are closed, but hers is not. McKay tells us kayaking is the perfect opportunity to get out of the house and get on the water while keeping a safe distance between you and your family and friends.
McKay is taking precautions by cleaning and disinfecting her kayak rentals before and after use to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We will alternate our kayaks. I have enough kayaks where we can sanitize, clean up and the kayaks can sit for a 24-hour period. We will put half of them in and when they’re done for that day, we will do the exact same thing. Take them out, sanitize them, get everything ready, take the fresh ones out the following day,” said McKay.
Right now, McKay says she can put about 45 people in the water.
“I have about 35 kayaks and six tandems. A tandem rents for $65 for the whole day, kayaks are $45 for the whole day,” said McKay.
Original Story by Nicci Johnson | KX News Posted: Apr 27, 2020
Kayaking Through an Unprecedented 2020
While this website is by no means a blog, I wanted to reach out to update you all with the future of 2020. As we all know, up to now, there is a COVID-19 pandemic racing across our nation and our world. While this has called for many closures of businesses as well as social distancing regulations, this does not mean we will be stopping our kayak rentals in North Dakota for the summer unless we are mandated. Currently, we are open and unaffected by the coronavirus.
The benefit of the great outdoors is that… you are OUTDOORS! Away from people and socially distanced is a benefit of kayaking that many enjoy. We are ready to help you social distance this summer!
Our transportation, if needed, may look a little different but we are willing to work with you however needed to make sure your kayak rental experience is a great one. We will also be thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting our kayaks, paddles, and life preservers after every, single use. If you feel safer bringing your own, as always, please do!
We will try to update our Facebook page with any changing information throughout the next few months if/when needed. For any questions regarding our status this spring, summer, and fall, give me (Sandy) a call at 701-880-8894 to discuss what we can do to help you enjoy North Dakota’s great outdoors.
– Sandy
Welcome to Missouri River Kayak Rentals!
Hi everyone! I am Missouri River Kayak Rentals’ owner and founder, Sandy! As a longtime lover of the outdoors, I am so thrilled to be able to share my passion of North Dakota’s great outdoors with all of you. Though this started as a passion project of mine, I have come to enjoy each and every story that comes across my kayaks.
From bachelorette parties, to kayakers renting from many different states and countries, I love sharing my passion with all of you. Kayaking on any lake or river or steam or pond is not only a way to become one with nature, distress, unplug and get back to your roots – but it is also such a great way to connect with friends and family – really connect, without social media – paddle to paddle, heart to heart. It is a great way to have fun, to stay fit and active, to have an ADVENTURE!
Will you join me? Where will the river take you?!
– Sandy
