Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Rivera.
Hi Rick, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a workout and outdoor enthusiast. While visiting family in Annapolis, MD a few years ago there was a kayak at the lake house we were staying at so I started kayaking in Chesapeake Bay every morning/afternoon and fell in love with it. Not only was it a great workout I found it very meditative being out on the water. I bot a kayak as soon as I got back and incorporated kayaking into my workout routine but was also going out just to see the natural surroundings and relax on the water. The idea for Clear Creek Kayaks (CCK) came about from so many people coming up asking if where we rented them, did the park rent them, etc.
Eventually, we thought maybe there’s a need here…and that’s how CCK was born. We are a mobile kayaking rental service that meets renters at the various launch sites and we bring everything needed so renters just need to show up. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to kayak. Reservations are required since we need time to set up at the requested launch site. During the year, we partner with the City of League City to offer kayak rentals/services at city-sponsored events. League City has an official 6-mile paddle trail with several launch sites along the creek. We also launch from other public launch sites in the Clear Lake area. We strive to make kayaking a fun and easy experience for all ages and fitness levels. Our 1st rental was July 2020 so this July marks the start of our 3rd year in operation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The idea and start-up came about very fast, within a couple of months we were offering rentals. I have a very simple/small setup that allows me flexibility and mobility. The City of League City and the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce have been very supportive since they are wanting to highlight activities along the creek and draw more tourism to the area. Since this is more a “labor of love” and not relying on it for my livelihood the struggles have been minimal. The biggest hurdles have been recognition/visibility and the seasonal aspect of this type of business. There was a lot of time at the beginning trying to figure out the most cost effective way to start and run the business. After taking into consideration the area, time spent at various parks gauging traffic/interest and the cost of a permanent set up the mobile service we offer was what we decided on. Weather is the biggest variable. Heavy winds and/or rain can cause delays/cancellations.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have a regular 9-5 job, kayaking is something I love and what I do in my “spare” time because I believe in health and fitness and love nature and the outdoors. It makes me proud when people tell me what a great time/experience they has kayaking. I think what sets me apart is I’m doing it mostly for fun and not just to make money. This is not something I am going to make a lot of money at but I get satisfaction from meeting great people who are looking to have fun and I’m basically getting paid to workout…what a deal!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Regular physical activity, an overall healthy diet, meditation and stress relief through exercise and being in nature help me be my best.
Pricing:
- Minimum 2 kayaks to make a rental
- 2 hr rental $45 +tax per kayak
- 4 hr rental $70 +tax per kayak
- Guide fee-same cost as kayak
Contact Info:
- Website: www.clearcreekkayaks.com
- Instagram: Clear Creek Kayaks
- Facebook: Clear Creek Kayaks
- Twitter: Clear Creek Kayak
