From snacks to kayaks: Here's what you can buy at Montgomery Whitewater's on-site store
As thousands of people from across the South and the nation descend on Montgomery Whitewater this summer, one thing is certain: They're going to need stuff.
The site's outfitter store is working as rapidly as the nearby flowing waters to stock everything visitors might be looking for — from sunscreen and sunglasses, to clothing, to specialty gear.
"It’s part gift shop, and part outfitter store," said Reeve Irvin, Montgomery Whitewater's operations director. He was overseeing efforts to fill the shelves before a soft opening of rafting and kayaking adventures at 1100 Maxwell Blvd. The grand opening is set for July 7-9.
Navigating Montgomery Whitewater's two artificial river channels during 90-minute rafting rides is a calorie burning exercise. If you need something to munch on while you’re out before going to eat at nearby Eddy’s Restaurant and Bar, Irvin said they’ll have snacks on hand.
“Our goal is definitely for folks to have an option," Irvin said. "For folks to show up, grab a water, have some kind of grab-and-go option, and be able to walk back out on the facility and refuel.”
The outfitter store and Eddy's are the only options for eating on the grounds — no outside food or drinks are allowed.
Want souvenirs to remember your adventure? They'll have them with Montgomery Whitewater-branded merchandise like hats, shirts, water bottles, mugs and stickers.
Need something to enhance your outdoor game? They've got that, too, with apparel and accessories from outdoor brands like Marmot, Patagonia, Cotopaxi, Astral, Teva and Chaco.
“On top of that, we’ve got a pretty robust footwear selection,” Irvin said. You can rent shoes there as well.
That's important for any water guests who show up wearing Crocs or flip-flops, neither of which are allowed on the whitewater channels because they'll fly off.
“You need something that has a good heel strap on it," said Dave Hepp, CEO of Montgomery Whitewater. "We’re treating this just like if you were to go rafting in a natural setting, where you’ve got to wear shoes so you don’t kick rocks or get hung up on anything.”
There's also whitewater specific equipment like life vests, skirts, carabiners, helmets and more. Irvin said it’s geared specifically to whitewater adventures.
“Outdoor lifestyle apparel and a little bit of outdoor gear," he said. "We have some hammocks and some chairs, and our paddling equipment.”
Want to really step it up and buy a whitewater kayak? Those are for sale, too. You may even be able to "test drive" one.
The outfitter will offer “demo” kayaks for guests who are competent Class II-IV kayakers and want to try some of the newer brands. Guests will still have to purchase a $25 kayak day pass to get out on the water, and this is only for regular kayaking — not slalom.
What you won't find at the store are tobacco products, e-cigarettes or vaping devices. There's no smoking of any kind allowed at Montgomery Whitewater.
Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Here's what you can buy at Montgomery Whitewater's on-site store
