By Megan Alley
Sun Reporter
A new kayak livery is set to open in New Richmond later this month.
Schack’s Yaks LLC will open at 400 Front St., along the Ohio River, in mid to late May, tentatively.
Owner Chris Schack, who lives and works as a firefighter and emergency medical technician in Alexandria, Kentucky, was tapped to open the storefront by the building’s owner.
Schack currently owns and operates a mobile kayak rental business in Augusta, Kentucky.
“The owner of the building saw us doing great stuff in Augusta and invited us to come to New Richmond,” Schack said.
Schack is excited to join the New Richmond community, and to help people continue to utilize the riverfront area. He also celebrates the rich history that the New Richmond area offers, including the village’s ties to the Underground Railroad.
He is looking forward to bringing his livery service to New Richmond.
Schack will offer several services to costumers:
Kayaks will be available for rent. With this service, Schack’s Yaks will transport the kayaks and kayakers upriver to a put-in spot in Point Pleasant. From there, kayakers will float downriver to the take-out spot along the Front Street riverfront, near Schack’s Yaks.
Transportation will be offered for people who have their own kayak. Put-in spots for this service are located in Nevill, Moscow and Point Pleasant.
The storefront will also offer retail items, such as fishing tackle and bait.
Schack is making boater safety a top priority in his new kayak business.
He is a trained swiftwater technician, and he has plans to recruit some of his firefighter/EMT colleagues to help with safety measures.
Schack also plans to acquire a patrol boat to help monitor kayakers’ safety.
He’s also made a “very big investment” and purchased comfortable life jackets, to help ensure that kayakers wear the safety device throughout their entire time on the river.
The hours of operation for Schack’s Yaks are still being set. Right now, the plan is to open the storefront only from Wednesday to Friday, and the storefront and livery service on the weekends.
Pricing is also still being set; Schack said that prices will be affordable.
“I want people to see this as a fun weekend option, and I want to encourage them to come back again and again,” he said.
Looking ahead, Schack is excited about offering the livery services in the New Richmond community.
“I really hope that we offer a different experience to folks,” he said. “I think there is a lot of up and coming and outdoor industry opinions in the area, and I think this summer is going to be great.”
He added, “I’m looking forward to meeting some new people and having some new friends; we’re really looking forward to all of it!”
For updates on Schack’s Yaks, visit the business’ Facebook page.