A North East watersports company has expanded with the opening of its own retail store on a Tyneside industrial estate.
CBK Adventures has invested a five-figure sum into the launch of its 1,200sqft Base Camp facility on the West Chirton Industrial Estate, which serves the region’s growing paddling, surfing and wild swimming communities. The hub also has training facilities, which will be used to deliver accredited watersports training courses, from the likes of British Canoeing, and first aid training.
The retail store features over 2,500 products, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, wetsuits, and wild swimming accessories. Brands on the shelves include newcomers Starboard SUPs, Lifesystems Outdoor Survival and eco-clothing company, Bleubird. Base Camp will also act as a click-and-collect point for the company’s online retail store.
Read more: North East business life: charity, community and award events in the region
Simon Laing, founder and director of CBK Adventures, said: “Base Camp marks the culmination of months of hard work and planning. Our vision is to create a unique retail experience where watersports lovers can shop for tried and trusted brands and speak to experts who use these products day in and day out on the water. Whether you are new to paddling or an experienced pro, our hand-selected ranges offer something for everyone.
“During the design stage, we knew that we also wanted to incorporate space for a specialist training academy as well. This adds another string to our bow, as we can now offer our accredited courses on a larger scale and invest in the next generation of watersports instructors in the North of England. This space is also available for other local businesses to hire.”
CBK Adventures is also preparing for another busy season on the water and will be operating across the region, running a series of guided tours, private lessons, and kayak and SUP hire. Highlights on the calendar include kayak tours along the River Tyne and seal-spotting expeditions around St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay.
The business first opened in 2014, operating from a small shop in Cullercoats which also underwent a revamp at the start of 2021. Mr Laing, who received support from Tedco and Virgin Startup in the business’ early days, introduced its retail offer at the start of the pandemic after seeing a gap in the market.
The business has also been supported throughout its journey by local brand growth agency The Pulse Rooms, which has provided strategic, tactical, and operational marketing support to help it realise its growth ambitions.
Mr Laing added: “Over the years, we have continuously innovated to ensure we can meet the changing needs of watersports enthusiasts across the North East at large. These innovations include the introduction of a unique winter activity programme, which has helped generate sustainable revenue streams. Our shop in Cullercoats continues to be a jewel in our crown, providing easy access to one of the best paddling spots the UK offers. We look forward to welcoming customers from far and wide over the coming months, helping them discover the happiness that awaits on the water.”
READ NEXT
- County Durham arm of steel specialist William Cook could benefit from defence spending
- North East well placed to lead batteries charge but investment in skills required
- Engineering consultancy Cundall expands Middle Eastern operations with new office in Riyadh
- Train tech specialist Petards sees revenue and profits fall amid British rail upheaval
- Close House Golf welcomes impact of hosting major competitions
