BIG NEWS...NOT closing the shop!

If you can change your mind, you can change your life.
-- William James

Well, things changed in a few weeks.

Not long ago, I shared with you my deeply personal decision to retire and to close Rutabaga Paddlesports at the end of 2025. That message came from a place of honesty and reflection, and I am still moving forward with my own next chapter in chaplaincy and service work.

BUT...

Since sending that information to the world, something wonderful has happened. In the weeks that followed, I was approached by a number of individuals who share a passion for paddling, the outdoors, and the community we’ve built together. 

Their message: Please reconsider closing, we love Rutabaga.

After careful thought and heartfelt conversations with many mentors, I’ve realized that there is a path forward for Rutabaga that does not end with the doors closing. To quote my friend Ed, "Yeah, I thought that would happen." It did.

I am pleased to let you know that, instead of winding down operations, Stephanie and I are now pursuing selling, and keeping it alive for the next generation.

My priority has always been to ensure that Rutabaga’s mission—to connect people with paddling, nature, and each other—continues in the right hands. 

We have four potential buyers who are going through due diligence. There were eleven, but we decided that only the remaining four would be true to the mission of Rutabaga and our community. That's moving forward as I write this. One said "I feel good every time I come into the shop. I love it there."

What does this mean for you? In the near term, nothing changes—except Rutabaga remains open, our staff remains dedicated to serving you, and Canoecopia will continue as planned. Looking further ahead, my hope is that this transition will allow Rutabaga to thrive for years to come, even as I step into my new calling.

To our staff and to all of you—our customers, partners, and friends—I want to thank you for your support, patience, and encouragement. I recieved literally hundreds of emails, Facebook comments, and even hand-written cards.

It was your responses to my original message that reminded me just how meaningful this community is. I am humbled by your kindness, and grateful for the chance to create a future for Rutabaga beyond me.

I will keep you updated as we move through this transition, and I remain confident that the best chapters of Rutabaga’s story are still to come.

We're still having a retirement sale to get inventory lower for the winter. Please feel free to keep coming in!

Thankfully,

Darren, Stephanie, Maki, Whitney, Brit, Ian, and Lucy