Somers outfitter gets lakegoers enjoying the water

Paddle Board Outfitters in Somers had a modest start by renting out paddle boards to recreationists on Flathead Lake.

Now, the enterprise has transitioned into a full-scale paddle board, kayak, wave runner, and boat rental business.

Chris Hogan, owner of Paddle Board Outfitters, began the company seven years ago.

“I started with paddle boards. I would trailer them in and out and sit on a Tommy Bahama chair on the grass hill with an umbrella,” he said with a laugh. “As the business grew, people started asking for more and more items.”

Paddle boarding or stand up paddle boarding, originated in the 1940s, when surf instructors would stand up on wide boards to get a better view of their students. Surfers then began paddle boarding to combat small swell days.

Paddle boarding has become a popular activity including here in Northwest Montana.

While providing water rentals have claimed the greater part of his business, Hogan started by shaping paddle boards. Hogan believes there are four things that make a great board: shape, displacement, volume, and weight.

“Proper shape equates to speed and ease of travel through all of these water conditions. Beauty and color on a board is nice but it only takes you as far as a beautiful sports car that has no engine,” explains the businesses’ website. “Nose shape is what leads the travel of the board. The hull determines how the water travels under the board creating the least amount of drag.”

Since opening Paddle Board Outfitters Hogan has never increased his $10 per hour pricing on paddleboards stating that he wants to give customers a fair deal.

“The customer is always first in my business, and they always have been. We want to provide a cheaper rate so that families can come in and have fun on the lake,” explained Hogan. “I don’t want to overcharge people. God has blessed this business and we’re making what we need, so why would I try and make more off of people?”

Paddle Board Outfitters is a seasonal summer operation as Hogan lives in Hawaii during the winter with his children. Two of his children, Taylor and Carson Hogan, help their dad run the business.

“It’s fun to be out on the water and in the sun all the time,” said Carson, who is interested in a potential future in boat mechanics and electronics.

A 15-minute safety instructional is given to anyone renting a boat or wave runner and renters who are unfamiliar with paddle boarding can receive a brief lesson. Paddle boards can also be delivered for free within 15 minutes of the Somers location or delivered outside of the radius for an extra $50 per hour.

“We do a lot of hands-on service and put everything in and out of the water for our customers. We don’t allow our customers to lift anything, unless they want to,” explained Hogan. “My motto is to give really good service.”

Paddle Board Outfitters is located at 5327 U.S. 93 South in Somers and is open Monday through Sunday. To learn more, visit paddleboardoutfitters.org or call 406-212-2300.

Reporter Summer Zalesky may be reached at szalesky@dailyinterlake.com.

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