Our Store

  • from Necky, Current Designs, Wilderness Systems and more!
  • Everything you need to outfit your fishing kayak.
  • from Asolo, Keen, Merrell, Salomon, Vibram FiveFingers and more!
  • Our friendly staff can help you find the right pack for any adventure.
  • Designed for speed and efficiency, these boats eat up the miles.
  • Great for day trips and beginning paddlers, these versatile boats are ready for anything.
  • Safety doesn't have to be uncomfortable. Our staff can help you find the perfect fit.
  • Offering simplicity and stability to paddlers of all ages and abilities.
  • Designed as lightweight as possible for maximum performance.
  • Just because you're backpacking doesn't mean you can't have a good night's sleep.
  • Let our expert staff help you gear up for your next adventure!
  • All your favorite brands, including Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, The North Face, Arc'teryx, Marmot and more.
  • In a bottle or a bladder, Camelbak makes it easy to carry plenty of water.
  • A durable, BPA-free bottle for everyone.

Our store: 9,000 square feet of the best outdoor products available. Hundreds of kayaks and canoes, camping and hiking gear, footwear and clothing all under one roof.

 

Our staff: A group of the most diverse personalities imaginable who share a common love of outdoor recreation.  Teachers, college students, medical professionals, outdoor programmers, musicians, artists, massage therapists, rock climbers, canoe and kayak racers, backpackers and hikers all with one goal: to be the best resource for outdoor product information available.

Our History

Wild River Outfitters has grown from backyard boat sales in 1976 with one employee, R.E.B. Stewart, to the incorporated storefront it is today. In 1979 R.E.B. asked paddlers Lillie Gilbert and Nancy Andrews if they wanted to become business partners as the little business grew. Along with hiker Bud Franklin, the 4 partners incorporated in 1980. Lillie is the only original member of the group still employed by WRO.

With the original location in a barn, then a gas station, then a small storefront in Churchland, VA, Wild River Outfitters eventually moved to Virginia Beach in 1983. In 1990 the store relocated to its present site with a major expansion in 1998.

We currently employ around 20 outdoor experts, many of whom also work for Wild River Outfitters Touring Company, a separate business geared towards offering quality kayak instruction, trips, and tours.

Although we have grown over the years, our passion for the outdoors has never changed and we maintain the highest integrity in our business. Give us a chance to help you enjoy the outdoors and take part in responsible stewardship of our environment.

Our Mission

  • To provide high-quality outdoor products.
  • To encourage interest in responsible outdoor recreation.
  • To promote environmental stewardship by education and example.
  • To maintain the highest standards of excellence in all facets of our operation.

© 2011 Wild River Outfitters, Inc.