Spring is here. The Rock River is flowing ice-free, and the fish are biting. And while the number of people vaccinated in Wisconsin continues to rise there is still a cautious optimism about traveling by plane or cruise ship. That hesitancy has propelled the demand for all outdoor recreation closer to home. Like 2020, outdoor outfitters across the country are still finding it difficult to keep their shelves stocked.

The boating industry is buoyed by that same zeal to get outdoors. Rachel, Operations as Rock River Marina in Edgerton sees the industry skyrocketing to keep up with demand, "this is a nationwide thing, every manufacturer we talk to is struggling to get vendors to supply them, the supply chain can't keep up." It has only been a little over a year since COVID-19 brought the world's economies to screeching halt, factories shuttered, office parks turned off the lights, and universities asked students and staff to self-quarantine. Then, as the CDC began establishing uniform guidelines for the public, outdoor recreation industries boomed, and families reconnected. "It’s exciting seeing more people doing more things as a family, taking walks together, recreating together," added Rachel. She cites the recent uptick in kayaking as great local example, "kayaking is huge now on the Rock River. It's easy to do, just put the kayak in the water and go."

The upfront cost for buying a new fishing or speed boat is kind of high. You are not just buying a boat, your also buying trailer, outboard motor, cushions, life preservers and more. Rachel suggests if you are new to boating you should rent or buy a used boat first. If you just want to be on the water a kayak is a great inexpensive way to get out on the lake or river right now.

In the near term buying used or renting might be your best bet given the high demand for new boats. "People are buying so fast, the running joke is we'll be out of everything by memorial day weekend, the only thing we’ll be selling is gas," says Rachel.