Sharing experiences.
Embracing adventures.

Before we started NC Canoe Co., our family had already been running Norwood Hardware for about eight years. With our store near Tillery lake and Rocky, Uwharrie, and Pee Dee rivers, we often enjoyed boating and kayaking trips, paddling away and taking in the breathtaking views.

On a particularly serendipitous trip around 2016, I met and quickly became friends with three canoeists— Landon, Scott, and Chris. The four of us bonded over our love of the outdoors and they taught me a thing or two about canoeing.

One of the things Landon eagerly talked about was a place called Canoecopia, the largest paddle sports consumer event in the world. It didn’t take him long to convince me to go. The next thing I knew, Landon and I were packing our bags and getting ready to drive from Albemarle, NC to Madison, Wisconsin in one night!

Looking back, that 15-hour drive turned out to be the start of NC Canoe Co.’s journey, and arriving at Canoecopia only captivated me even more.

With the help of my new friends and Canoecopia beer, I realized what an excellent opportunity it would be to sell canoes at our hardware store by the lake. And when our enthusiasm was matched by Steve at Nova Craft Canoe, we knew we were bound for a great adventure.

And we were right. Years later, NC Canoe Co. has partnered with some of the most respected names in paddlesports, including Nova Craft Canoes, Esquif Canoes, Hunter Harris Paddles, Bending Branches, and NRS. Whether you’re from our area, around the Southeast, or beyond, we’re here to help you find the right canoe and gear for your next adventure.