Summers in Muskoka have always revolved around playing on the water. The toys may have changed, but the focus on fun remains constant.
For more than a quarter century, Indian River Trading Company has been part of that fun. There have been changes in the iconic Port Carling store in that time, of course, but the emphasis on having a good time on the water remains at the heart of the store’s mission.
This year, visitors to the store will see plenty of new ways to make the most of summer. They will also see some new faces, as Jackie and Rod Schneider take over the operation, accompanied by their adult children Kate and Luke.
After 25 successful years running their own business, Rod and Jackie made the decision to sell and move up to Muskoka – ready for a new chapter and the chance to embrace lake life full time. Their whirlwind winter has included buying a house in Port Carling and settling into their new community, all while learning the ins and outs of their new business.
The business part has been eased, though, by the skilled and experienced staff, most of whom are familiar to Indian River customers. Watersports manager Erin Gallagher, for example, has been a fixture at the store for many years, and isn’t going anywhere.
In fact, renovations at the store have made her department – and her role – even more prominent.
“We’re really expanding Erin’s department, opening it up so that we can draw on her expertise and show off even more amazing options,” says Jackie.
Plan your summer Making the most of summer in Muskoka starts by confronting a challenge: there are just so many great ways to be on the water that it can be overwhelming.
“We get that a lot,” Erin laughs. “People come in and say ‘we’ve just got a cottage, what do we do next? What do we need to have?”’
She and the rest of the team at Indian River are happy to offer a summer fun consulting service. They’ll sit down with their clients and really explore all the options.
It starts by asking basic questions like who is using the cottage, and what everyone likes to do. “Do you have teenagers who want to wakeboard? Younger children who want fun floaties?” Erin asks. “Do the adults want to work out on the water, or are they more interested in drifting quietly along the shoreline? All this will help us guide people to the right gear.”
Then it’s a matter of drilling into the specifics of each sport or piece of play gear. If it’s wakeboards you’re after, for example, what kind of riding do you want to do? Are you an advanced boarder who wants to up your tricks, or are you a novice who’s just getting started? “We can help pick the right board – or boards – to set you up for success,” says Erin.
The same goes for stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), waterskis, and other equipment. “You might use your SUP to get a core workout, or to cruise for miles along the shoreline, or to just go around the bay… well, you can do all of those things on any board, of course, but we can help you pick the board that will maximize your fun doing it.”
Bringing something newIf a client is looking for something new and unusual, then the fun really starts.
GoBoats, for example, were added to the store lineup last year. They are circular, inflatable boats that feature a mount for a trolling motor. “Think of it as a powered pedal boat. They have that same kind of vibe,” says Jackie. “You’re sitting there with a friend and your beverages, just cruising along, chatting, and soaking in the scene – but without any pedaling!”
If you love pedaling, though, check out Red Shark Bikes. Shaped like a stand-up paddleboard, they’re equipped with a comfortable and efficient cycling mechanism that lets users power across the water under pedal power.
“You can get a great workout on these if that’s what you want – a lot of cyclists use them as an alternate form of training,” says Jackie. “But you can also take it easy and just pedal gently. It’s just like cycling… but without the hills!”
Set up and ready No matter what kind of gear you select, the team at Indian River can deliver it and set it up so it’s ready for you. “We’ll bring the storage racks you need, carry everything down to the water, get everything prepped for summer,” says Rod.
“You don’t even need to be at the cottage. Pick out what you need, tell us when you’ll be up, and it’ll be ready for you.”
Inside the store, their daughter Kate is learning the ropes from longtime team member Joan, taking in everything she does while also bringing a fresh mindset to the table. The two are working closely together, blending experience with new energy to help move the store forward.
Joan has been here to help customers with all their furniture needs, offering guidance and expertise every step of the way. “It’s all about comfort, quality, and style that suits your summer lifestyle,” she says.
When it’s time for delivery and setup, Spyros and Luke make sure it all comes together smoothly – from loading to final placement, so you can just relax and enjoy.
That, Jackie adds, is just part of the Indian River promise which they’re delighted to continue. “We are your summer lifestyle.”
TEXT A. WAGNER-CHAZALON
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
