The "Stream" section aisles at Academy Sports + Outdoors are picked clean of kayaks, water floating tubes, fishing equipment and life jackets across Middle Tennessee.
In fact, water sporting gear is scarce at Bass Pro Shops, Dick's Sporting Goods, REI, and all outdoor sports retailers.
Boats, too, are sold out nearly everywhere.
"We can't keep kayaks in stock," Music City Outdoors owner Charles Adams said. "When we do get them, they're gone. I've got over 150 people on a waiting list from all over the country. I've never seen anything like it."
The COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and business closures have driven many to outdoor activities for the first time.
Tennesseans – and Americans in general – are hiking, biking, fishing, paddling and boating with renewed urgency.
"Everybody's wanting to get out on the water. It fills a big void for people just trying to get out of the house," said Janice Martin, owner of Caney Fork Outdoors. "We have people who, for years, have not enjoyed the outdoors. Hopefully this will carry on to their children to become outdoor enthusiasts which is something the kids desperately need."
Everything is 'sold out'
While most hospitality and tourism businesses are struggling to stay open, outdoor equipment retailers are thriving.
Personal watercraft sales jumped 41% over last year, hitting record highs in both May and June, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
"Everything — pontoon boats and fishing boats from a $1,000 Jon boat to an $80,000 Center Console — is sold out," said Joy Anderson, of Anderson Marine in Old Hickory. "We're taking deposits on boats we don't have yet."
Requests for boat service are at a peak, too.
The surging interest in outdoor hobbies is putting pressure on stressed supply chains. Shipments of watercraft are being held up for small items like a cup holder, a cushion or a gas tank because those suppliers are stretched thin.
"It has added a level of stress on us," Anderson said. "We're trying to do as much as we can. Some customers are seriously stressed out and don't understand. They're blaming the wrong person and get upset at us for not having enough inner tubes."
Many retailers are asking customers to watch for new shipment arrivals on their websites on certain mornings.
At Caney Fork Outdoors in Silver Point, owner Janice Martin suggests that customers buy online. She tries to schedule one customer visit at a time to reduce exposure opportunities to the coronavirus.
"We've still got hooks and sinkers, but most don't have them," Martin said, adding that some suppliers are having trouble delivering orders because of delays on small parts. "As we get into the season, we'll see more and more companies not able to supply the dealers. If we go back to shutting everything down again, that would be catastrophic."
More interest in the outdoors
Hassan Mirsaidi's paddling and hiking groups on Meetup.com are drawing more newcomers than ever.
Mirsaidi leads groups of up to 25 people on Paddle Adventures Unlimited trips along the Cumberland River from downtown Nashville, and hosts full-moon night paddles every 28 days. But he said he misses inviting people out for beers after paddling because he stopped due to coronavirus.
"Something's happening and people are becoming a lot more into sports," Mirsaidi said. "The best part of this COVID-19 is getting out and enjoying nature and talking to each other a little bit more. When people come back, they change a little bit. They look happier and that gives me a lot of satisfaction."
Sandy Mazza can be reached via email at smazza@tennessean.com, by calling 615-726-5962, or on Twitter @SandyMazza.
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Want to buy a kayak, a boat, or even a river tube? Good luck: 'I've never seen anything like it' - The Tennessean
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