History
California Canoe & Kayak was founded in 1972 by Ann Dwyer as Canoe Trips West. Shortly thereafter Canoe Trips West was sold to Don Thoman, a retired USAF Captain and sailor. From 1975 to 1982 Don ran a low key retail operation, canoe , kayak and small dinghy sailing livery on the bank of Corta Madera Creek in Greenbrae, Marin County, California.1985 was a momentous year for the company. First, the shop moved from Greenbrae to Pt Richmond and Don decided to retire a second time from the paddlesports business. He continued to come by and work in the shop part-time, fix boat trailers and share great adventure stories. Secondly, the move prompted a name change and California Canoe & Kayak, Inc. (CCK) was initiated. For eight years the company grew in