Central Coast Kayaks to close soon unless a buyer is found

Central Coast Kayaks in Shell Beach may be closing its doors after 23 years.

“Oh gosh, 23 years of the same business — and all the time I’ve put into it,” owner Paul Schiro said. “I just want somebody younger to come in and take over.”

Schiro, 63, said he plans to retire by the beginning of March, although he’s considering continuing to operate tours and renting out kayaking and water sports equipment through the company’s website. The retail part of the business — and the 1,250-square-foot storefront — are up for grabs, however.

“We want to keep it open,” he said. “If there is a buyer that wants to buy it, we’re totally open to someone buying it. It has to happen pretty fast, though, because Feb. 13 our lease is up, and we’re going to a smaller square footage. And we’re just going to move on.”

Central Coast Kayaks, at 1879 Shell Beach Road, sells and rents equipment such as kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, wetsuits and other gear. It also offers classes and tours at South County beaches and caves. Schiro said he founded the business in the early 1990s because of his love of the ocean and water sports such as kayaking and surfing.

“Having your avocation and your vocation being the same thing is a terrific thing,” he said.

The business has only one employee besides Schiro, although that number usually grows to 13 during the busy summer months.

Schiro declined to disclose how much he hopes to sell the retail business for, saying that anyone interested in purchasing it should contact broker Gary Bayus of Prestige Business Sales. Schiro also declined to disclose annual revenue for the business.

A Jan. 15 posting for the business on Craigslist listed the purchase price as $99,900, while a separate listing for the building posted Jan. 16 listed the lease price as $2,400 per month, with long-term lease options available.

If no buyer comes forward for the retail business, Schiro said he will likely close up shop by the end of February. A liquidation sale was scheduled to begin Monday, with all merchandise marked 50 percent off.

This story was originally published January 30, 2016 at 7:48 PM with the headline "Central Coast Kayaks to close soon unless a buyer is found."