By Kate Bartlett
Evergreen Outfitters is celebrating a new location in the Mayville Depot for the Summer 2025 season. The shop will continue to offer the same selection of outdoor rentals (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and more) and services, including lessons and outings.
and paddleboard rentals by the hour, day,
or week as well as lessons for various levels
(beginner, intermediate and advanced). Their
first Intro to Kayaking class will be held this
Saturday, 6/14 and includes 3 hours of instruction
covering core knowledge and skills, and
3 hours of rescues. Their higher-level classes
cover stroke refinement, rescues, and more
challenging weather and water conditions.
Mike Kingsley has been owner and operator of the store for 16 years. Born in Jamestown with family in Falconer, Mike has always been connected to the Chautauqua region with a passion for the great outdoors. During college, he lived in Columbus, OH, and worked as para-professional guide leading 8- to 10-day wilderness treks in Northern Minnesota. Working for the Boy Scouts as a Nature Interpreter, Mike prepared equipment, planned routes and led group treks by canoe and trail, camping in remote wilderness areas. “Each trip was filled with opportunities to learn and grow,” recalls Mike. “I’m passionate about the great outdoors, and I’ve always loved sharing that with others. I’ve guided groups through a lot of situations and shared some incredible life-changing experiences.”
During his free time, Mike continued to explore nature as well as the outdoor shops in town. He began to fall in love with the outdoor industry. He gained a part-time job, that turned to full-time, in the retail industry selling camping, hunting, fishing and ski equipment for 8 years. Upon hearing Evergreen Outfitters was for sale, Mike returned to Chautauqua County with the hopes of taking the reins. In 2008, he officially became owner of Evergreen Outfitters, bringing his expertise in outdoor retail and experience in the guiding world to this position.
At that time, Evergreen Outfitters was located in Ashville and stocked various retail options for outdoor equipment. The shop moved to 61 Water St in Mayville in 2015, and most recently moved to the Mayville Depot for the Summer 2025 season. Over the years, the store has adapted to best meet the needs of the community, and has scaled back their retail options. “It’s been an interesting evolution of the outdoor retail world,” says Mike. “More people buy online nowadays, so we’ve transitioned to emphasize rentals, lessons, and outings, while still selling a key assortment of paddlesports equipment.”
Evergreen Outfitters currently offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals by the hour, day, or week as well as lessons for various levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced). “We love getting people out on the water,” says Mike. “It’s a great way to experience summer on the lakes, and it’s our pleasure to help them develop these skills.” Their first Intro to Kayaking class will be held this Saturday, 6/14 and includes 3 hours of instruction covering core knowledge and skills, and 3 hours of rescues. Their higher-level classes cover stroke refinement, rescues, and more challenging weather and water conditions.
Mike Kingsley has been owner and operator of the store for 16 years. Born in Jamestown with family in Falconer, Mike has always been connected to the Chautauqua region with a passion for the great outdoors. “Three to four times a week, we take groups out on the lake for a two-hour tour in various locations including Barcelona, Cassadaga, Mayville, Jamestown, and even Erie. There are options for all levels, but we try to keep them beginner friendly to help everyone enjoy our beautiful lakes.”
As a certified Coastal Kayak Instructor Trainer with the American Canoe Association (ACA), Mike certifies other Instructors to teach in coastal environments, including moderate surf. He also offers off-season workshops in the Southeast (Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas).
Evergreen Outfitters’ recent move affords them easier access to the lake. “It’s great being closer to the water,” says Mike. “Not only are we more visible, but it’s more convenient for our customers. The Depot itself is charming and unique, and somewhat of a funny coincidence. All three of our locations have connections to the railroad.”
The store also offers a boat storage service for the off-season. Evergreen Outfitters will pick up, clean, store your boat during the off months, then deliver for the next season. As a part of their cleaning service, they protect each boat with a UV coating, helping extend the life of the boat.
Other upcoming classes include fishing workshops and a wilderness canoe trip. This one-week guided trek brings guests to a remote location for a full-immersion experience in the great outdoors.
Mike is passionate about the great outdoors, and encourages others to reconnect with nature. “As a society, we have become better about getting outside and taking walks, but that’s only skimming the surface. I encourage everyone to take a longer journey in the great outdoors; really connect with your surroundings for a few days. It can really shift your perspective; it can be life-altering.”
For more information and a full list of upcoming classes visit evergreen-outfitters.com and follow on social media, visit their new location at 16 Water Street, Mayville, or call (716) 763-2266.