Rutabaga Paddlesports in Madison, Wisconsin, is Closing

"Rutabaga paddlesports owner Darren Bush announced that he will close the Madison, Wisconsin, paddling shop at the end of the year to pursue a calling as a hospice chaplain. Bush will continue to own and operate Canoecopia, the largest consumer gathering in the paddlesports business."

"'Some of the most beautiful moments in my life have been in a canoe and teaching someone how to paddle. And some of the most beautiful times in my life have been holding someone’s hand when they die.'"

I hate to see it. My daughter lives in Madison so we visit often and I've bought 2 boats from Rutabaga. Very knowledgeable, friendly, and good inventory. We're normally somewhere warm when Canoecopia happens but will be staying north this year and plan to attend.

As a former hospice nurse, I understand where he is coming from.

I've attend Canoecopia for about 20 years, was just wondering if I'll go this year. Darren has built a great event. I guess I should do one more.

His comment about millennials and obviously baby boomers is interesting and a little sad.

Darren Bush goes into more detail about his career-switching decision in his substack blog:

So I’m a bit unclear. Is it that he has not found a buyer, or that he has simply decided not to sell it? .

Art D said:

So I’m a bit unclear. Is it that he has not found a buyer, or that he has simply decided not to sell it? .

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Both, is what I got from his blog post. He didn't find a buyer that he was confident would be up to the standard of his legacy. Wanting something to carry on "as-is" beyond your time of influence nearly always demands a transfer to another sole proprietor, and always excludes sale to private capital conglomerates.

Tryin' said:

Both, is what I got from his blog post. He didn't find a buyer that he was confident would be up to the standard of his legacy. Wanting something to carry on "as-is" beyond your time of influence nearly always demands a transfer to another sole proprietor, and always excludes sale to private capital conglomerates.

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While I empathize with that desire, it does deny the rest of us access to a paddle specific store, even if that store becomes something different over time. This is especially concerning after the loss of White Rose Canoe earlier this year. Also, as a 65 year old, I don’t agree with his characterization on an entire generation of millennials—plenty of millennials work hard, have ambition and own things. I see it every day here on the Maine Coast.

As a former owner of several retail shops, I’m also skeptical of Darren’s suggestion that a retail store doesn’t serve or create community. I know the deli my wife and I owned in Lincolnville did just that, and I know of many other shops that do as well. In many ways, the new owner of our deli has veered from our legacy and yet it still is a place of community—just in a different way and perhaps even better than when we owned it. I find it sad that Darren has chosen not to sell—it will be a great loss to the community even if Canoecopia continues.

I've never had the opportunity to visit the shop but I've heard so many good things about it over the years. It's too bad its closing but certainly understand the reasoning behind it. I wish him all the best going forward. I'm sure he will comfort a lot of people in his new pursuit.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well.

snapper

There was a hint in his post about the online retail effect which is what I believe closed Midwest mountianeering in the Twin Cities this past year. Wonder how not having a store to empty out will effect canoecopia going forward too. I still haven't had a chance to check out the Horbeck store in the Twin Cities yet but I've seen a few post where they have added different gear lines to their shop.

I thought his comments about millennials were they don't have the capital. Just like so many fewer people can buy a house today, much harder for people to buy a business. Even Darren started small and grew. Where is a millennial going to get the millions to buy it?

billconner said:

I thought his comments about millennials were they don't have the capital. Just like so many fewer people can buy a house today, much harder for people to buy a business. Even Darren started small and grew. Where is a millennial going to get the millions to

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Historically, limited access to capital has been true for every generation, not just millennials. And in every generation an enterprising few have found a way. Besides, if the plan is to shut it down and sell off the assets, then I would imagine a motivated seller would be flexible on the price. Especially after White Rose shuttered its doors, Rutabaga was my go-to for paddling gear. Its closing saddens me. I’m just not sure it’s necessary. But, hey, Darren owes no one an explanation. By all accounts, he is a kind and thoughtful person. I wish him the best.

I feel bad for his employees. If he sold the business at least they would have had a chance to keep their jobs.

I went to school in Madison and can remember the original Rutabaga store where I saw a carbon fiber Wildfire for the first time. Later when I could afford stuff they used to let me rummage around their basement (not sure which store) and I found a few treasures including a Blsckhawk canoe and an ancient Grey Owl paddle. Folks in the Madison area have been lucky to have 2 good local paddling shops (Rutabaga and Carl's) and now Rutabaga is closing and Carl has been at it for a long time so I wonder how long his shop will remain. The last time I went to a Swift Demo Day at Rutabaga I was surprised at how many folks were leaving with new boats so I'm curious about the overall health of Rutabaga's business and what may have changed.

I am glad Canoecopia will continue since that is where my paddling group gathers each March for a reunion. We are fortunate that one of our members has a large house near Madison which can accommodate the group. We also use the gathering to setup our trips for the coming season.

The store closing is unfortunate but at least Carl's Paddling continues to operate in Lone Rock WI, which is just west of Madison WI.

Guess what? New owners on the horizon for Rutabaga.

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Well, things changed in a few weeks.

Not long ago, I shared with you my deeply personal decision to retire and to close Rutabaga Paddlesports at the end of 2025. That message came from a place of honesty and reflection, and I am still moving forward with my own next chapter in chaplaincy and service work.

BUT...

Since sending that information to the world, something wonderful has happened. In the weeks that followed, I was approached by a number of individuals who share a passion for paddling, the outdoors, and the community we’ve built together.

Their message: Please reconsider closing, we love Rutabaga.

After careful thought and heartfelt conversations with many mentors, I’ve realized that there is a path forward for Rutabaga that does not end with the doors closing. To quote my friend Ed, "Yeah, I thought that would happen." It did.

I am pleased to let you know that, instead of winding down operations, Stephanie and I are now pursuing selling, and keeping it alive for the next generation.

My priority has always been to ensure that Rutabaga’s mission—to connect people with paddling, nature, and each other—continues in the right hands. There are prospective new owners who share those values and who can steward this legacy. Several have articulated how much they love the shop: "I feel good every time I come into the shop. I love it there."

What does this mean for you? In the near term, nothing changes—except Rutabaga remains open, our staff remains dedicated to serving you, and Canoecopia will continue as planned. Looking further ahead, my hope is that this transition will allow Rutabaga to thrive for years to come, even as I step into my new calling.

To our staff and to all of you—our customers, partners, and friends—I want to thank you for your support, patience, and encouragement. I recieved literally hundreds of emails, Facebook comments, and even hand-written cards.

It was your responses to my original message that reminded me just how meaningful this community is. I am humbled by your kindness, and grateful for the chance to create a future for Rutabaga beyond me.

I will keep you updated as we move through this transition, and I remain confident that the best chapters of Rutabaga’s story are still to come.

We're still having a retirement sale to get inventory lower for the winter. Please feel free to keep coming in!

Thankfully,

Darren, Stephanie, Maki, Whitney, Brit, Ian, and Lucy