Growing up in Norway, Sissel Robertson developed an early passion and love for kayaking, something that she has held on to over the years. Now, she’s using her passion to open up her own kayak rental business in Thompson Falls.

Crazy Woman Kayaks officially opened July 5 and Robertson said she has already had people come by and rent kayaks from her. Right now, the business solely rents kayaks, but she said if there is interest in the area, she would be willing to expand and sell retail merchandise that has to do with kayaking.

“I love kayaking,” she said. “I felt that this beautiful water here surrounding Thompson Falls needed kayaking in it.”

Robertson lived in Florida for 20 years before making her way to Thompson Falls. She said that she loved Florida and while it was very beautiful 20 years ago, it had just gotten too big, with too many roads and too much construction. She discovered Thompson Falls last summer on a camping trip and fell in love with the area. She moved here this past February.

“The locals have been so nice and so supportive of me and my business,” Robertson said. “I cannot say enough about how wonderful they have been.”

She said that Thompson Falls seemed like the perfect location and opportunity to start her kayaking rental business. Plus, she said, as an added bonus there is no kayak rental competition for the next 100 miles in either direction.

Robertson rents out “sit-on-top” kayaks, which she said are more stable and easier to maneuver than kayaks that you sit down in. Sit-on-top kayaks are used for flat water and more leisurely paddles. Sit-down kayaks are typically used for whitewater.

Right now she has 13 kayaks, including single ones, ones used for fishing and two tandem, or two-person, kayaks. Life jackets are included in the rental fee and Robertson will also give all renters a free lesson on what they need to do to be able to steer and maneuver the kayak.

“Anybody can kayak, once you know the basics it is an easy and fun way to see this beautiful scenery,” Robertson said. “It is much more scenic using a kayak than using a car or motor boat.”

For more information on Robertson’s new business and information on how to rent a kayak call 827-0052.