May 15, 2017

Meet Maryellen Auger of Little Harbor Boathouse Kayak • SUP • Fish in North Shore

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maryellen Auger.

Maryellen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was 48 and a mother of two young children, I went looking for an enjoyable sport that would help me lose weight, get in great shape and be enjoyable. I’d always loved being on-the-water, so when I discovered Hobie pedal-kayaking I was hooked!

I felt amazing! I was more relaxed and healthy than I had been in a long time. I found beauty and peace on the water and within myself, too.

When we moved to Marblehead, Massachusetts in 2007, I spent the first two summers launching off a small beach in my neighborhood. Then one day, I discovered a vacant storeroom in an office building across the street from our home. The dingy, empty room opened out to a small park with direct beach access off Little Harbor. Bingo, Little Harbor Boathouse was born! We cleaned and painted the space and opened our doors to share my enthusiasm for human-powered water sports with my local neighbors and folks from Boston, Cambridge and the North Shore. The business is a natural extension of my love for being on, in and around the water!

Little Harbor Boathouse became Boston North Shore’s Hobie Kayak and Standup Paddle Board Dealer in 2013 — the only on-coastal-waters dealership to rent as well as sell Hobie’s innovative paddle-pedal-sail-fish kayaks and SUPs.

Our Summer Paddle Adventure Camps with morning and afternoon sessions for kids’ ages 8 to 14 are a big success for parents and kids. As one kid said: “the best camp ever … and I’ve been to 5 camps”.

Our Paddle Season Pass program gives members use of our large fleet of paddle kayaks and SUPs for 2-hour increments each day all season long! Just come ready to paddle and enjoy boat and board valet service to our beach launch by our friendly staff.

Paddle Groups and parties make the best summertime outings for land-locked camps, companies, birthdays, bachelorette and pre-wedding parties. We accommodate groups of 50+ paddlers.

The benefits from on-water recreation are many especially at Little Harbor Boathouse — where the views, pristine waters and coastline are accessible and exceptional. There is no better place for recreational paddlers, kayak anglers, fitness buffs and families. The best retreat ever.

It’s my pleasure to share my enthusiasm for on-water recreation and this hidden gem of a paddle and pedal-kayak and standup paddle board sales and rental operation on Boston’s North Shore!

Come join me at Little Harbor Boathouse and I’ll introduce you to the best spot for on-water recreation — to rejuvenate mind, body & Spirit benefits!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This operation has been positive and productive from year one. The biggest struggles would be two? First: a professional and reliable bookkeeper. I’ve run the seasonal business for 8 years and I’ve had 8 bookkeepers come and go. Thankfully, I found a tax-preparing accounting firm willing to do the work during their non-tax prep months. Fingers-crossed they stay with me for years to come! Two: when the doors close at the end of the season, I miss all my customers, campers and the 14 high-school and college age students I employ!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Little Harbor Boathouse Kayak • SUP • Fish story. Tell us more about the business.
Little Harbor Boathouse is Greater Boston’s kayak and stand up paddle outfitter located on pristine waters protected by Crowninshield and Gerry’s Island, 15 miles north of Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts. We sell and rent a broad selection of Hobie pedal-paddle-sail-fish Kayaks and Standup Paddle Boards. Outdoor recreation and on-water lifestyle specialists, we are dedicated to sharing our enthusiasm for kayaking, standup paddling, kayak sailing and kayak fishing with you! Come find us and return often to our hidden gem location for the some of the best paddle and pedal kayaking, standup paddling, fishing and kayak sailing in New England. We’re open 7 days/week in-season and by appointment year-round.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I had very good luck moving into a rental house on Little Harbor I then purchased for my family a year later.

I then had the good fortune to discover a unused-for-years and vacant store room across the street from my home with double-doors opening to a small lovely park with direct Little Harbor beach access. Fate found me a one-of-a-kind space, on an exceptionally beautiful and pristine harbor shelter by two islands to launch and operate a vibrant, successful and fun Little Harbor Boathouse Kayak-SUP-Fish Outfitter business.

Pricing:

Hourly rentals from Memorial Day to Labor Day begin at $24/one hour; $44/two hours
Paddle Season Passes start at $419 for singles; couples and family rates too
Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayaks start at $2199 retail
Summer Kids Paddle Program: One Week Session: $285; Three Weeks: $660; One day drop-in: $95
Group Rentals for 8 to 50+ paddlers: non-profits save 20%; all groups save 10%
Hobie Kayak Fishing Rentals, Events and Private Guides. 1st hour applies to same week purchase at LHB

Contact Info: