Outfitting the PA Wilds: Rich Port Adventure Company
- by Britt Madera
- August 10, 2023
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Part of the Outfitting the PA Wilds series
Rich Port Adventure Company’s history teaches the power of adapting, going with the flow, and finding the beauty in everything. Located in Muncy, just east of Williamsport in Lycoming County in the I-80 Frontier landscape of the PA Wilds, Rich Port Adventure Company helps travelers explore the many wonderful waterways and other outdoor rec experiences.
The company’s story begins back in 2017, when Orlando moved to Puerto Rico. He spent the summer paddle boarding, and he saw that there were no locally owned board companies or brands nearby. He began designing his own boards and created the Rich Port Board Company, named after the “Rich Port” translation of Puerto Rico.
Orlando had planned to build a home on the island, but his life (and many others) was soon turned upside down. In fall of 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated much of Puerto Rico. With family in central PA, Orlando moved to Lycoming County.
In the aftermath of the chaos, Orlando said that God had a better plan for him. He married the woman of his dreams, Jessica, in 2018 and moved to Montoursville.
Orlando says that, although he was no longer in Puerto Rico, he found himself near another “Rich Port”… Williamsport! Home of the Millionaires, rich in resources for outdoor rec, with beautiful lakes, creeks, the Susquehanna River, and plenty of travelers who were hoping to experience the wild waterways.
The business started in Muncy as Rich Port Board Company, but they soon found that they needed to adjust for the location. Northcentral PA has a heavy kayaking culture, and the demand quickly turned from board rentals to kayak rentals instead. With the focus shifting from board production to a rental business, the business became the Rich Port Adventure Company. By fall of 2022, they found a location on Angletown Road and saw even more growth.
Rich Port Adventure Company now offers kayak, canoe, paddle board, tube, mountain bike, and electric bike rentals as well as hiking tours and shuttle services. Adventurers can rent single kayaks, double kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards (known as SUPs) for use on local lakes and the river for reasonable prices. The shuttle service makes it accessible to those who don’t want to haul their own equipment.
Info about fun events and activities (as well as plenty of photos) can be found on the Rich Port Adventure Company’s Facebook page.
Due to the weather-dependent and water-dependent nature of any outfitting business, you’re encouraged to keep updated on when trips are available. For rentals or other services, please call 570-692-2537 to make reservations and ask any questions.
The culture of Rich Port Adventure Company has remained as well, paying homage to the love of Puerto Rico. Customers can enjoy the on-site food truck, The Empanada Shack, serving authentic Puerto Rican beach food.
With the shift into the first retail location, they’ve also been able to revive the original idea of the Rich Port Board Company as well, with new paddle boards and skateboards dropping in 2023. In addition to those locally designed boards, Rich Port continues to add brands and niche outdoor gear that wouldn’t traditionally be found in nearby stores. Orlando encourages you to reach out to him first if you are looking for specific products.
For folks who are not looking to spend top dollar on a new hobby, the in-store consignment program makes these hobbies more accessible with reasonably priced pre-owned outdoor gear. Those who have recently upgraded their gear appreciate the ability to sell their used equipment locally.
Rich Port Adventure Company’s mission is to not only to cater to the growing tourist sector, but to help the local community see the opportunities for adventure right in their backyard! They strive to keep families and friends active in the outdoors, while keeping it affordable.
Whether you’re in town visiting, or live here locally and are curious about what there is to do, Rich Port Adventure Company invites you to come down! Grab an empanada or two and talk to somebody about day-cation opportunities. There is always good food, a friendly smile, and adventure waiting for you!
Rich Port Adventure Company is a Field Guide member in the Experience Makers category of the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania. Learn more about Rich Port Adventure Company and leave them a review or recommendation on their WCO profile.
About the Outfitting the PA Wilds series:
Each Thursday, the PA Wilds Are Calling blog will spotlight an outfitter that is owned and operated within the PA Wilds, helping you explore in a safe yet unforgettable way. The beauty of the PA Wilds is evident in its vast spaces of public lands and scenic waterways. With all of that open space, it’s easy to find an outdoor experience to enjoy! We’re fortunate that the PA Wilds not only has a wealth of outdoor experiences, but also bountiful outfitter businesses that can help you make the most of your adventures.
