The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region

There’s a new business in Rhinelander and it’s a comfortable fit with the changing times.

Keith Zarm is the owner of RIAM Expedition Outfitters, a new family-owned business in the heart of Hodag country. Zarm and his wife, Tara, are both Rhinelander High School graduates. The whole family, including son Riley and daughter Samantha, are integral parts of the business.

“She deserves a lot of the credit,” said Zarm of his wife. “She’s got the head for business in the family.”

RIAM Outfitters offer guided and unguided tours of the Wisconsin River as well as delivered rentals of kayaks and canoes within a 20-mile radius of Rhinelander. They offer Pungo, Pamlico and Acadia kayaks and Mad River canoes. These are not whitewater boats; they are stable, quiet water pleasure craft. RIAM Outfitters have solo and tandem kayaks and non-traditional canoes and have, as their goal, a fun-filled and relaxing experience.

Zarm grew up on the rivers and in the woods of northern Wisconsin.

“I was never much into sports,” said Zarm. “On prom night some friends and I went fishing instead of going to the prom. I’ve been around boats all my life. My trade is duck hunting. I grew up in Starks and was always hunting and fishing, and have always had some kind of watercraft. I do some woodworking and boat repair. I’d really like to build boats eventually and replace my fleet with my own boats.”

RIAM Outfitters is looking to fill a niche with family vacationers and silent sport enthusiasts.

“I’m looking for people who are looking for a healthy alternative,” said Zarm. “I think our business fits with bicyclists and joggers. We also fit in with those offering corporate retreats, groups involved with team building, church and youth groups and even wedding parties.

“Hotel and resort owners have been the most enthusiastic about my business. It gives them something to offer their guests in the Rhinelander area. Rhinelander, as opposed to Minocqua and Eagle River, is thought of as an industrial community. Visitors have to leave the Rhinelander area in order to take part in silent sports. I’m trying hard to make it known there’s an alternative.”

Zarm is old-fashioned in some ways, he believes in shoe leather. That is, he tries to target certain groups and goes right to them to talk about his business. But he is also working on a Web site because that’s how many vacationers find out about destinations and activities.

Zarm links his business with the environment.

“I have a deep-seated interest in the ecology of the river. I’m worried about the volume and type of traffic on the Wisconsin River, the number of people and the size of the boats. The rice is getting pushed back. Many species use the river. And now we’re dealing with invasive species. There’s much we need to do to make sure this resource is there for the future.”

RIAM Expedition Outfitters offers unique Wisconsin River runs. The “Bridges Run” is approximately six hours and goes from the Rainbow dam to the McNaughton bridge. There is a minimum of two boats. “Ash Bottoms Run” is a four-hour tour running from Riverview boat landing to Journey’s End boat landing and the “Backwaters Run” is a two-hour tour running from the McNaughton bridge to the Journey’s End boat landing. All prices include paddles, personal flotation devices (PFDs) and maps. Prices vary for a solo kayak, tandem kayak or canoe.

There are also sunrise/sunset two-hour specials. Delivered rentals include solo kayaks, tandem kayaks and 14-foot canoes. Informal introduction to fitting PFD’s and paddling in order to familiarize you with the equipment is included.

Reservations are required and accepted seven days a week. For prices, general information or to make a reservation, call (715) 550-RIAM or e-mail riamoutfitters@frontiernet.net.

As the Zarms say, “Happy paddling.”

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Comments »

Judith A Zaffran wrote on May 21, 2008 8:48 PM:

" This is a pretty neat artical and picture. We need to see more positive members of our community featured like this. Judy Zaffran "

Wanda Bishop Ross wrote on May 21, 2008 3:40 PM:

" Keith & Family

Congratulations on your new venture. I wish you much success!!

Wanda "

The comments above are from readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Rhinelander Daily News.