Nemasket Kayak made waves last summer when it setup shop in the Onset Beach bathhouse. Now, the kayak, canoe and standup paddleboard company is making its move to Wareham complete.

Formerly based in Raynham, Nemasket Kayak will call Makepeace Farms home.

“They invited me to setup shop here and welcomed me into their community,” said owner Roy Edwards. “I was pretty excited about the opportunity.”

Linda Burke, vice president of marketing and communication for A.D. Makepeace, said the business works well at Tihonet Village.

"We try to encourage outdoor activities here...kayaking is a natural next step," said Burke. "We saw him really blossom at Onset Beach. We automatically recognized it as a good fit."

Edwards has a full retail shop at Tihonet Village, selling everything from kayaks and canoes to waterproof Kindle sleeves as well as offering rentals and guided tours.

In 2011, Edwards started Nemasket Kayak after more than three decades on the water and almost 20 years in the canoe rental business.

“I’ve always been around boats,” said the New Bedford native. “When my family moved to Brockton, it kind of took me away from the water, so this was a way for me to stay on the water.”

After a successful first season in Onset, Edwards hopes moving “base camp” from Raynham to Wareham will further ingrain Nemasket Kayak into the community.

“People come down to Cape Cod to go kayaking, and they don’t stop on Route 44,” he said. “We think we have a better opportunity here.”

It doesn’t hurt that Edwards’ company is the only of its kind on this side of the bridge or that he’s received support from local harbormasters in Wareham and Marion.

With the help of Harbormaster Garry Buckminster, Edwards discovered several new tours to add to his offerings, including one around Marion harbor.

The new location also gives customers an additional launching point. Customers can take boats out on Tihonet Pond, where Edwards will offer a beginner tour.

“It’s not only about teaching people how to paddle properly but also how to paddle safely,” said Edwards, who hires only guides certified by the American Canoe Association.

With the Tihonet headquarters officially open on May 1, the trailers are loaded with kayaks and Edwards is ready to welcome customers. Moms are especially welcome and Edwards is offering free rentals for them during Mother's Day weekend.

Edwards said he has more than 60 boats ready for “drive aways” – rentals for a day, weekend, week or longer that include all the loading gear.

That option, said Edwards, is perfect for families planning a “staycation” this summer.

“Maybe they can’t afford that vacation in this economy, but they can get some kayaks and have some family fun,” said Edwards.

Edwards said the Onset Beach location, where standup paddleboard rentals were a particular hit last summer, will open May 15.  Tours will also be offered from there.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.nemasketkayak.com.