Mark Hoffe

Special to SaltWire

“From a business perspective, the culture is everything,” especially when it comes to something like off-roading, explained Freshwater Motor-Plex co-owner/operating owner Paul Kinsella.

“The off-roading community is very tight-knit, and a business being a respected and valued member of this community is paramount to long-term success.”

If current market predictions maintain their trajectory, long-term success is promising for longtime family-owned and operated Freshwater Motor-Plex and other businesses in the off-road vehicle trade.

The global off-road vehicle market is booming. Valued at USD $15.4 billion in 2021, it’s estimated to reach an expected value of USD $22.5 billion by 2030.

What's popular?

More affordable than most vehicles and more versatile in tight rugged landscapes, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) account for the largest market share.

Utility task vehicles (UTVs), also known as side-by-sides for their ability to carry passengers, hold the second largest share. With bigger engines, sturdier bodies and better capacity than standard four-wheelers, a UTV offers more comfort, control and safety at a higher price.

Although ATVs and UTVs are predominantly used for a growing public interest in sports and recreation, they’re also utilized in the agricultural industry and for military operations.

As consumer demand and technology evolve, manufacturers are also promoting the use of electric eco-friendly ATVs and UTVs, a development that helps attract younger consumers.

COVID impact

“During COVID, there was a major influx of new riders,” Kinsella said. “These were either completely new riders or people who wanted to join friends and family on their own vehicle.

“Post-COVID, this trend has continued as overall sales, and sales to new riders are steadily increasing."

The message is common amongst most new riders, he said.

"It is the perfect way to disconnect from screen time and technology, connect with family and friends, and have years of memorable experiences," Kinsella said.

Personal passion

Selling off-road vehicles is only a portion of Kinsella’s passion. Off-roading is a major part of his personal life.

During COVID, Kinsella and a group of extended family and friends visited the Sabena Airlines DC-4 wreckage memorial in the woods near Gander. In mid-September 1946, the plane was flying from Belgium to New York. When the pilots prepared to stop in Gander for fuel, the aircraft crashed 35 kilometres from the airport.

The only way to access the crash site is by off-road vehicle.

“To visit a site like that is a very powerful experience,” Kinsella said. “There are so many interesting and memorable places only accessible by ATV in Newfoundland and Labrador. To have the opportunity to do so with family and friends, especially my two sons ages nine and eleven, makes these adventures even more special.”

'Something for every rider'

Based in British Columbia, Backroad Mapbooks is Canada’s number-one source for outdoor recreation maps and adventure information. They publish the Newfoundland and Labrador Backroad Mapbook, a 192-page all-in-one guide to off-road adventures across the province.

“With large trail networks and multi-day routes such as the T’Railway Route and the Trans Canadian Adventure Trail mixed with shorter half-day trails that lead to scenic destinations and unique attractions,” Backroad Mapbooks’ website states, “there is something for every rider in this province.”

That’s something Nova Scotia-based resident and all-terrain vehicle enthusiast Patrick Ryan agrees with.

“I first got into off-roading by happenstance,” Ryan said.

“My father-in-law owned two ATVs he bought for himself and his wife, only hers never got used. He invited me on a week-long ATV trip to Newfoundland and Labrador over twenty years ago and I was hooked immediately. I loved riding the machine, the scenery and the adventure of it all, including camping. I bought my own machine after that.”

Social media

Ryan’s enjoyment of that trip inspired him to create a website and Facebook page dedicated to crossing Newfoundland by ATV.

He also launched EastCoastATV, a YouTube channel that features videos from day trips and 10-day adventures around Atlantic Canada, other Canadian provinces and Maine in the United States.

The channel includes a “Crossing Newfoundland by ATV” video series dedicated to Ryan’s annual off-road trips across the island from Argentia to Port aux Basques. He started making rudimentary video recordings in 2011 but began shooting longer and more comprehensive videos when he purchased a GoPro action camera in 2013.

“I wanted to share everything I learned so others could use the information to plan their own trips,” Ryan said. “I remember how difficult it was for me planning the trip in the early days because there was no other online resource for that specific trip. I just showed up and winged it. I can't tell you how many people have told me they did the trip only because they found my YouTube videos and website.”

Getting started

Apart from watching his YouTube videos and following his Facebook page, Ryan has other suggestions for people who want to begin off-roading.

Joining local off-roading clubs are “a good way to get to know the local trails, meet like-minded friends and learn about the off-roading community in general.”

He also recommends buying an ATV or UTV that fits your needs and resist the temptation to buy more than you need.

“Have a good conversation with a knowledgeable sales associate,” Kinsella said.

“Current riders often have their own strong opinions on what they ride, which is great. However, much like on-road vehicles, different models have different purposes. Finding the right machine and the right gear to fit how, where and when you intend to ride will make the riding experience all that more enjoyable.”

Never know what you'll see

As with most adventures, it’s important to stay open to chance encounters while on an off-roading ride.

“Sometimes you never know what you'll see or who you'll meet on the trail,” Ryan said.

“I've made some great friends and experienced a lot of memorable adventures together. There is a great camaraderie amongst off-roaders and there are many people getting involved.

"I see friends, groups of couples and families out enjoying the outdoors and making lifelong memories together. There are people from all walks of life and all age groups. One of my friends is in his seventies. He's been ATVing for decades and is still going strong.”