Paddle Cape Cod's Story

Ben Niggel is the founder and chief paddler of Paddle Cape Cod, a business born from his deep love for Cape Cod’s natural beauty and his strong sense of community. Raised in Eastham, Ben’s story is one of resilience, having overcome significant adversity. Adopted at age four after experiencing homelessness and abuse, he vividly recalls leaving his past behind with nothing but a garbage bag of his childhood belongings. This formative experience instilled in him deep empathy for others and a lifelong commitment to giving back.

From an early age, Ben was actively involved in his community, organizing fundraisers for the Animal Rescue League of Brewster and participating in the Hartung Muscular Dystrophy Bike-A-Thon in middle school for his nurse’s family. In high school, he demonstrated leadership as class president, delivering a powerful graduation speech in 2019 that still resonates today. (Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/a5yc3r6f, time 21:10). Finding a loving home and supportive community in Eastham was transformative, and life’s challenges became his greatest teachers. His message of overcoming adversity and building character informs his personal and professional life.

Building Paddle Cape Cod from his Home Cul-de-Sac 

After high school, Ben launched Paddle Cape Cod with just five kayaks and paddleboards. Through hard work, exceptional customer service, and strong community engagement, his business grew rapidly. By 2024, it had become the only 5-star adventure company on Cape, with over 300 positive reviews. His services— including guided tours, rentals, lessons, and repairs—are designed to make outdoor adventures accessible to everyone. 

Inclusivity is at the heart of Ben’s philosophy. He strives to create a welcoming environment for people of all abilities, including those with physical and neurological challenges. His team ensures that everyone can enjoy the beauty of Cape Cod through kayaking and paddleboarding, with equal access to nature being a core value rooted in Ben’s prior leadership role in Nauset’s Best Buddies program and involvement with Cape Abilities.

Ben’s success can also be attributed to his bold decision-making. One such risk was taking a leave of absence from Harvard College to fully focus on growing his small business. This allowed him to expand his inventory, hire a dedicated team, and introduce new offerings and programs for people of all ages. In 2024, Ben secured a pivotal five-year contract with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to operate in Nickerson State Park, marking a major milestone in his business’s growth. Visit their outfitters on Flax and Cliff Ponds. 

Commitment to Environmental Advocacy & Volunteerism

Ben’s commitment to environmental advocacy is a cornerstone of both his personal values and business practices. Paddle Cape Cod consistently prioritizes eco-friendly operations, ensuring that their impact on the environment is minimal while promoting the conservation of Cape Cod’s unique ecosystems. Ben actively engages in a variety of initiatives to support this effort and the fabric of our local community, including:

• Provincetown, and the Laurel School, Cape Cod Children’s Place, Monomoy, Nauset, and Barnstable Districts, & Lathem Center.
• Warriors Booster Club & Nauset Unified Sports; Coastal Cape Youth Baseball, Orleans Firebirds, Cape Cod Baseball League, and Boston Hockey Academy.
• NE Wildlife Birdsey Cape Center, Wildcare Orleans, and NE Coastal Wildlife Alliance.
• Wellfleet SPAT & Oyster Festival, and SurfRider Cape Cod and the Islands.
• Eastham Chamber, Cape Cod Young Professionals, & the Cape Cod Foundation.
• Witches on the Water and Beneficiaries.
• Joint Base Cape Cod, and Orleans Police Department & Annual Block Party.
• Eastham Windmill Weekend, and Orleans 4th of July Parade.
• Cape Abilities, Big Brother Big Sisters, and Dream Day Cape Cod.
• Homeless Prevention Council, Michael H. Cole Giving Fund, & Cape Cod Pride.
• Pan-Mass Challenge & the Cape Symphony.
• Celtics Foundation & Boston Marathon. 
• WHAT Theatre, NYE Museum. 
• Red Cross Blood & Plasma Donator (x4).

Unforgettable Adventures and his Dedication to Local Community Engagement 

Customer convenience is a top priority for Ben. He has introduced services like delivery, pickup, and an online booking system that tracks inventory in real-time. Customers can text the team directly for scheduling and availability updates, making for a seamless experience. His personalized approach has helped cultivate long-lasting relationships with many customers, turning them into repeat visitors—and often, friends.

Paddle Cape Cod is more than just a rental service—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences. Ben and his team craft personalized, environmentally conscious tours for family outings, corporate retreats, birthday parties, school groups, and private events, all designed to foster a deep appreciation for Cape Cod’s natural beauty.

He is deeply engaged with the local community, offering a $99 unlimited rental pass for residents, providing an affordable way to enjoy the Cape’s natural beauty during the off-season. Ben also hosts an annual fall mega-sale on used kayaks and paddleboards every September, offering high-quality gear at unbeatable prices.

A Life of Adventure, Leadership, and Vision

Outside of work, Ben lives for adventure. Whether hiking, riding his motorcycle, skydiving, or enjoying bonfires with friends, he stays deeply connected to the outdoors and loves sharing Cape Cod’s hidden gems with visitors—from local dining spots to lesser-known ponds and off-the-beaten-path trails. His passion for the Cape’s beauty is infectious. He loves to travel and believes that there is nothing better than lived experiences.

Ben’s leadership is shaped by the challenges he’s faced and the lessons he’s learned. Inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt’s words, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” he leads with compassion, determination, and a drive to make a positive impact. While he acknowledges that he’s not perfect, he strives to lead by example for his staff, customers, and the wider Cape Cod community, learning from his own shortcomings and mistakes along the way.  Not being afraid to get back in the kayak and paddle on.

Balancing business success with a desire to give back, Ben combines an entrepreneurial spirit with compassion and environmental stewardship. His long-term vision for Paddle Cape Cod is to continue growing the business while using it as a platform for positive community impact. Ben welcomes groups and organizations needing in-kind contributions to reach out to him directly: adventure@paddlecapecodma.com.

Join the Adventure: Contact the Team 

For more information or bookings, you can call or text the team at (508) 962-1185. Stay updated on Ben’s journey and their offerings by following @paddlecapecodma on Facebook and Instagram.

Paddle Cape Cod continues to stand out as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and a cornerstone of fun on the Cape. Ben and his team thank you for being part of their story and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure with Paddle Cape Cod, where unforgettable experiences await!