I'll just add in a vote for electricwater spraydecks. They're pretty cheap and the quality is great! I recently got one, I'll definitely be sticking with the local EW decks in the future!
If you want some second hand gear, you can try looking here:
www.adventurepro.com.au/forums/yabb2/YaBB.pl?board=for_sale
or here maybe:
www.adventurepro.com.au/forums/yabb2/YaBB.pl?board=paddlea
I try to buy locally where possible. But realistically it often can cost literally hundreds of dollars extra per item for top of the line gear like dry tops, paddles etc. if you buy locally. I've bought stuff from zoaroutdoor, outdoorplay and most recently from coloradokayak, who where very helpful. From my experiences, all 3 of these stores are recommended.
There's a few specials on at the moment in the US stores as it's out of season for them, so shop around for some bargains!