Lake Metroparks welcoming kayaks and canoes for season

John Butler, The News-Herald, Willoughby, Ohio
·2 min read

Jun. 14—EDITOR'S NOTE — This is one in a series of articles profiling summer recreation sports available to Northeast Ohio residents.

With summer in full swing, Lake Metroparks has opened a variety of rivers and waterfronts for kayakers and canoers.

"With Memorial Day just taking place recently that basically marks the unofficial time for summer," said Seth Begeman, chief of outdoor education for Lake Metroparks. "As of June 4th we are seven days a week doing kayaking rentals."

Kayakers can rent a single seat kayak for $10 an hour at park stands and double seated kayaks for $15.

Parks that offer kayaking and paddle boarding include Baker Road Park, Riverview Park and Hidden Valley Park in Madison; Helen Hazen Wyman and Indian Point Park in Painesville; and Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park. in

Begeman said that kayak rentals at their various locations are weather dependent. To ensure safety, the parks monitor winds and poor weather conditions along rivers and water fronts and will prohibit kayaking on days that are not suitable.

"When you go out make sure you have your life jacket, that is key, that is first and foremost," he said. "We want everyone to be as safe and taken care of as they possibly can be, its better to be safe than sorry."

Begeman said that it is important to always let someone know where you will be kayaking and that it is better to do it with a group of two or more.

Prior to his current position, Begeman acted as a trail guide at Riverview Park and conducted kayak tours for anyone around the park.

"We were coming across this bend in the river, and we see this shadow come across this big shear cliff and we know something is coming," he said. "We saw this big eagle fly by with a fish in its talons and it flew right over us. It doesn't get any better than that we saw nature in full."

Begeman said that he values the time he spends on the water and hopes that other visitors will enjoy nature to the same as he did.

On July 17, Lake Metroparks will be hosting its Pirate Triathlon at Fairport Harbor from 8 to 10 a.m. The race will consist of a 50-meter swim or 2L kayak, 20K bike and 5K run. For more information, visit www.lakemetroparks.com.