ryan surfing in nicaragua in april 2012.
water sports calendar Looking for more to do at the beach than just read the new James Patterson book? here are some activities to try on Lake Michigan this summer.
learn to SurF
If you’ve always wanted to surf, you don’t have to go to hawaii or california to learn. lessons are available all summer long on lake michigan. beginner classes start with safety information and warm-up exercises on dry land before moving on to the water. For more information or to reserve a space in an upcoming class, call third coast surf shop at 269.932.4575 or visit thirdcoastsurfshop.com.
go exPloring on a KayaK or Stand-uP Paddleboard
4 visitshoremagazine.com 6
paddling provides a new way to look at your favorite beach or river, whether you opt to board a kayak or stand atop a paddleboard. Just north of new buffalo, the galien river features a meandering route through the undeveloped nature preserve to the city beach, with little current going either upstream or downstream. an option in the st. Joseph/benton harbor area is the slow-moving paw paw river, which runs through wetlands and harbor shores, a Jack nicklaus signature design golf course. stand-up paddleboards and kayaks (in one- or two-person configurations) are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis daily through labor day at the following locations, no reservations necessary. For more information, or to inquire about lessons or larger group rentals, contact third coast surf shop at 269.932.4574 or visit thirdcoastsurfshop.com. • galien river boat launch 17440 red arrow highway, new buffalo • new buffalo city beach, new buffalo
• paw paw river boat launch 601 graham avenue, benton harbor • Jean klock park, benton harbor
taKe a yoga claSS on the water
why limit your yoga practice to just indoors when you can try it on lake michigan? stand-up paddleboard yoga provides a new perspective on being fully present in the moment. postures can be modified for all experience levels—or tailored to accommodate mother nature’s mood. For more information or to reserve a space in an upcoming class, call third coast surf shop at 269.932.4575 or visit thirdcoastsurfshop.com.
ride the duneS
reward yourself for climbing up the top of the dunes with a trip down on a sandboard. designed on the oregon coast, sandboards look similar to snowboards, but are designed specifically for sliding down the face of sand dunes. rentals and lessons are available through third coast surf shop (thirdcoastsurfshop.com); check to make sure sandboards are permitted at your favorite beach.