Water Fun

2 pages

Water Fun

the lake is your playground

by Deborah C. Gerbers

It’s almost here, the moment we’ve been waiting for throughout this dreary and cold northern Indiana winter… LAKE SEASON! Time to open up the cottage, put in the dock, and get ready for all the fun awaiting us on the water. Sunrise coffee on the deck, midday splashing in the hot afternoon sun, evening boat cruises while taking in brilliant sunsets, and cozy nighttime bonfires along the shore are all part of the plan this summer. From relaxed kayaking and fishing to high-adventure jet ski rides and wake surfing, plus everything in between, lake life is calling us and we couldn’t be more excited!

Whether you’re a lifelong laker or have recently been wooed to the water, there are endless summer activities for everyone to enjoy. Kayaks and stand up paddle boards are perfect, low-key fun for just about anyone. You can set your own pace, bring along the kids, snap some awesome photographs, and maneuver into narrow waterways and bays unlike larger watercraft and speed boats.

Don’t own your own board or kayak? No worries. The Lake House surf shop on Winona Lake offers kayak and paddle board rentals for $20/hour and $65/day, with a $30 pickup/delivery option. The stand up boards come in 9-, 10.5- and

12-foot sizes, and experts are on-hand to help you make the best choice for each individual based on experience and goals.

Another great option for lower-speed fun? Canoes and rowboats. Perfect for families and kids, a day of fishing, or just an adventure ride around the lake with a packed picnic lunch, these boats can also sneak under bridges, into canals, and are great for water lovers of all ages.

Want just a little more speed? Pontoon boats are an all-time classic watercraft loved by many for generations. These “float boats” come in various sizes and lengths and can hold upwards of 15 passengers. There’s just enough motor power to put some wind in your hair, but pontoons are also great for a slow, evening cruise or for anchoring at the sandbar. The large surface area makes it great for packing coolers and tons of gear, plus the ample seating allows for maximum relaxation on the water. Interested in putting in for the day? The Lake House rents a 21’ luxury edition pontoon for $300/half-day (4-6 hours) and $550/full-day (12 hours). In the market to buy one? Pro Wake Watersports in Syracuse has a variety of inventory to peruse. They carry several models of Sylvan pontoons for sale, with boats ranging from 19 to 25 feet long. Experienced staff can help you make the best choice for your needs and price range. As a full-service marine dealer, Pro Wake Watersports offers a complete range of services including maintenance, parts, winter storage, winterization, bodywork and much more.

Looking for some full-throttle fun? A powerful speed- or surf boat might be in the cards. Popular manufacturers include Mastercraft, Moomba, Supra,

and Nautique. A “surf boat” is ideal for wake surfing, which is becoming more popular each year. Ballasts in the surf boat have bladders filled with water to create a wave behind the boat, allowing riders to surf the wave without holding on to a rope, while going at low speeds around 10 miles per hour. But these surf boats are also great for pulling water skiers and tubers as well. Pro Wake Watersports has a great selection of new and used boats to fit all needs.

Indeed, wake surfing is gaining the most momentum on the lake, according to local retailers like Mike Wilson of Bart’s Water Sports. “We are definitely still seeing skis and wakeboards, but surfing is the new thing,” he said. Another new “toy” gaining popularity is a hover glide, which raises the rider 24-36 inches out of the water. “You sit on it like a chair but surf on it,” said Wilson. “It’s a unique sensation!” The well-versed staff at Bart’s Water Sports can help you pick the best choice from their wide selection of wakeboards, wake surf boards, water skis, towables (tubes), life jackets and more.

Want to try something new on the water but don’t have any experience? Shops like The Lake House offer wake boarding and wake surfing lessons. “We like to encourage families to have fun on the water,” said Jake England, owner of The Lake House, “and we show them how to be safe about it.”

No matter which boat or activity is right for you, the lake has something to offer everyone. So, gas up the boat, break out the sunscreen, and get ready for the long summer days of fun living the lake life!