WATER FUN | Water Fun + Fishing
Paddle Tales
For a quiet glide on the lake, these options will really float your boat
Kayaks
Kayaks, England said, basically come in three main categories: sit-in; ocean (the sit-on-top style); and fishing, which tend to be rigged a little differently. The first two can also be found in tandem models. The thing to remember with kayaks is that you don’t just go and buy one and you’re all set. You also need paddles, personal flotation devices (in Indiana, you aren’t required to wear them in a kayak, but you must have one in the boat), and a way to transport them if traveling for their use, like a roof rack (if you don’t have a pickup truck, that is). So it’s a good idea to try before you buy. You can rent kayaks (and canoes and paddleboards) at The Lake House— they’ll even deliver, and at Pedals and Paddles in North Webster, which also delivers.
by Mike Petrucelli
Part of the lure of Lakes Country is the bustle of summertime activity and the energy it brings. But adding to that appeal is the nice glide into the quiet moments that bookend the day— particularly when the water is smooth, the air is calm, and the sun is in full ‘golden hour’ mode.
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here are plenty of ways to do this— from the ease and maneuverability of a kayak to the versatile minimalism of a paddleboard, to the sturdy, classic canoe.
Renting lets people get a good feel for what they’re comfortable with, according to Barbara Huffman, co-owner of Pedals and Paddles. Here, she tends to get people started with the sit-on-top kayaks, as they’re great for beginners.
Paddleboards
Paddleboards are a little more inexpensive and easier to transport, which is part of their appeal. While it may look a little awkward to maneuver, they aren’t too difficult to get the hang of. And, England said, they are the most versatile.
While kayaks have been overtaken a bit by paddleboards, they have seen a resurgence in the past couple of years and especially during the pandemic, according to Jake England, owner of The Lake House in Winona Lake.
“You can kneel on them, you can sit on them and paddle them like a kayak, they’re light and a little more maneuverable,” he said.
“A lot of people needed to do outdoor activities,” England said. “It’s been nice seeing a lot of people new to the sport.”
They also offer an added bonus if your morning moment of Zen includes more than just paddling. “You can swim off a standup paddleboard and get back on,” more easily than a kayak, he said.
LAKElife Magazine August 2021
