Where can you rent a stand-up paddleboard on Lake Erie?
Here’s where you can rent a stand-up paddleboard on Lake Erie. (file photo)
Looking to try stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Erie this summer?
The cool, calm sport is an easy way to get out on the water. And it’s growing like crazy.
The Outdoor Foundation didn’t even include stand-up paddleboarding – or SUP, which migrated from Hawaii to California in 2004 — in its annual survey until 2010. About 1.2 million people tried the sport in 2011 alone. And the sport grew 25 percent between 2012 and 2015, according to the Outdoor Foundation.
Why? Bill Cochrane, who owns Nalu Stand-up Paddle and Surf in Rocky River, gives a few reasons.
- It requires little skill or practice. Almost anyone can do it: kids as young as 6 to senior citizens.
- It’s a total body workout.
- You can do it on nearly any body of water.
- You can do lots of stuff with the board. Race, do yoga, surf, take your dog or kid for a ride, or sit on the lake.
- It’s a relatively inexpensive way to get on the water. You can buy a decent paddleboard – inflatable or hard board — for a little more than $500.
- “It’s as close to surfing as most people are going to get. And surfing’s sexy.”
Looking to buy a board? Here’s some help to decide whether you want a hard board or inflatable.
Want to rent first? Here’s a list, organized roughly from west to east.
Most shops have an age requirement to rent boards. Many shops also sell boards or offer lessons and yoga classes. But it’s not too hard to get the hang of a paddleboard on your own.
Want more info on things to do on Lake Erie? RocktheLake has where to rent a powerboat, where to learn to sail, where to take great lakefront photos, where to find beach glass and more.
Bay Paddleboarding, Put-in-Bay
Location: 460 Bayview Ave., Put-in-Bay
Reservations: Reserve at least 36 hours in advance by calling 419-341-7775.
Cost: $30 for the first hour. Lessons available.
Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals, Put-in-Bay
Location: South Bass Island State Park
Reservations: Accepted online for 10 a.m.-noon every day. Afterward, first-come, first-served.
Cost: $20 for the first hour.
Lakevue Marina, Marblehead
Location: 8549 E. Northshore Blvd.
Cost: $20 for two hours
Lakeside Chautauqua, Lakeside
Location: Lakeside Pier, 236 Walnut Ave.
Paddle & Climb, Sandusky
Location: Downtown Sandusky, 305 East Water St.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m.
Rates: $20 per hour, $50 for half day, $70 for full day
North Coast Parasail, Cedar Point Beach
Location: Just outside the Cedar Point admission gate
Hours: Open May 14–Sept. 5, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting
Reservations: Available online.
Cost: $25 for an hour.
Sawmill Creek Resort, Huron
Location: 400 Sawmll Creek Drive,
Cost: $25 for the first hour
West River Paddling Co., Vermilion
Location: 655 W. River Road. Paddle the Vermillion River or Lake Erie. $18 an hour
Huntington Beach, Bay Village
Location: 28649 Lake Road
Reservations: Available online, through Aloha SUP
Cost: $20 for the first hour.
Nalu Stand-Up Paddle and Surf, Rocky River
Location: 1328 Linda Street
Cost: $20 for the first hour for a regular board.
Reservations: Available. Also offers yoga and lessons from the Emerald Necklace Marina in the Rocky River Reservation or Bradstreet’s Landing. You can also rent a Sasquatch board that fits up to six people.
41 North, Lakewood
Location: Emerald Necklace Marina, Rocky River Reseervation. Paddle the Rocky River, into Lake Erie.
Cost: $25 for the first 1 ½ hours
Rock and Dock Marina, Downtown Cleveland
Location: East 9th Street Pier
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m., beginning in May
Reservations: Available online, or 216-804-1152
Cost: $25 for an hour
Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park
Location: 301 Huntington Beach Drive
Cost: $10, run by Lake Metroparks
Best Coast Watersports, Geneva-on-the-Lake
Location: 5404 A Lake Road. Stand on the strip is also home to a Snack Shack with shave ice!
Reservations: Available online.
Cost: $25 for the first hour, basic lesson included.
Harbor Yak, Ashtabula
Location: 529 Front Street
Cost: $30 for for four hours
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