Standup Paddleboard with Us

By Seth Begeman, Chief of Outdoor Education

Imagine…the sky is a beautiful blue with the golden sun just overhead. You are standing on the beach with your feet in the sand as the small waves roll slowly onto shore. As you look over the harbor, you see the water smooth as glass. You pick up your stand-up paddleboard and set off to explore the gorgeous water before you. 

You don’t have to fly four or five hours to experience this scenario—it is right outside your door! A short drive to the north coast and you are there. There is nothing better than being on the water on a stand-up paddleboard early in the morning, enjoying the peaceful serenity of Lake Erie as eagles fly overhead or when you see a steelhead swimming beneath you. Stand-up paddleboards (or SUPs as they are commonly called) have been in the Northeast Ohio area for the past decade and every year more and more people are taking up the hobby. When summer hits, you start to see cars with colorful paddleboards strapped to their roofs heading to the beach. But you don’t have to have your own paddleboard to enjoy this great hobby. Lake Metroparks offers SUP rentals at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day at a cost of $10 per hour (ages 16 and older are able to rent by themselves; ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult; identification is required for rental). Rentals are offered from 9:30 am to 8 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 8 pm on weekends and holidays (with boats back to shore by 8 pm), weather depending. 

Follow these tips for an enjoyable time paddleboarding at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park: 

• Mornings and evenings are the best time to rent for a couple of reasons: conditions on Lake Erie are typically best at these times. Also, on weekends and holidays, it can become extremely busy between 11 am and 5 pm.  
• Always call Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park at 440-639-9972 before your arrival. The staff can let you know how busy it is and if we are renting paddleboards (based on weather or lake conditions). 
• Double check the weather on your phone. Many apps are available that show the current weather as well as what is incoming. Summer can bring pop-up storms along Lake Erie, so it is always best to be prepared for any on-the-water activity.
• Check out the webcam. Lake Metroparks provides a view of the beach and water online at lakemetroparks.com/webcams. This will allow you to see how busy the beach is and also get an idea of the water conditions. 

Lake Metroparks can teach you how to stand-up paddleboard too! Classes cover the basics including getting onto the board, paddling and maneuverability, and yes, even how to fall off the board correctly (most peoples’ biggest concern). Once you realize that falling off of the board is not a big deal, you can really start to enjoy the experience. Classes are held on Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 10 am and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8 pm. You can sign up at lakemetroparks.com or by calling 440-358-7275.