Angelica Haggert
A few weeks ago, I decided to brave the Detroit River and took
a tandem kayak out for a paddle across to Peche Island. My original
intent was to paddleboard across, but the waves were likely too
choppy for even inexperienced kayakers, and I’m not the most
balanced on a paddleboard!
Paddling in the Detroit River is referred to as “sea-kayaking,”
or “sea-paddleboarding.” Of course, it’s not a real sea, but the
technical difficulty required varies from paddling or boarding in
a marsh or calmer waters. If you paddled or boarded in Lake St.
Clair or Lake Erie, this would also be considered the “sea.”
For newer paddlers, Point Pelee or Hillman Marsh would make
great locations to try the sport out for the first time.
On a paddleboard you can lay down, kneel, or stand,
depending on your comfort level (and how wet you want to get!).
The first paddleboards came about in the early 1930s as a
modification on the traditional surfboard. The health benefits of
stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are extensive and range from core
muscle development and leg strengthening to balance
improvement and mental clarity. Some Windsor-Essex locations
offer SUP Yoga, performing traditional yoga movements while on
the board.
For kayaking, you sit either on top of or in the boat, depending
on its style, and operate a paddle with your arms (aka, paddling),
while applying slight pressure with your legs to steer more effectively.
Paddling is generally a low-impact sport, so it’s great for those with
muscle or joint problems. You can develop and strengthen torso and
leg muscles without even realizing it, as well as improving your
cardiovascular health.
We rented our tandem kayak from Windsor Adventure Inc,
located along Riverside Drive across from the Stop 26 ice cream shop.
In addition to their tandem kayaks, they also rent regular kayaks,
paddle boards, bicycles, and longboards (skateboards). We were
required to fill out a waiver, and then were given a 10-15 minute
instructional lesson at the edge of the water. This lesson included
proper paddling techniques; where to paddle on the Detroit River
(either across to Peche Island or just down the river) while avoiding
shipping lanes; and what to do in the event of an emergency, such as
capsizing.
Kayaking across to Peche Island
“I’m exhausted, but it’s great to be able to explore more of
Windsor-Essex,” said Laura Foy, the other half of my tandem kayak.
“I’m glad I was with someone more experienced for the crossing
to Peche Island, but I think I would have felt comfortable on my own
on a paddleboard somewhere inland, like Point Pelee.”
The tandem kayak rental was $40.00 for two hours. Prices for all
the equipment can be found at windsoradventure.com.
Other places in Windsor-Essex to rent paddleboards or kayaks
include Urban Surf Co., River Canard Canoe Company and the Pelee
Wings Nature Store. Prices vary, and the locale determines the
experience required - renting in River Canard or Point Pelee may grant
you calmer waters!
Where are you exploring this spring? Tell us about it!
Use the tag #ExploringMatters on Facebook and Twitter to let us know!
8 The HUB -July 2016