Want to Learn to Kayak? City of G.R. Hosting Beginner Trips

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is get a group together and go kayaking. The first time I went I actually had no idea what I was doing but I just figured it out as the river and alcohol flowed.

However, if you've never been kayaking and might be intimidated to learn on your own, the city of Grand Rapids will help you out with something really cool that they're doing throughout August and September.

The city will be hosting a beginner kayaking demo and trips in the Grand River. The first one, Lagoon Days, will be held Saturday, August 7 from 1p-4p at Riverside Park. Free 20-minute kayaking demos will be held during the duration. Registration is not required but kayaks will be on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Once you get your bearings in and feel comfortable, you can join the city for their guided kayak trips. The trips will be 90-minutes long and will take place on

August 14 & August 28 from 10a-11:30a
September 12 from 12p-1:30p

The Kayak Adventures will start and end at the boat launch at Riverside Park. The trips cost $30 for G.R. residents and $40 for non-residents. Lifeguards will be present at every event with floatation devices and safety tips.

Those 18 and up can kayak alone, 12-17 can kayak alone or in a tandem, and those 11 and under must be in a tandem kayak with an adult.

A press release from the city says,

These programs are a great way to teach our community members about water safety, water quality and the many ways you can enjoy the Grand River in its present state and in the future.