3rd Annual Kayaking Symposium May 20, 2012

Kayaking Symposium at Lakeview

Looks like another beautiful weather weekend around BRaB! Saturday and Sunday's forecast calls for sunshine with temps in the 80s. Perfect! The Lorain County Metro Parks will again host their annual Kayaking Symposium at Lorain's Lakeview Park and Beach. Symposium will run from 10am–4pm. We will be there handing out our brand new Back Roads and Beaches Map. Stop by the Visit Lorain County table to see us. The Lorain Port Authority, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Swerve Bike Shop and the Division of Watercraft will also be on hand.

Ohio Division of Watercraft and Coast Guard Auxiliary will be
inspecting boats at the Kayaking Symposium

Demo Schedule:
10am – 2pm The Backpackers Shop will be hosting a “Kayaking Clinic”. Cost is $20. Pre-register by calling the shop at (440) 934-5345.

10am-4pm West River Kayak and Great Lakes Kayaking will be hosting free on-water kayaking demos. Open to ages 16 and up.

2-4pm Kayaks from the “Kayaking Clinic” will be open to the public to demo, ages 16 and up.

Program Schedule:
10:30-11:15am Division of Watercraft Safety Talk (behind Beach House)

11:30a-12:15pm Flares Program (on beach)
Learn more about types of flares and bring expired flares to test on beach.

12:30-1:15pm Packing a Kayak (behind Beach House)

1:30-2:15pm Backcountry Cooking (behind Beach House)

2:30-3:15pm Hull Design (behind Beach House)

3:15-4pm 10 Tips in 30 minutes (on beach)

Bring your boat to the event for a safety inspection by the Division of Watercraft and Coastguard Auxiliary. Receive a boat decal for passing the inspection!

Contact Jannah at (440) 967-7310 for more information.

Vermilion River Kayaking Trip/Shuttle This Weekend

Vermilion River Reservation, Lorain County Metro Parks

We've seen cyclists along the Vermilion River shuttling themselves by bike between their parked cars and the end point of their paddle. Although this can be a lot of fun (for some--see photo), many paddlers are always looking for shuttle opportunities. Well, this weekend's weather looks like a stunner AND we have shuttle opportunities! West River Kayak will be leading a Vermilion River kayaking trip this Saturday, May 12, 2012. Meet at the carriage barn at the Vermilion River Reservation and take a shuttle to Schoepfle Garden where you can board and paddle back.

Pre-register by calling 440.670.4781. Make it a great weekend for Mother's Day. Lovely accommodations are available minutes away from the trip at Riverdog Retreat. A quick check of the Riverdog site shows they may still have availability for the weekend. Also located minutes away are Vermilion Valley Vineyards, Matus Winery and Paper Moon Vineyards. And of course, this is all on the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route so don't forget your bike, especially if you're making a weekend of it!

Thorn Mountain Bike trail already in great shape

Because of the terrain, the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park usually takes shape later in the season. This year is different however. The drier April and May have presented great conditions for happy riders. The North Coast Mountain Bike (NCMB) club has been working on the trail, cutting weeds and generally making sure it's at its best. NCMB leader, Nab has sent us this great video of trail highlights.


The Thorn Trail is located on SR 58 just south of downtown Wellington. If you find yourself with an empty stomach after riding, check out Bread and Brew in downtown Wellington for a hearty sandwich. Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 22. The 331 Power Series MTB race will return to Findley.

Swerve Bike Shop in Oberlin will be hosting an Oberlin to Mohican bike ride April 21–22. Ride will begin at Swerve on April 21. Riders will travel to Mohican State Park where they will camp overnight and ride back April 22. This is a great way to introduce yourself to "bike overnights" or just enjoy a great weekend ride with like-minded people. For information contact Swerve Bike Shop at 440.774.7978 or email support@swervebikeshop.com.