NORTH MUSKEGON, MI – The second of three Lake Effect Boating Community Paddles is slated for Saturday, July 26, launching from the city of North Muskegon's Waterfront Sports Park.
The 10 a.m. informal, grassroots paddling "meet up" will take participants on an easy paddle along the northeast shore of Muskegon Lake.
This is the third year of the Community Paddle, a gathering of kayak, canoe and standup paddle board enthusiasts celebrating the Muskegon Lake environment.
"We have been out exploring many different areas and aspects of Muskegon Lake," Lake Effect Boating promoter Roger Zuidema said. "It has been great to learn more about the lake's environment."
MLive Muskegon Chronicle's Dave Alexander and Zuidema led the first Community Paddle of the 2014 season on June 28 from the Snug Harbor launch ramp of Muskegon State Park. About 25 participants paddled to the Bear Lake Channel and back to the state park in the northwest corner of the lake.
Zuidema will lead the Community Paddle Saturday, taking participants along the northern lake shoreline, east toward the Muskegon River mouth and the B.C. Cobb Generating Plant.
North Muskegon's Waterfront Sports Park is located on Lake Avenue. Taking Ruddiman Avenue from the "Four Corners," turn on First Street south to Lake Avenue and the park. Coming on Ruddiman Avenue from the Bear Lake Channel, take Second Street south to Lake Avenue and the park.
The Community Paddle is open to anyone with a kayak, canoe, standup paddle board or other paddle craft. Those not having a kayak to paddle can still participate as again Guy DeBor of Guys Ultimate Kayak Service will have kayaks and "river cat" inflatable paddle boats available free-of-charge for the roughly two-hour event. The free rentals are first-come, first-serve while craft are available.
Those wanting to participate in Saturday's Community Paddle should have a life jacket that meets recreational boating regulations.
The final 2014 Community Paddle will be in conjunction with the Muskegon Lake Effect Boating's Michigan Maritime Celebration Saturday Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. from the Muskegon city beach at Harbour Towne.
Dave Alexander is the community engagement specialist for MLive/The Muskegon Chronicle. Email him at dalexan1@mlive.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.