sirtravelalot/Shutterstock.com
Even though she may be in the Midwest, Indiana has so many places for kayakers of all ages and levels! Indiana’s waters are beautiful, and in many areas calm and relaxing for those looking for a leisurely paddle. For beginners, the key to success is to come prepared, so consider taking a safety course before heading out! Check out these five excellent places for beginners to kayak in Indiana, and get ready to have some fun!
Renting through Freedom Kayak Adventures at Saxony Lake is a great way to get started on your kayaking journey. Single-kayak rentals are $15 per hour and tandem kayaks are $20 per hour. Freedom Kayak even offers classes on the lake for beginners to learn the basics of the sport.
For those of us who are just starting out in our kayaking adventure, Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rentals in Crawfordsville, Indiana, is the place to start. Although Sugar Creek offers three different kayaking adventures to choose from, the best place for beginners to start is with the three-mile short and sweet trip. Although you won’t be spending a lot of time on the water, this trip lets you get accommodated and accustomed to a kayak without much difficulty or worry. At Sugar Creek, their mission is to provide a fun, relaxing, and safe environment for all to enjoy!
Another excellent place for beginners to kayak is at the Trading Post in Mongo, Indiana. It is family owned and operated, and each canoe and kayak trip travels through the 13,000 acres of the Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area. Kayak down the scenic Pigeon River on the Nasby Dam trip, which is approximately an hour and a half. The trip is four miles, perfect for the beginner and small children. Float down the Nasby Dam at your own pace, stopping to fish or check out the local wildlife.
Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or someplace to go for the day, Old Mill Canoe Rental in Fredericksburg, Indiana, is the place to go. The owners and staff pride themselves on providing excellent customer service. The half-mile to two-mile trip is excellent for those who are beginners and just want to practice, or for those who just want to paddle for relaxation. As you paddle, you might even get to see some of the local wildlife. Keep your eyes open for white tailed deer, adorable otters, turtles, and more!
Located along the beautiful Pigeon River in Pleasant Lake, Indiana, Pigeon River Canoe and Camp is a great place for beginning kayakers to test out their skills. The AWP to Livery is three and a half miles long, and takes about two hours. It is perfect for beginners who aren’t entirely confident in their skills, but want to learn and grow. Kayaking and canoeing are only offered on the weekends, depending on river conditions, so be sure to call ahead of time!
