Adventure Guide: Take to the Water

Ohio

Pennsylvania

New York

Attractions

Family Fun

Nature & Outdoor Excursions

This summer, adventure awaits and all you need to bring is a sense of curiosity and interest in trying something new.

Since 1989, North Coast Parasail (northcoastparasail.com) at Cedar Point Beach has offered parasailing, along with jet ski, paddleboard and kayak rentals. It also has a 31-foot Pursuit charter powerboat you can book for up to six adults. Ready to get a true birds-eye view of the lake? “You take off sitting down and land standing up right on the back of the boat,” describes John Berry, owner. What does it for guests? “Just being able to float over Lake Erie and seeing Cedar Point from up above is really cool.” Anyone ages 5 and up can parasail, and Berry has hosted a high-flying adventurer who was 95 years old.

In Erie, Pennsylvania, you can rent boats, paddleboards, kayaks and jet skis at Port Erie Sports, (porteriesports.com), now in its 16th season. You can reserve a boat online (and operate it if you are 18 and older), but the company’s fleet of 14 jet skis is first come, first served for adventurers ages 16 and older. If you go for the boat, you can rent a tube for some full-speed splashing fun. A lily pad can be rented along with your pontoon. “It holds up to 1,500 pounds so all the kids can go on it, and it floats on the surface of the water, so you can stand up, play and jump around,” describes Rob Orelski, owner. Plan to arrive 45 minutes early to receive instruction. “We have picnic tables out front and games like cornhole and ring toss, along with ice cream and beverages.”

All aboard the new Valkyrie 56-foot Oyster yacht — a pinnacle sailboat designed to sail across the world that you can experience on Lake Erie at Port Clinton. Lake Erie Sailing Charters (sailvalkyrie.com), operated by Captain Jake Burgy, accommodates up to six passengers on sunset, half-day and full-day cruises. Overnight cruises are available, too. Bring food and drinks and prepare to set sail and take in the sights.

Ready to explore the woods and water of Chautauqua? Count on Evergreen Outfitters & Tours (tourchautauqua.com/destinations/evergreen-outfitters-and-tours). Bring your own gear or rent from the store. Learn to kayak and join an expert guided tour of Lake Erie, Chautauqua Lake and Outlet, and the Conewango Creek.