Beat the Heat with Wet Feet

Lake Metroparks is fortunate to have a multitude of parks that provide access to our local rivers and Lake Erie.  During the heat of summer some of these locations offer great opportunities to cool off with a hike through the water.  Our local waters are important homes for many plants and animals, so while hiking around keep your eyes open for fish, frogs, crayfish or even a Bald Eagle. 

The following are some of our favorite places for a creek or river hike:

Indian Point Park – From the lower parking lot you can readily enter Paine Creek.  You can hike upstream to the Seeley Road bridge or take a shorter, easier hike downstream where the stream empties into the Grand River.

Helen Hazen Wyman Park – Kellogg Creek, Big Creek and the Grand River all come together at this park.  The best creek hiking though is in Big Creek where the clear shallow waters offer excellent opportunities to explore. 

Hidden Valley Park – The Grand River is the largest and deepest river in the county, but just beyond the shelter is a wide, shallow area perfect for wading.  So grab the family and some hot dogs for a picnic and an afternoon of splashing in the river.

Lake Erie has some great natural beaches to walk along while the waves splash at your feet.  Our favorite locations are:

Lake Erie Bluffs – The longest stretch of natural Lake Erie beach in the park district offers you a chance to walk the .71-miles from one park entrance to the other.  Keep cool by walking along the edge of the surf, while experiencing this amazing natural area.

Lakeshore Reservation – Two sets of stairs border a stretch of natural Lake Erie beach nearly a half mile long.  You can sit in the shade of some of the overhanging trees or wade into the lake to cool off. 

For more information and directions to the parks, visit lakemetroparks.com.

 

Stand-up Paddle Boarding – The Latest Aquatic Workout

Written by Andrea Pasquale, Lake Metroparks Recreation Specialist

Developed in the Hawaiian Islands, this sport combines the thrill of being on the open water with a core workout no other paddle sport can provide.  Surfers who were tired of laying flat on the board designed larger more stable boards that allow riders to stand up and use a long paddle. Like other surf sports, finding your balance is the challenge, but once you get it the sport becomes intensely addictive.  

Moving from prone to upright allows the participant a better view both across and down into the water.
Proper technique requires correct hand placement on the paddle and torso rotation to engage large core muscles rather than just your arms. Without torso rotation, arms tire faster and a less efficient stroke results. Foot placement is important for balance on the board: position feet parallel, shoulder width apart, mid-board, not too far forward or back. Knees are slightly bent and flexible with weight shifting at the hips, not the head. Don’t look at your feet because the sport’s best attribute is the out-“standing” view while gliding
on water!  

At Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park, Lake Metroparks has four boards for rent. You can take a class to get a few pointers before you go out on your own. This is the fastest growing water sport around, so don’t be left on the beach – get out and try it!

Basic paddleboard classes are offered Saturdays at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park between now and August 27. Class is $15 including rental. Registration is required. 

Click here for more information on this and other boating classes. 

Rentals are available at the beach from 10:30 am – 8 pm every day for $10 per hour.