Before You Go
Get ready for a fun, safe, and splash-filled day on the water! Whether it’s your first paddle or your fiftieth, we’re here to make every adventure safe, simple, and full of fun.
Reserve, Sign, and Check-In
- Make a Reservation: Reserve your gear so it’s ready and your day on the water goes exactly as planned!
- Check Your Email: You’ll receive a confirmation that includes directions, parking info, and other important details to make your day on the water smooth and stress-free.
- Sign the Waiver: Check your confirmation email for the electronic liability waiver and have everyone in your group sign it ahead of time.
- Bring Your ID: We’ll take a photo of your driver’s license for security and verification purposes.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself a little extra time to park and check in so you can get on the water more quickly. (Don’t forget that we’re on Eastern time!)
Gear Up for Adventure
- Water-Friendly Clothes: You’ll get a little wet, so dress for fun! Bring a change of clothes just in case, and check the weather to see if you need any extra layers.
- Shoes: Water shoes or secure sandals are best for getting in and out of the water.
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen — the sun is strong out there!
- Waterproof Bag: This is a top item for what to bring kayaking to keep your phone, keys, and snacks safe and dry. Don’t have one? No worries, rent it from us!
- Hydration & Snacks: Pack a water bottle and a light snack if you’ll be out for a while.
Safety First
- Life Jackets Are a Must: We provide life jackets, and they should always be worn on the water.
- No Alcohol: Keep it safe and fun for everyone.
- Follow Staff Tips: Listen to any instructions from our crew and stay with your group. Following these kayaking safety tips ensures a great experience for all skill levels.
Helpful Extras
- Parking & Directions: Included in your confirmation email.
- FAQs: Everything you need to know about age limits, rescheduling, and kayaking tips for beginners to make the day fun for your whole crew.
- Questions? Call, email, or chat with us — if we’re helping guests get on the water, we’ll respond to you ASAP!
Frequently Asked Questions
When do you open and close for the season?
Our river rental locations (Galien River in New Buffalo, Paw Paw River in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, and Wade’s Bayou in Douglas) open for the season in mid-May and close in late September.
Our beach locations (Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Jean Klock Beach in Benton Harbor, and Warren Dunes State Park) open for the season Memorial Day Weekend and close Labor Day weekend.
Hours vary by location and can change based on weather and water conditions. Visit thirdcoastpaddling.com and click the “book now” button to make sure we’re open when you plan to visit and that the rental equipment you’d like is not already reserved.
What types of equipment do you have to rent? What is included with my rental?
At all locations we have single (one-person) double (two-person) kayaks. They are a beginner-friendly sit-on-top style for comfort and stability. We also offer stand-up paddleboards. Rentals include life jacket(s) and paddle(s). Providing stable equipment is one of our most important kayaking safety tips.
Our beach locations (Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Jean Klock Beach in Benton Harbor, and Warren Dunes State Park) also offer loungeboards – oversized, ultra-stable paddleboards.
At our Warren Dunes State Park location only, we offer sandboards and sand sleds, which are exclusively designed for riding down the face of a dune. It’s kind of like snowboarding on sand, and really easy for most people to do.
Do you pick us up at the end of the paddle?
No, you simply paddle back to where you started when you’re done. It is easy, as there is very little current on the Paw Paw River, Galien River, and Wade’s Bayou. It is also convenient since you don’t have to wait for a shuttle – just paddle upstream or downstream and return back to the rental site when finished.
What is there to do near your rental sites?
All of our rental sites are located in fantastic West Michigan coastal communities. Here are some resources to help you start planning:
Can I rent a kayak or paddleboard on a day when you’re not open?
Sometimes! Email us ([email protected]) with advance notice, and we’ll see what’s possible.
Should I worry about tipping the kayak over? Are the kayaks stable and easy to use?
You do not need to worry about tipping our kayaks over. They are a beginner-friendly sit-on-top style that is very stable and designed not to tip easily. One of our favorite kayaking tips for beginners is to simply relax and let the boat do the work. While our kayaks are designed for stability, it’s important to note that any kayak can tip if a paddler stands up or behaves unsafely.
Which of your rental sites (locations) do you recommend?
It depends on whether you’d like to paddle at a local river or on Lake Michigan. All of our locations offer something unique, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them!
For a beach outing:
For a river excursion:
Explore All Our Locations
Warren Dunes State Park
DUNES, LAKE & SANDBOARDING
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12032 Red Arrow Highway
Sawyer, MI 49125