Let’s Connect
Adventure is waiting — all you have to do is reach out. Whether you’re planning a quick paddle, a group outing, or your first time on a board, we’re ready to help you launch. Send us a message, ask your questions, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible — if we’re helping guests get on the water, we’ll respond ASAP!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your hours?
Our hours vary at each location. 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. Hours are subject to change due to weather and water conditions, so we recommend checking the calendar and making an online reservation before you visit us.
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:
- Silver Beach in St. Joseph
- Jean Klock Beach in Benton Harbor
- Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer
- Van Buren State Park in South Haven
For a river excursion:
- Galien River in New Buffalo
- Paw Paw River in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor
- Wade’s Bayou in Douglas
We have kids in our group. How old does a single paddler have to be? Can kids paddle alone?
Kids under the age of 18 cannot paddle alone without someone over 18 in the group.
Kids age 12 and older – can paddle their own kayak or paddleboard if accompanied by a parent or guardian in another kayak or on another paddleboard.
Kids under the age of 12 can ride in a double kayak only if accompanied by an adult; there is no age limit, and it is up to the parents’/guardians’ discretion.
We have kids’ life jackets that fit most kids starting as young as age 3, and you’re also welcome to bring your own. All paddlers sign a liability waiver, including the parent/guardian for each child, and all paddlers must wear a life jacket.
Can I reschedule my reservation?
If you need to reschedule your reservation, use the link in your booking confirmation email to choose a new day and time. You must reschedule BEFORE your original reservation time. We’re happy to reschedule rentals, but there are no refunds on these services.
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, Warren Dunes State Park, and Van Buren State Park in South Haven) 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.
Do I have to book online?
We encourage you to book ahead of time online to make sure you get the equipment you want when you want. Visit thirdcoastpaddling.com, click “book now,” and choose your rental location. You’re also welcome to drop by to rent, but your selection may be limited – or not available at all – depending on demand.
Can I rent for longer than a day, or rent equipment to use off-site?
We have multi-day off-site rental options only at our Wade’s Bayou location in Douglas. Visit thirdcoastpaddling.com, click the “book now” button at the top, and select our Wade’s Bayou location. Choose “overnight rentals” and reserve your rental equipment and pick-up time.
Explore All Our Locations
Warren Dunes State Park
DUNES, LAKE & SANDBOARDING
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12032 Red Arrow Highway
Sawyer, MI 49125