Let's Go Paddling!

• Make your reservation. (Remember, all rental sites are on Eastern time.)
  
• Look for a confirmation email with details about your booking, and follow instructions for filling out your electronic liability waiver.
• Arrive on time for your reservation (5 minutes ahead of your scheduled time is best!). If you're late for your scheduled time, we may be unable to accommodate you.
• You’ll paddle for your scheduled duration, returning to the same place you started (see map below). The river is very mellow and slow-moving so paddling upstream is easy, and there are a ton of nooks & crannies to explore. You can even stop along the way for lunch or a craft beer at North Pier Brewing Company or North Shore Inn — just make sure you reserve enough time when you make your booking to paddle!

Prefer not to reserve your rental equipment in advance? You’re welcome to drop by to rent, but please note that your selection may be limited – or not available at all – depending on demand.

What to Bring

• Electronic liability waiver - complete ahead of time for yourself, and anyone else in your group. (Find the link to the waiver in your confirmation email.)
• Your driver’s license - our staff will need a photo of your license (only one needed per party) as a security deposit while you paddle.
• Dress for the weather - come prepared to get a little wet and be out in the sun. Sunglasses, sunblock, and a hat are a good idea. Your phone/camera have a possibility of getting wet, so bring a waterproof bag.
• No alcohol allowed on the water.

Age Policy

• Kids under the age of 18 - cannot paddle alone without someone over 18 in the group.
• Kids age 14 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 14 - can ride in a double kayak only if accompanied by an adult; there is no age limit, and it is up to the parent’s/guardian’s discretion.

Rescheduling / Cancellations

• Arrive on time for your reservation - if you are late for your scheduled time, we may be unable to accommodate you when you arrive. (Remember, our rental sites are on Eastern time.)
• Weather conditions - if the rental site is closed due to unsafe weather conditions on the day of your reservation, we will notify you to reschedule.
• Need to reschedule? Look for a link in your booking confirmation email to choose a new day and time. If you have questions about rescheduling or are unable to find a new day and time that will work for you, email us at info@thirdcoastpaddling.com. Please note that we ask you to let us know at least 24 hours in advance if you can’t make your reserved time. We’re happy to reschedule your rental for the current or following season, but there are no refunds.

Visit Us

Our Paw Paw River kayak and paddleboard rental site is located just outside downtown St. Joseph, Michigan, and the Benton Harbor Arts District, next to Renaissance Athletic Club, and 90 minutes from Chicago. Please note that you must pay to park in the Graham Avenue boat launch parking lot; the City of Benton Harbor charges $5 for 3 hours or $10 for all day parking. You also have the option of parking somewhere else and walking in.

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Third Coast Paddling – Paw Paw River Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals
601 Graham Avenue
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022

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AREA INFORMATION

Southwest Michigan Tourist Council
St. Joseph Today