Saugatuck/Douglas rentals open beginning May 18

Reserve Your 2024 Dates Today

A visit to the Saugatuck / Douglas area isn’t complete without paddling the Kalamazoo River! Rent a kayak or paddleboard at Wade’s Bayou Park in downtown Douglas, Michigan - the perfect starting point for taking in the beautiful waterfront and natural scenery. Located just outside Saugatuck and 40 minutes from Grand Rapids.

Please note that you'll start and end your paddle at the same location - no need to be dropped off or to wait around for a shuttle! 

Equipment & Pricing

Single (1 Person) Kayak

Includes Paddle & Life Jacket

$25 per hour

Double (2 Person) Kayak

Includes Paddles & Life Jackets

$30 per hour

Stand-Up Paddleboard

Includes Paddle & Life Jacket

$25 per hour

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) - no need to be dropped off or to wait around for a shuttle. The river is very mellow and slow-moving so paddling upstream is easy, and there are a ton of nooks & crannies to explore.

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

Third Coast Paddling's Wade’s Bayou Park kayak and paddleboard rental site is located on the shores of the Kalamazoo River in downtown Douglas, just minutes from Saugatuck and Oval Beach. Our kayak and paddleboard rentals in the Saugatuck & Douglas area are an incredible way to experience local flora and fauna, with free parking on site and on surrounding side streets.


Third Coast Paddling – Wade’s Bayou Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals

Wade’s Bayou Park, 26 Bayou Drive
Douglas, MI 49406

AREA INFORMATION

Saugatuck / Douglas Area Convention and Visitors Bureau