Want to go kayaking at Lake Redman?
No boat, no problem. Boat rentals open for the summer at Lake Redman.
After a week of gray skies and rain, the sun peeked out for the opening weekend of boat rentals at Lake Redman.
Kayaks, paddle boats and rowboats can be rented by the hour for those who want to get out on the water but don't own a boat. Rentals are available on weekends starting May 7. They expand to include some weekdays on May 28 when the summer hours take effect.
Staff help paddlers get in and out of boats and can provide pointers for first-timers. The rental shop is in a cove, perfect for getting comfortable before heading out into the open water, said Mike Fobes, manager of natural resources for York County Parks. "We're based for beginners," he said. The kayaks are wide and heavy, making them stable and ideal for newbies. It's still possible to tip them, Forbes said, but "you really have to be messing around though."
Lake Redman details
There are nine single kayaks, four double kayaks, 12 pedal boats, 12 canoes, and eight row boats available to rent for paddling around Lake Redman at William H. Kain Park. Life preservers are included in the cost of rental. Children 12 and under must wear a life preserver. Adults may choose not to wear one but are required to have it in the boat.
Where: 267 Hess Farm Road in Springfield Township
Current hours: Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Summer hours: Starting May 28, boats can be rented Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Rates: $16 for the first hour, $8 for each additional hour for single kayaks, row boats, canoes and pedal boats. Two-person kayaks are $20 for the first hour and $10 for each additional hour.
More rentals
Lake Redman isn't the only local place to rent a kayak.
Shank's Mare Outfitters in Lower Windsor Township offers single, double, triple and fishing kayaks as well as stand-up paddle board rentals.
Chickie's Rock Outfitters in Columbia offers canoe and single and tandem kayak rentals.
Pinchot Park in Warrington Township offers canoe and kayak rentals.
First timer tips
- Wear sunscreen. Water reflects sunlight so you get a double dose of rays when you're in a boat.
- Bring baggies. Paddle splashes can send water into your kayak. If you bring your phone with you want make sure it's covered.
- Drink up. You can work up a sweat paddling. Bring a bottle of water, especially if its sunny or warm out.
- Remember munchies. Bring a snack along just in case. Nothing ruins a paddle like sudden onset hunger.
- Layer up. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. You'll warm up as you paddle, but weather can change quickly, so it's a good idea to have options.
- Arrive early. Weekends during the summer are a busy time on the lake. Boats are available on a first-come, first-served basis so get there early or bring something to occupy yourself with as you wait for a return.
- Take care of business. There's a bathroom next to the rental shop. Put it to good use.
- Check the radar. Paddling in the rain isn't all that fun.
- Check twitter. There's no phone at the rental shop, but @YorkCountyParks will tweet if weather is too poor to be open.
- Bring cash and identification. This is a cash-only operation, so stop at the ATM ahead of time.
