A new boat rental business hopes to make a splash at Guelph Lake this summer.
“People are looking for a new outlet to put their energy into and boating is perfect for this,” said Curtis James, the co-owner of Guelph Outdoor Adventures.
“It’s going to be a literal breath of fresh air for everyone.”
Guelph Outdoor Adventures was created in partnership with Grand River Rafting Company, a rental company out in Paris, Ont. to run boat rental services at Guelph Lake.
James explains he was friends with the owners of Grand River Rafting before the idea for Guelph Outdoor Adventures came up. His co-owner, Nick McKnight, was also with the company for almost 10 years prior to starting the business.
With around 45 boats, 10 paddle boards and two eight-person paddle boards called ‘The Beast,’ Guelph Outdoor Adventures aims to bring outdoor fun to residents. More information about the boats they offer and rental prices can be found here.
“Just hearing that there was this service, it was right up my alley,” he said, “I’m an outdoors person, I camp in the winter, I love being outside, I love boating, it made perfect sense.”
Despite the ongoing pandemic, this business opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time for James. The Grand River Conservation Authority cancelled canoe and boat rental services last year the lake and had asked Grand River Rafting if it could provide services for the park.
“My personal career was at a point where it was like, okay, well I can make a change now,” he said, “The pandemic opened up an opportunity for change.”
Originally set to launch on May 29, opening day has now been moved until the start of the first phase of Ontario’s Reopening Plan, which is anticipated to begin June 14 or earlier.
“Hopefully we can get some people out on the water for exercise and mental health.”
When they do finally open, James explains they plan to operate within park hours from 10am to 7pm with availability on a first-come-first-serve basis. Residents will be asked to wear masks while renting equipment and when they return to shore.
“As people come up they get their equipment, as soon as they’re in their boat and out on the water, they can take off their mask and they’re free to go,” said James.
Once the equipment is returned to the Guelph Outdoor Adventures kiosk, it will be disinfected with a material called Enviro Care, which can sanitize used boats, life jackets and equipment within ten minutes.
Besides rentals, Guelph Outdoor Adventures is also planning to host some physically-distanced events, including two paddle board yoga classes on weekends, and an astronomy night.
“We’re going to have people go out on the boats out to the island on Guelph Lake,” said James about the astronomy night set in July, “And we have someone coming in with a telescope, and a couple other devices, and everyone will be able to safely share time using the telescope and the other equipment.”
After many people have been cooped up indoors this winter, James hopes to see a lot of people take advantage of the warm weather to improve their mental and physical health.
“People are now seeing how important it is to get outside,” he said, “People are less likely to go to the movie theatre, they’re less likely to go to Wonderland, they’re less likely to go to any events and festivals.”
“I think people have it in their minds that we have to make our own fun, so let’s get boats and get out on the water because that’s a safe activity that we can all do.”
For updates from the Guelph Outdoor Adventures, check out their Facebook page.
