June 6-8, 2025 South Bass Island: This will be year number 21st in celebrating, the South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous as the premier kayaking gathering on Lake Erie. Join more than 100 kayakers from the tri-state area and beyond for a weekend of paddling, camping, socializing and exploring the islands located in the western basin of Lake Erie.
Each year on the second weekend after Memorial Day, paddlers have descended upon the South Bass Island State Park for this annual gathering. This paddler organized event, brings kayakers together for a fun weekend. Safety is our utmost concern and paddlers are encouraged to plan their own water based activities, but join our land based social functions. There are countless paddling opportunities among the islands of the Western Basin. For beginners there are paddling opportunities within the Put-In-Bay Harbor, for intermediate paddlers, there are miles of island coastline to paddle and for experienced paddlers there are dozens of open water crossings between islands to explore. See our paddling page for destination ideas for your weekend.
South Bass Island is a perfect paddling location for kayakers who want to rough it at the State Park or for those who like to be close to civilization. The amenities at the State Park are excellent, the views from the cliff-side campsites are amazing, and downtown Put-In-Bay is a close walk or shuttle drive.
Paddlers can make the crossing from the mainland or they can take the Miller Ferry. If the weather turns, the Miller Ferry is an excellent safety gap for the return trip to the mainland.
Most of all, come, paddle, socialize and experience the wonderful gem we call the Erie Islands!
Contact:
If you would like to be added to our email list for future information about the SBIKR, contact Eric Slough at emanohtol at yahoo dot com.
WHAT: Learn to roll a kayak with skills that can be applied to touring kayaks, or use your kayak.
WHEN: South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous,
WHERE: Precise location TBD
WHO: George Davis (purduegeorge@gmail.com, 214-909-7000)
HOW MUCH: Initial instruction is $75, After that, tune-ups are free except for $10 for pool use.
HOW IT WORKS: The student will start in an instructional kayak using a dive mask; all the needed equipment is provided for the first lesson. The extended-paddle (“Pawlata”, sea kayak) roll is taught first to provide the proper mechanics for a sweep roll quickly. After sufficient practice to develop muscle memory (with a spotter and bow rescues if needed), the student will be coached into transitioning to a standard sweep stroke.
HOW TO GET STARTED: Contact George (contact listed above) to set up an appointment, get specific directions to the facility or answer questions.
A few years ago I learned to roll my kayak but never really mastered the correct technique. I was just muscling my way up, at the risk of a major shoulder injury. The technique that George and the team uses taught me finesse and had me rolling with ease after one session. Whether you’re new to kayaking or have some experience, this instruction will help you lock down the fundamentals and increase your confidence on the water. ~ Bill S.
