REND LAKE (WSIL) -- We're heading back into the outdoors this week but this time the trails are a little different. This time we're going out on the water.
"We have south Sandusky, we have Jacky Branch and we have the Turnip Patch area. That's on the west side of the lake. On the east side we have south Marcum, we have North Gun Creek and we have Cypress view," says Donald Flatt, Owner of Black Dog Storage and Kayak Rentals.
is located less than a mile from Rend Lake which offers not one, but six different Kayak Trails.
"We have four hour tours and eight hour tours. We actually deliver them like 8 to noon and 1 to 5 or you can actually come by and pick them up. If you pick them up yourself then we're a little lenient on the time," states Donald.
Donald says they offer both single and tandem kayaks, but before hitting the water there are a few things you'll need to know.
"You can read all about kayaking, you can watch all the safety videos. There's about 20 minutes of safety videos required by the state. Everyone has to watch that before they come in," explains Ginger Flatt, Owner of Black Storage and Kayak Rentals.
"We provide them all with floatation devices and it's a very good idea to wear them at all times. If you're under 13 you're mandated to wear them. We always try to preach safety for all of the kayakers to enjoy themselves. Whenever we rent these kayaks we want everyone gets back the way they left. We want to make sure everyone gets back to all their families," adds Donald.
After you've covered the basics, it's time to launch. Once out on the water you can make it as relaxing or strenuous as you want.
"I ask them questions of what they're wanting to look for. Some of them want to be remote so I take that into consideration. The biggest thing is the wind because this lake gets so rough so fast. I try to keep them out of the wind to where they can really enjoy their trip. Pretty much if I can send you to an area that is safe you're going to have fun. A lot of tourists come here for the fishing. A lot of the Saint Louis people come down to do the camping, the boating and their just trying to get out of the fast main stream and just relax."
Ginger and Donald say that the weekend reservations fill up quick, so they ask you to call in advance. For more information on the Rend Lake Kayak Trails click .Ìý
