I rush through most of my days, but you can’t rush kayaking. It was much easier than I expected, way more fun, and I can’t wait to see more of the lake this way!
My kayak tour began with an early start on a Monday morning, and the perfect way to experience Geneva Lake. As a first time kayaker, with only a little experience paddling a canoe as a kid, I found it to be easier than I expected. I honestly thought I might end up going for a swim, but my kayak was stable (even as I tested how much wiggle and lean it could handle), and getting used to the paddle and the rhythm of paddling came easily.
As a resident of Fontana, I know how wonderfully still the lake can be early in the morning, but gliding quietly through the water rather than in a speedboat was a very peaceful experience. Getting to view the lakefront and landscape from the ends of the piers without disturbing your surroundings and practically alone on the lake seemed to me to be a rare occurrence.
Kayaking in open water while the lake was calm let me test out speed and agility in controlling and turning the kayak. It was the perfect way to start a tour, and gave me the confidence to end my tour with a 20 minute paddle up Potawatomi Creek behind the Abbey. An altogether different experience is kayaking in six inches of water and watching for fallen limbs beneath the surface. It was so quiet it felt as though no one had been up that creek in years and it seemed as though even the ducks and other wild life were surprised to see us.
Even though I could feel the muscles in my arms, which I obviously hadn’t been using before this, I felt great, loved the experience, and left the Fontana Paddle Company wanting a kayak of my own and a regular 6 AM babysitter so I could do this over and over again.
Seeing the lakefront by kayak was a great reminder of why I chose to live here.
Vicki M. - Fontana Resident
Thanks for the paddleboarding tour this morning! Having spent most of my life on this lake, boating, sailing and windsurfing, I can honestly say that it totally exceeded my expectations… I’m hooked! So, if you like getting out on the water early in the morning in the calm waters, this is the thing to do. Its a combination of exercise and being outside enjoying nature for all she has to offer – its a ‘must do’!!!
John P. - Fontana Resident
Loved the ramp to get into the water – easy access for older adults.
Beverly H. – Arlington Heights, IL
Very nice kayaks/paddles – easy to use for 1st timers. The gentleman that helped us was so kind and gave a great lesson to get us started. We took two of our boys for some quality time. It truly was fun. We were in nature and we learned a new skill too. Thanks for a great time!
Megan C. – Woodstock, IL
I have never had as great or as kind of customer service as I had at the Fontana Paddle Co.
Rahia S. – Skokie, IL
This is a great way to get some exercise & enjoy the lake in a whole new way. My husband and I did this for “date” time and had a blast. I was surprised how much easier it was than I thought it would be… and I was smoother than my husband for once!
I love that your hours are in the AM & PM so you can experience quieter times on the water.
Katie O., Warrenville, IL
The launch was amazing and took away all my fears about getting in the water. Perfect value… decided to try kayaking on our own gave us time to become comfortable with kayak.
Merisy M., Columbia MD
We’re so inspired we want to go kayaking again now that we’re back home!
Lisa M., Winnetca IL
