Get a different perspective of the Riverwalk; Cool Water Kayaks
A new business opened in Jasper over Memorial weekend. You may have missed it unless you went for a walk on the Riverwalk. If you did you may have found Rusty Long was there with signs and a tent near Buehler Park. He has a new way for you to experience the Riverwalk; on the water.
Long just opened Cool Water Kayaks a kayak rental service for the Patoka River. “I love this community and I want to give something back. I love the outdoors and I loved canoeing but I went for a kayak for the first time in March in the floodwaters and after that I could throw my old canoe away,” Long explained why he is opening the kayak rental, but his reasons are also personal. “I have been on the road for that past ten years as a truck driver, but I want to be here for my daughter, Auriel. I can’t do that in that job.”
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Long decided to go ahead with a plan to introduce folks to the beauty of the Patoka River. “A lot of people have the misconception this is an ugly mess,” Long explains. “But I had a guy on the other day and he couldn’t believe how great the river really is. It is a great trip to explore this area. That’s why I want to share the river with people.”
Cool Water Kayaks is located on the river near the Schraeder Barn. “Take 6th Street straight back until you cross the Riverwalk and then turn right. There is a Lucky Pet Grooming on the right, just drive past and go to the right to find me.” Long said. He is leasing land there as a launching area for the river trips.
Long also books trips for Patoka Lake. It was a natural step in his business since the lake is only about 20 minutes away. “I want to offer as much as I can and the Lake is a great destination for trips and fishing.” He explained.
Cool Water Kayaks has a fleet of 21 boats available for rent. Four are triples; made for two adults and a child, ten are sit on top singles, and seven of the boats are the more classic sit inside design. “I also still have my old canoe if anyone is interested,” he said.
Rates and contact information is available on his website: www.coolwaterkayaks.com.
Interesting, informative and a very nice read!