Tecumseh business caters to water enthusiasts
By Arlene BachanovDaily Telegram Special Writer
A new business in Tecumseh is providing watercraft enthusiasts with an easy way to do anything from explore the far reaches of Globe Mill Pond; fish, sunbathe or just splash around in the water; and even take a trip up the River Raisin and back.
Life jackets and paddles adorn the exterior of Tecumseh Paddling Co., which opened in June on the front side of the Tecumseh Community Center, 703 E. Chicago Blvd. The business currently has 15 kayaks and 10 canoes, plus paddleboats, standup paddleboards and a rowboat available for rental. More craft may be added as demand warrants.
Hourly rentals are $10 for the first hour and $5 for each additional hour.
"We're trying to keep it affordable for families," said Jennifer Johnson, who owns the business with her husband, Mark. Group rates can also be worked out.
For those who have their own equipment, the business offers a shuttle service for $15 for the first craft and $5 for each additional craft. That way, paddlers can leave their vehicles at the business and travel by boat to another location, and the Johnsons will come pick them and their boats up and bring them back.
Mark, who once worked for a whitewater-rafting company in West Virginia, was originally connected to Tecumseh through his father, a Tecumseh High School graduate. But the idea for the business was sparked a few years ago when he brought a kayak to the area and traveled the River Raisin.
And while portions of the river are blocked by impediments like trees, he hopes that if more people get interested in paddling it, they will be more aware of the river and stewardship of it will improve.
"We're excited to be a part of the community and give people something else to do that they didn't realize was in their own backyard," he said.
Jennifer agreed. "We just want to get people out on the water," she said.
Besides using Globe Mill Pond, behind the community center, for water fun, one option for paddlers is to make a loop from that pond to Standish Pond and then back again on a different section of waterway. Longer routes are also possible, especially as the river gets cleared. "More areas are getting opened up," Mark said.
Tecumseh Paddling's business has been good so far, the couple said, with customers ranging from families with young children all the way up to a woman in her 70s who had never kayaked before. And while the whole idea of kayaking might sound intimidating to a newcomer, "it's easier than you think," said Mark.
Both single and double kayaks are available.
The business, which at present is cash-only, is currently open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. The hours will adjust as school begins and it gets dark earlier, and the couple plans to stay open for the year at least through October so that people can get out on the water and see the fall color.
Reservations are necessary for large groups, but other customers can either call ahead or walk in to see if craft are available.
Tecumseh Paddling Co.'s phone number is 423-2700. The business is online on Facebook or at www.tecumsehpaddling.com.
This article was written based on information provided by the business.
Lenawee in Business is a feature of The Daily Telegram business page for new businesses and businesses celebrating a major anniversary. If you have a story for a Lenawee in Business, call assistant news editor Sue Van Fleet at 265-5111, ext. 259, or email sue@lenconnect.com.