West River Paddling Company

Rentals from West River Paddling Company include safety equipment, on-site parking, restroom facilities and picnic areas. Amenities vary by boat and by season, so confirm what comes with the boat you book.

In Ohio, age 12 is the point at which someone may operate a motorboat other than a personal watercraft without supervision, but the rental operator decides its booking minimum. Under 12, operation requires direct visual and audible supervision by someone 18 or older; for powercraft over 10 horsepower, that supervisor must be aboard. Personal watercraft operators must be 16 to operate alone; ages 12 through 15 need a supervisor 18 or older aboard, and under 12 may not operate. Under Ohio Revised Code sections 1547.052 and 1547.06, operators and supervisors of rented powercraft over 10 horsepower born on or after January 1, 1982, must document approved education or pass the rental business’s abbreviated exam. Confirm the rental company’s minimum when booking.

Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Watercraft (dam.assets.ohio.gov)

Ohio requires a boater education certificate, not a traditional license, for anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, operating powercraft over 10 horsepower, including personal watercraft. Children under 12 may operate non PWC powercraft over 10 horsepower only under direct supervision of an adult 18 or older aboard. PWC operators must be 16, except ages 12 through 15 may operate with an adult 18 or older aboard. Covered rental customers may show prior education or score at least 90 percent on the rental exam and be named on the agreement; approved online rental proof is temporary and valid 14 days. Holders of qualifying Coast Guard merchant mariner credentials are exempt. Ohio’s Division of Parks and Watercraft administers these rules.

Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Watercraft (dam.assets.ohio.gov)

From Vermilion, you can cruise the Vermilion River harbor, head through its dredged entrance channels onto Lake Erie, or make day runs to Beaver Creek and the Huron River. The Vermilion River is the protected, slow-water choice; NOAA lists a 6 mph harbor limit, and the South Street Municipal Public Boat Ramp launches into the river for lake access. Lake Erie is the open-water option beyond the breakwater. Beaver Creek is a small-craft harbor whose entrance bar can restrict it to shallow-draft boats. The Huron Boat Basin offers a river marina stop with transient slips and easy entry from Lake Erie.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

From Vermilion, good Lake Erie day trips include Huron Boat Basin, Sandusky’s Paper District Marina and Kelleys Island. Huron’s municipal marina sits on the Huron River and puts restaurants, shops and parks within walking distance. In Sandusky Bay, Paper District Marina offers transient dockage, a café, an amphitheater and walking paths connecting toward Jackson Street Pier. Kelleys Island is the nature-focused choice, with a state park beach, glacial grooves, trails and a downtown area with restaurants and shops.

Source: City of Huron (files.cityofhuron.org)