West River Paddle Sports

08/05/2026

Some of you may recognize this familiar face!

We want to give a huge shout out to our youngest crew member, LUCA, on being recognized by the Vermilion Chamber Foundation as a Young Entrepreneur!

If you have paddled with West River Paddle Co. chances are you have seen Luca helping launch kayaks, greeting customers, calling reservations, or simply finding something that needs to be done without asking. His hard work, exuberant energy and willingness to help makes him an important part of our team.

Congratulations on your growing business, Luca's Candy Cartel! Way to go Luca! Your West River Paddle Company family is cheering you on every step of the way!🛶

07/23/2026

Who else is enjoying this cooler weather? 😎

The river has been looking beautiful, and it's the perfect time to get outside without melting in the summer heat.

If you're out this Saturday for Vermilion's Santa Splashdown Poker Paddle, keep an eye out for all the festive paddlers on the river! The event, hosted by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, runs from 9am to 1pm and is sure to bring plenty of Christmas spirit to the middle of July. 🎄

Event Details:
https://members.vermilionohio.com/community-calendar/Details/santa-splashdown-poker-paddle-river-run-1549313?sourceTypeId=Website

Whether you're joining the poker paddle or just looking for a relaxing trip down the Vermilion River, we'd love to see you! Stop by the shack, grab a kayak, and enjoy one of the best ways to spend a summer day. 🛶

Reservations here: https://westriverkayak.com/
Walk-ins welcome! Open 10am-6pm Daily.

See you on the water!

07/16/2026

Hello all!!

Officials have issued high Air Quality Alert PM2.5 (particulate matter)

The health and safety of our guests always comes first.
Due to poor air quality caused by the Canadian wildfires, West River Paddling Co. will be CLOSED TODAY.

Spending several hours outdoors and paddling in smoky conditions isn't the experience we want for our customers.

We appreciate your understanding and will be open tomorrow!
10am-6pm.

07/13/2026

You can still join the Santa Splashdown Poker Paddle! If you need equipment, we will have kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals.

📍 655 W. River Rd., Vermilion
📞 (440) 967-5292
🌐 westriverkayak.com

We will be opening early for the event! Please be sure to reserve your rental in advance ONLINE at our website. Please reserve your craft and let us know in the reservation that you are participating in the Santa Splashdown Poker Paddle event!

join us for a fun-filled Christmas in July paddle down the Vermilion River on July 25th! 🎅🛶

07/11/2026

Tandem Kayaks: where one person thinks they're steering and the other person knows they're steering.

Did You Know:

Long before kaykas became a fun way to spend an afternoon, Indigenous Arctic peoples used two-person kayaks to travel, fish, and hunt together.

The tandem kayaks have been one of our most popular rentals all summer! Perfect for couples, best friends, parents and kids!

Who would be your go-to kayaking partner? Tag them in the comments and give them the reminder that summer isn't over yet!

07/02/2026

For America's 250th Birthday we're giving away 2 ALL DAY PADDLE PASSES. We will randomly select a winner that likes, shares, AND guesses the location of our youngest team member, Luca, hiding in the picture! Good Luck!

06/18/2026

🌬️Weather Update: June 18, 2026‼️

Due to HIGH WINDS, West River Paddle Co. will be closing for the remainder of the day.

The safety of our guests is a top priority.

We will be open 10am-6pm weather permitting TOMORROW.

06/15/2026

06/12/2026

If you look closely, you'll spot Vermilion's water tower "Home of the Sailors." That's fitting for a town that spent generations building ships and sending captains out onto the Great Lakes.

Fun Vermilion Fact: Our town was once known as the "Town of Sea Captains," and generations of sailors, shipbuilders, and fishermen have called this harbour home.

You don't need a schooner to enjoy the water. Just grab a paddle and explore the same river that's been part of Vermilion's story for over 200 years.

Rentals available 10am-6pm weather permitting. Last rental by 5pm.

05/24/2026