A Wisconsin waterfront town is quietly changing the way people can get out on the water. Simply Paddle LLC, a self-serve kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental operation on the Manitowoc River in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, removes the need to deal with set hours and staff, making it remarkably easy to get out on Lake Michigan in just a few minutes.
An on-site kiosk lets you grab a single kayak, tandem kayak, or SUP without any reservations. You just show up, check in, and launch within minutes from the River Point District Kayak Launch at 1001 River Point Drive. Street parking is free, and a sheltered picnic table sits right next to the launch for gathering gear or relaxing before or after your paddle.
Every rental includes the watercraft, a paddle, a life jacket, and an emergency whistle attached to the PFD. Single kayaks and SUPs run $25 for the first two hours, with tandems starting at $30. After that, all rentals add $10 per additional hour. Rentals are available daily during daylight hours from May through October, and the kiosk is programmed to stop vending between dusk and dawn.
Kayakers and paddlers have two major route options based on how much time they have. The Historic Waterfront Paddle runs about one to two hours and delivers a water-level tour of Manitowoc’s working waterfront. Along the way, paddlers float past the USS Cobia, a 312-foot WWII submarine identical to the 28 built right on this river.
For a longer outing, the Nature Paddle extends the trip to two to four hours, following the river as the city skyline fades and the scenery shifts to wooded banks, wildlife, and the Ice Age Trail corridor.
Simply Paddle seems like a great way to get out on the water for beginners, families, couples, and curious visitors. Throughout the season, the company hosts paddling meetups, mixers, and special events. Note that there are no public restrooms at the launch location, so make sure you hit the head before you get there.
