June 7-9, 2024 South Bass Island: This will be year number 20 in celebrating, the South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous as the premier kayaking gathering on Lake Erie. Join more than 100 kayakers from the tri-state area and beyond for a weekend of paddling, camping, socializing and exploring the islands located in the western basin of Lake Erie.
Each year on the second weekend after Memorial Day, paddlers have descended upon the South Bass Island State Park for this annual gathering. This paddler organized event, brings kayakers together for a fun weekend. Safety is our utmost concern and paddlers are encouraged to plan their own water based activities, but join our land based social functions. There are countless paddling opportunities among the islands of the Western Basin. For beginners there are paddling opportunities within the Put-in-Bay Harbor, for intermediate paddlers, there are miles of island coastline to paddle and for experienced paddlers there are dozens of open water crossings between islands to explore. See our paddling page for destination ideas for your weekend.
South Bass Island is a perfect paddling location for kayakers who want to rough it at the State Park or for those who like to be close to civilization. The amenities at the State Park are excellent, the views from the cliff-side campsites are amazing, and downtown Put-in-Bay is a close walk or shuttle drive.
Paddlers can make the crossing from the mainland or they can take the Miller Ferry. If the weather turns, the Miller Ferry is an excellent safety gap for the return trip to the mainland.
Most of all, come, paddle, socialize and experience the wonderful gem we call the Erie Islands!
Contact:
If you would like to be added to our email list for future information about the SBIKR, contact Eric Slough at emanohtol at yahoo dot com.
Co-founder of the South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous, Patrick Forrester with nearly 50 years’ experience sailing and kayaking the great lakes has combined his love for these two disciplines when he created Falcon Sails. From incubation, to launch and to now the leading kayak sail manufacturer in the world; Patrick has sold and customized kayak sails to boaters in more than 60 different countries.
Last October Patrick was invited to kayak, kayak sail and teach at the prestigious Irish Sea Kayaking Association Annual Symposium in Kenmare, Ireland. The symposium is hosted by the Fastnet Marine and Outdoor Education Center, off the southwest tip of Ireland. The exposed seas, rugged shorelines and spectacular scenery made for an incredible adventure and a tale that needs to be told.
Patrick was wowed and amazed with the country, the people, the kayaking community, and incredible sea kayaking opportunities. He will share this experience at the 20th Annual South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous, Friday June 7th at the traditional welcome dinner at the SBI State Park shelter house. The Potluck dinner starts at 6 p.m. followed by raffle announcements and Patrick’s presentation at 8 p.m.
Everybody is invited to the South Bass Kayaker Rendezvous and it is always the 2nd weekend after memorial day.
