Mentor offers a wide range of fun and exciting boating programs each summer. Learning to boat is made easy in the safe, protected harbors of the Mentor Lagoons. Try something new this year! Our fleet of over 50 boats are waiting to be taken for a ride!
Easy Ways to Register
Online 24/7 It’s FREE, easy, fast, secure and convenient!
Phone-In Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (440) 974-5720 Visa or Mastercard Accepted
Mail-In or Drop-Off Mentor Recreation Department, 8500 Civic Center Blvd., Mentor
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. & Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fill out our registration form. Pay by check or charge.
Look for our 2012 Paddling & Boating Opportunities brochure here in February
Click on any highlighted class for class times, start dates and more.
LEARN
Ohio Boater Education Course
Adult & Children ages 10 +
Instructor: Jim Zofchak
Taking an Ohio Boater Education Course (OBEC) will allow you to comply with the new Ohio Boater Education law and will satisfy other states’ boater education requirements for Ohio boaters operating in and out-of-state. Learn how to boat safely. Topics covered are trailering, docking, navigation rules, operating a personal watercraft, personal flotation devices, and handling boating emergencies. Receive an Ohio Boater Education certification card, recognized and accepted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. All persons born after January 1, 1982 must have this certification to operate any watercraft over 10 horsepower. In addition, this course may make allow you to become eligible for a discount on your boat or PWC insurance!
Kayaking for Beginners
Teen & Adult
Instructor: Jim Zofchak
Learn how to navigate the water on a simple kayak. It’s easy, fun, and this basic class will help you learn to navigate a single or double kayak safely and easily. This course includes instruction on basic paddling skills, efficient rescue techniques, and a couple of hours of sun, water, and fun! You will get wet, so bring a change of dry clothes, sunscreen, a hat or visor, and a water bottle. All equipment provided. Minimum age is 11. Participants must be able to swim 25 yards and tread water for 2 minutes.
Paddling 101: The Right Way to Paddle a Canoe
Ages 12 and older
Instructor: Jim Zofchak
Do you want to take the family on a fun canoe trip but need to learn the basics of canoeing first? In this two-hour intro class, you will learn the importance of the four basic bow strokes and safe paddling procedures. Please bring sunscreen, a hat, water bottle and dry clothing. Minimum age is 12. Participants must be able to swim 25 yards and tread water for 2 minutes. Registration fee is per person.
Learn to Stand Up Paddleboard
Ages 14 and older
Instructor: Michelle Haag
What is stand up paddleboarding? It is similar to and sometimes called walking on water. Originating in Hawaii, this ancient sport is the fastest growing sport in the world and now it is in Mentor! Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is amazing, fun, easy and relaxing for ages 8 to 108 – everyone can paddleboard. Most people are surprised to see how stable the boards are and most make it through their first lesson without falling off. Class consists of 30 minutes of instructions followed by a 45 – 60 minute paddle on the lagoons. All equipment is provided: paddleboard, life jacket and paddle. Please wear a bathing suit, and shirt or shorts for comfort, sunscreen, a hat, and bring a towel, a change of clothes and a water bottle.
Stand Up Paddleboard Fitness
Ages 14 and older
Instructor: Michelle Haag
Stand up paddleboarding is similar to surfing except you stand and paddle. In our stand up paddleboard fitness class, we take the workout to the lake and use the board and paddle to create an innovative and fun way to get fit. You’ll develop better balance, coordination, and body strength while lowering your stress level and elevate your mood. The benefits of exercise are endless as you strengthen your core and enjoy the scenery of the Mentor Lagoons! We provide everything you need: board, paddle and life jacket. Please wear a swim suit, and shorts and shirt for comfort, and bring your sunglasses, hat, and water bottle. Must be able to swim 25 yards. You will be surprised at how fast you will learn and enjoy this exciting and growing sport.
Smooth Sailing for Beginners
Teen & Adult
Instructor: Jim Zofchak
If sailing is something you have always wanted to try, this 3-hour class is for you. You will learn sailing basics in small, one – two person Sunfish sailboats, mastering the components of a boat, how to handle the wind, proper boating etiquette, how to set up a boat and sailing a small craft. You will get wet, so bring a change of dry clothes, sunscreen, a hat, non-skid shoes, and a water bottle. Minimum age is 12. Participants must be able to swim 25 yards and tread water for 2 minutes. Registration fee is per person.
American Red Cross Fundamentals Of Kayaking
Teen and Adult
Instructor: American Red Cross staff
Earn Red Cross certification in kayaking by taking this 12-hour class. If you have limited experience with kayaking and want to improve your skills and technique, this class is for you. Lessons will be held in the warm, clean water of Civic Center Pool. We will be using whitewater kayaks and teaching whitewater kayaking techniques. Anyone can learn the fundamentals of this exciting sport. Minimum age is 12. All equipment is provided. Registration fee is per person.
This was my first time sailing. I learned a lot and would do it again.” Mark H. – Mentor
HAVE FUN
Evening Paddle at the Lagoons
Families
Instructor: Jim Zofchak
Pack up the kids and join us for a night of exploring the Mentor Lagoons via the water. We provide everything you need. You can select between a single kayak, tandem kayak, or use a canoe. We provide life jackets and paddles. We’ll go over basic paddling safety, then, we will explore the Lagoons Water Trail, visit the “Bridge to Nowhere,” and get a birds-eye view of the lagoons ecosystem. Bring a hat, sunscreen, dry clothes, a towel and a water bottle for all family members. Kids under age 11 must be in a kayak or canoe with an adult. Please register early.
Women In Boats: A Women’s Only Kayak Adventure
Adults
Instructor: Michelle Haag
Enjoy this leisurely paddle while you explore the Lagoons Water Trail, visit the “Bridge To Nowhere,” and return to home base for a campfire and snacks. Bring a hat, dry clothes, a towel and a water bottle.
Try It Tuesdays!
Ages 14 and older
Instructor: Recreation Staff
Ever been on vacation and watched people paddle boarding or kayaking and just wanted to give it a try without a lot of commitment? Well now you can! On Tuesday, June 19 and 26, come down to the Mentor Lagoons from 6:45 – 8 p.m. and try one or both exciting sports! All equipment is provided and there’s no fee. The time of use depends on the number of individuals attending. You must be able to swim 20 yards unassisted and you must be at least 14 years old to paddleboard. A parent or guardian must be present for anyone 17 and younger. Please wear aqua socks or old tennis shoes, and a bathing suit under your clothes. A change of clothes is helpful as you may get wet. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended. Advance registration is not required; just come out and join in the fun!
Blue Moon Moonlight Kayak
Ages 16 and older
Instructor: Michelle Haag
Take in the spectacular blue moon during the first full moon August as we paddle the lagoons in a beautiful, nighttime adventure. Hear and see the Lagoons in its quiet and peaceful state and have fun exploring. We’ll paddle out to the lake and watch the sun set, and then return in the moonlight to enjoy a snack by the campfire. We provide kayaks, lifejackets, paddles and illumination for your kayak.
Paddle with Dad
All Ages
Instructor: Michelle Haag
Have fun out on the water with your child! This is a great way to spend quiet, one-on-one time while enjoying the water and practicing your paddling. Tour the Lagoons Water Trail, visit the “Bridge to Nowhere,” and return to home base for a campfire, complete with a great after paddle snacks and cold drinks. Bring a hat, dry clothes, a towel and a water bottle.
Kayak Parties
Celebrate any special occasion with a guided 2-hour kayak trip through the Mentor Lagoons. Group minimum is 6 people. The cost is $14 per person and must be paid when booking the trip. Kayaks, life jackets, paddles and instruction is included. Participants must be able to swim 25 yards. Minimum age is 10. Single and double kayaks are available. Call the Recreation Department at 974-5720 to book your date.
Kayak Rental
Mentor Lagoons Marina
June 5 - September 4
9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Rent single and double kayaks by the hour at the Mentor Lagoons Marina. Kayaks must stay within the Lagoons and are not permitted on the lake. Renters must be able to swim a minimum of 25 yards. Anyone under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Life jackets will be issued and must be worn at all times. Advance reservations are required for evenings and weekends. Call the Marina office at (440) 205-3265 to book your rental. Rates are per hour.
Resident Nonresident
Single $10 $12
Double $16 $18
