MANITOWOC, Wis. A kayak, a couple of hours, and a stretch of the Manitowoc River can make for a pretty good afternoon.

Simply Paddle hopes to share that experience with members of the local recovery community during a free Try-ak event Sunday, September 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 1001 River Point Drive in Manitowoc.

The event invites people in recovery to get out on the water, enjoy some fresh air and spend time together in a relaxed setting. No kayaking experience is needed, and kayaks and equipment are provided.

“One of my favorite things about Simply Paddle is seeing people discover how easy it can be to get on the water and how much fun they can have once they’re out there,” said owner Stephanie Peters, who runs Simply Paddle with her husband, Ben. “You don’t need to be an experienced paddler or own a bunch of equipment to enjoy an afternoon on the river. We’re excited to offer people in recovery a chance to try something new, enjoy each other’s company and experience that joy for themselves.”

The Try-ak event is made possible by Summit Clinical Services and The Executive Concierge, LLC, whose generosity covers the cost of participation.

Simply Paddle opened its self-service kayak kiosk at River Point District this summer with the goal of removing barriers that can keep people from getting out on the water. Visitors can rent a kayak directly from the kiosk and head out onto the Manitowoc River, making paddling an option for an impromptu afternoon adventure rather than something that requires owning or transporting a kayak.

Try-ak builds on that same idea of making the river a little more accessible.

“There’s something special about seeing Manitowoc from the water,” added Ben Peters. “You’re right in the middle of the city, but once you start paddling, everything feels a little different. We want more people in our community to have the chance to experience that.”

Participation in Sunday’s Try-ak is free, but advance registration is required.

Register at: https://forms.gle/2R1wZcT8B5NjNA4r9

Simply Paddle encourages recovery organizations, treatment providers, community partners, friends and family members to share the opportunity with people who may be interested.

Event Details: Free Try-ak kayaking for people in recovery, Sunday, September 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Simply Paddle, 1001 River Point Drive, Manitowoc. No kayaking experience is necessary. Equipment is provided and advance registration is required.

About Simply Paddle
Simply Paddle is a self-service kayak rental kiosk located at 1001 River Point Drive in Manitowoc. Designed to make getting on the water simple and spontaneous, Simply Paddle offers single and tandem kayak rentals directly along the Manitowoc River. No reservations and no experience needed. Show up, grab a paddle and go.