The Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for North Coast Beachfitters. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

A whole new level of lake fun has come to Port Clinton. North Coast Beachfitters, which opened at Waterworks Park, rents a wide variety of water equipment, including stand up paddleboards, kayaks and group water hammocks. The business is owned by Curt Fleming and Jennifer Cadmus.

The Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for North Coast Beachfitters, drawing a large crowd that included Chamber President Nicole Kochensparger, Safety Service Director Tracy Colston and Mayor Mike Snider, who said the business adds another attraction to the park that also features the Port Clinton Lighthouse and a new Port Clinton Walkway that opened last summer. Ottawa County Commissioner Mark Coppeler and Brennan Madison of Main Street Port Clinton presented certificates of recognition to Fleming and Cadmus.

Karen Fleming and Jeff Hall test the inflatable chairs available for rent at North Coast Beachfitters. “They are really comfortable and supportive, and they can be put in water,” Fleming said. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

North Coast Beachfitters at Waterworks Park offers a number of rentals for water fun. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“I am overwhelmed by the support of the city, the county commissioners and the people of Port Clinton,” Cadmus said. Fleming, a retired Huron police officer, said he has been formulating an idea for a water equipment rental business in Port Clinton for a long time.

“I always said someone should do something, and when I realized no one was going to do it, we decided to,” he said. “My retirement was the perfect time.”

Once they made the decision, they were surrounded by support.

“The mayor and Tracy Colston were super helpful in getting us started,” Cadmus said.

Wind, rain and the unusual smoke issues have created a few slow days for North Coast Beachfitters. On a hot day, customers can be seen boating and floating in the shadow of the Port Clinton Lighthouse.

North Coast Beachfitters rents SUP boards, single and tandem kayaks, swim platforms, 7-foot and 10-foot group water hammocks, water mats, couch docks, inflatable chairs and beach tents. Other rental items include games, sand toys, sports balls and sand spears. The business offers group rentals for parties and special events.

For more information, visit www.northcoastbeachfitters.com or call 419-635-7333.