Going LoCo at Monday paddle night

How does a relaxing evening on the water sound? Grab your life vest, paddle and kayak and head to Lorain on Monday nights. Weather permitting, the Lorain County Kayak and Paddle sports group, better known as LoCo Yaks, hosts Monday paddle nights each week during the warmer months at Lakeside Landing Beach. This is right inside the entrance to the new Oasis Marina location at the Mile Long Pier. If it's windy, launches will be made from inside the protected river and harbor at the Port Authority Boat Launch. Here's A little bit I grabbed from the LoCo Yaks web page about the event: Monday Paddle Nights were designed with novice to experienced paddlers in mind. It's a relaxing night on the water — no pressure, no worries — just some paddling friends enjoying the evening. Robb and Stephanee, LoCo Yaks co-founders and American Canoe Association (ACA) kayak instructors, are there to make sure everyone stays safe. While this isn't a true class or guided trip, more like "just a gathering," we make sure new kayakers and experienced paddlers all have a fun time. We don't go fast and we don't go where it's too choppy. You can't get experience without getting out there, and where better than with us? Plus, we're fun to hang out with. We launch promptly at 6 p.m. from Lakeside Landing Beach in Lorain if Lake Erie is calm enough. We usually paddle around the Landing, near the lighthouse and then wherever the adventure takes us — maybe up river, maybe to nearby beaches on the lake. We'll see when we get there. If it's a little windy, we may move the party to the Port Authority Boat Launch at E. 14th and Broadway ($2 kayak fee), and then paddle up river to the Heron rookery and back depending on daylight. Toward the end of the season, when the sunsets get earlier, we encourage participants to bring their required lights for night paddling and stay out a little later with us. Sounded good to me so I loaded up the kayak and set out. Upon arrival at the Landing beach, I noticed people getting their crafts ready. I parked and started unloading my kayak from my truck. i was immediately approached by members of the group with offers of help. I knew then that this was going to be a good time.With their help i was at the water's edge in no time. The lake was flat, and a handful of paddlers was already on the water waiting for the rest of us to push off. Once I had everything prepped I looked around to see if I knew anyone in the group. I recognized a familiar voice. It was Robb Koschco, who was recovering from an injury and unable to join the paddle. I had been telling him and Stephanee for several years that I was going to join them for a paddle and I finally made it. He was disappointed he could not take part. "Oh man, another person I was looking forward to paddling with," he said. On the beach next to me, I also noticed an old friend of mine I hadn't seen for some time. Chris Ortiz and his son Edwin drove up from Medina for the paddlejoin. As we got underway, I learned that this was their third time at a Monday paddle night. Paddling off the beach, we made our way north around the rocks and headed for the cut at the end of the mile-long pier. The 14-member group consisted of a mix of paddlers young and old, guys and gals. I wished I could remember everyone I spoke with, but unfortunately found out that small notebooks don't float if you knock them off your kayak. We even had one lady on a standup paddle board (SUP). Sarah Stilgenbauer paddled her SUP effortlessly the whole time we were out. She is quite the adventurer and even surfs with her SUP when the waves allow. We paddled into the harbor a short distance before stopping for some picture opportunities at the Lorain Lighthouse. We continued around the harbor and stopped again near Lakeview Park, where we rested briefly before heading back to the launch site. We had good conversations and some laughs along the way. I learned that Ivan Grieve was the guy to watch out for, as he snaps pictures of you when you least expect it. He has a knack for taking some really good shot on the water. It was a great time ... one that I look forward to having again with this group. If you to want join, stop down Monday evenings and give it a go. It's best to check out LoCo Yaks Facebook page to verify the paddle night is still on and where the launch will be that night. It doesn't matter your skill level. All are welcome to join. It's a fun way to meet some new friends and have a fun time.