2012 Town Crier article - Great Turtle Kayak Tours
Great Turtle Kayaks Offers Visitors and Residents New Perspective
By Matt Mikus - Sep 8, 2012
Paul Spata and Jordan Lopez came up with the idea of offering kayaks to rent and guided tours around Mackinac Island while out on the water one day. The weather was rough, high waves splashing over their boats, and the two were having so much fun they wanted to share the experience with others.
“We thought everybody would love to do this kind of thing if they had a guide,” Mr. Lopez said, “and it was one of those crazy days out there, but we were having fun.”
“And we thought people would love to try it if they had a guide to help them feel comfortable,” Mr. Spata added.
From that experience, Great Turtle Kayaks was created, and the business got underway August 22.
They have a casual approach. The rental business operates under the beams of the Horse Corral Mall, and offers a laid-back vibe, the way the owners want their business to feel. A few lawn chairs sit shaded by the building, and the boats sprawl out in front of them on the beach. They want to be flexible and offer a fun experience.
The guides will offer trips on Lake Huron to match the renter's experience level. Those who are experienced with paddle sports may take longer trips, such as circling the Island, while less experienced renters may just take a trip around the harbor.
The harbor tour is popular, as it offers a perspective of Mackinac Island that both residents and visitors only get to see as they speed into the harbor on the ferryboats.
“People get only 15 minutes to see that view,” Mr. Spata said, “so we’re going to be very flexible with what times they want to come out. We’ll take tours out past the breakwall to watch the sunset.”
“And for the early birds, we’re available for a tour to watch the sunrise,” Mr. Lopez added.
Currently, they offer nine single kayaks and two paddleboards for rent. They want to add more paddleboards, and tandem kayaks, at the suggestion of customers.
“That’s the good thing about starting at the end of the summer,” Mr. Spata said; “we have time to listen to them and get ready for the next year.”
Mr. Spata said he also works as a software programmer, and learned entrepreneurship from his late grandfather, longtime Mackinac Island businessman Dennis Brodeur. He spent his summers growing up on Mackinac Island, and wants to offer his experiences to residents as well as visitors.
The base rental rate is about $40 an hour. They will consider discounts for longer trips, and for large groups. They also want to offer opportunities for Island residents and workers.
“I want to make it easy for Island folks to go out and enjoy the water,” Mr. Spata said. “A lot of people are so busy that they don’t get a chance to appreciate it out there, so if we can make it easy for someone to maybe come down for a lunch break and paddle out on the harbor while eating their sandwich, that’d be great.”
WE LOVE OUR GREAT LAKES