New paddling opportunity along Schuylkill.

Ganshahawny Park in Douglassville, Union Township Recreation Area to be included

Paddlers and wouldbe paddlers who dream of kayaking on the Schuylkill River will soon have a new opportunity in Pottstown. Take it Outdoors Adventures has begun offering kayak rentals from Riverfront Park, with shuttle service to several locations along the river.

Take it Outdoors Adven- tures has been in business for several years, organizing a wide variety of paddling, hiking, biking and rock climbing adventures on a regular basis. Recently, owner Doug Chapman got permission from the Borough of Pottstown to set up a storage and rental facility in Riverfront Park so that he can begin offering daily trips from that location. Currently all trips are by appointment only.

“There are some really great sections of the river to paddle within a few miles of Riverfront Park,” said Chapman. “If you are a beginner and don’t feel comfortable, or don’t have the proper gear this is the perfect way to experience paddling the river in a safe, fun and friendly way.”

Initially, Chapman will offer three options. The first two will shuttle customers to starting locations at Ganshahawny Park in Douglassville (approx. 4.5 miles) or Union Township Recreation Area (8 Miles).

Customers can either rent a kayak or bring their own. Either way, they’ll be driven with their boats to either location and will paddle back to Riverfront Park.

The third option is for paddlers to start in River- front Park, paddle to Linfield, and get shuttled back to Riverfront Park. Other options are available upon request.

Take it Outdoors Adventures will also offer pedal and paddle opportunities. Clients can leave their cars at Riverfront Park, bike along the Schuylkill River Trail to Ganshahawny Park or Union Township Recreation Area. When they ar- rive, Take it Outdoors Adventures will deliver the kayaks and pick up the bikes, so the customers can paddle back to Riverfront Park

Chapman also intends to offer lessons, guided trips and longer excursions. For more information or make an appointment, call Take it Outdoors Adventures at 610-656-3969, or email <takeitoutdoorsag@gmail. com>.