Boating and paddleboarding rentals soar across midwest lakes

TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 16, 2025, 01:47 IST

( Image credit : TIL Creatives, TOIGLOBAL )

Midwest lakes are experiencing a surge in boating and paddleboarding rentals as summer heats up. Lakeside towns are seeing record bookings, driven by families, couples, and solo travelers seeking outdoor recreation. Paddleboarding's accessibility and boating's appeal for group outings contribute to the trend, fueled by social media and a post-pandemic desire for outdoor activities.

Lakeside towns across the Midwest are witnessing a boom in summer watersports, with boating and paddleboarding rentals leading the charge. From Lake Michigan to smaller lakes in Wisconsin and Minnesota, rental companies report record bookings. Families, couples, and solo travelers are increasingly choosing paddleboarding for its accessibility and calming effect. Boating remains popular for group outings, with pontoon and kayak rentals rising in popularity. Local tourism boards say the trend is fueled by social media and post-pandemic interest in outdoor recreation. As heat waves roll through the region, cooling off on the water has become both a fitness activity and leisure ritual.