I absolutely loved Ohio State parks because they have Naturalists who host free events and maintain the Nature Center. For Findley State Park, the Naturalist is Wiz. He’s been with the park since 2016 and knows everything about the park, an avid bird watcher / photographer and talented engaging Naturalist.

We participated in Wiz’s Standup Paddleboard and Kayaking Excursions. A few of the other events offered: Reel Fishing Fun, Introduction to Archery, Wildlife Wednesdays, Gyotaku: Printing Fish, etc. According to Wikipedia…. Gyotaku is the “traditional Japanese method of printing fish, a practice which dates back to the mid-1800s. This form of nature printing was used by fisherman to record their catches, but has also become an art form of its own”

We took our cameras on the kayak excursion because the scenery and of course I needed a selfie :-). The adventure started at the Findley beach area where geese are plentiful – so watch out for the poo. Note: the beach is more mud with goose excrements mixed in. We asked about the water quality (i.e. is it safe…) The water is tested every two weeks and has not had issues with coliforms. We still took shower afterwards.

The first thing we learned was how to paddle efficiently. Then, how to get in and out of the kayak without tipping with a big splash. Apparently, most people paddle inefficiently which would be a broad stroke out in more of a circle pattern. The best stroke is to follow the kayak line, paddle should be close to straight up and down and push with arm in that is in the air.

Best approach for getting into the kayak is put one left leg in, sit down (the biggest key) and then bring other foot in. Getting out is not the reverse of getting in. Both feet should be out of the kayak and on the ground. Then get out. If needed, the paddle can be used as support. Wiz said only one person has landed in the water since he started. Unfortunately, it was his sister….

I’ll start off with the successful Kayaking pictures and video. Including a must have selfie!!

Click on the pictures to watch my rowing skills. Ok maybe it’s not the best but it worked and I had fun 🙂

The best part of kayaking was seeing what could not be seen from land. First, I terrorized by accident a Great Blue Heron. My goal was to float near the Blue Heron. Then, we were told that we needed to go back (time was almost up). So, I paddled more than I should have and away the Great Blue Heron went. On the good side, I was able to take a few good action shots.

Wiz (The Naturalist) pointed out a gray catbird nest. The nest consists of a bunch of loosely put together sticks.

We also had a family of northern rough winged swallows within 6 feet of the kayak. I even went under them with no issues. Fortunately, there was no bird doo incidents. (The picture has 2 birds when we started there was 6. The other 4 flew away.)

I don’t have pictures of us on the stand-up paddleboard. I did go back and take a picture of another group that went out. Note that you can either stand or sit. Sitting is waaaay easier than standing. I stood for about 1 minute. John stood for longer and multiple times. Standing is a test of your balance and endurance. The second picture was the only baby goose in the flock. The rest have lost there down coat and only provide extra enrichment to the beach soil.