Have you ever been kayaking? If not, here is an opportunity to take a lesson and enjoy the great outdoors.

Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department invites paddlers of all skill levels to join naturalists from the department on the Pigeon River. Even though they started on May 8th, the 3.5 mile guided tour is still on the schedule for May 18th, 21st and June 4th.  The trip begins at 12:30pm and takes about 4 hours with each trip a basic kayaking lesson, and kayak, paddle and life jacket are all included for $35.00. Anyone having their own kayak can join in for a fee of $15.00.

Registration is required by calling 616-786-4847. All trips begin at Hemlock Crossing at 8115 West Olive Rd in West Olive and ends at Sheldon Landing.

SPRING LAKE, Mich.--The Ottawa County Sheriff's Department's Marine Division will be teaching a free two-part boater safety class at Spring Lake District Library.

The classes will take place Wednesday, May 8 and Wednesday, May 15 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Participants should plan on attending both sessions. The class is open to both youth and adults. Pre-registration is required. To register, visit the Spring Lake District Library's website, or call the library at (616) 846-5770.

The boater safety class is designed to train and certify individuals to comply with Michigan laws on how to operate a boat or personal watercraft.  Take advantage of this opportunity to learn how to be safe this summer on Michigan's many lakes and rivers.

The library is located at 123 E. Exchange St. in Spring Lake

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. -- The Grand River Sailing Club (GRSC) is launching a family sailing program beginning June 3, 2013.  

Building on the popularity of its WINCHES women’s sailing initiative, GRSC’s family sailing program will place emphasis on sailing fundamentals, water safety and the importance of every member of the family having the confidence and knowledge to be a crew member on a sailing excursion.

The program kicks off in June with three 90-minute workshops in an interactive classroom setting held at GRSC’s clubhouse. Topics will include basics of water safety and wind, boat control and sailing skills taught by veteran GRSC sailors. Once families complete the classroom workshops, they will join GRSC members on Lake Michigan during Monday Night “lite” racing to learn the fundamentals of boat handling.