Kayak rentals coming to Wareham?
A kayak rental shop might be paddling into Wareham, but where it’ll pull on to shore is still up in the air.
Roy Edwards, President of Nemasket Kayak of Raynham, appeared before the Board of Selectmen Tuesday to propose opening a kayak and paddleboard rental shop on Onset Beach.
Edwards had been hoping to open the shop in the unused bath house, but officials say the building may be too far gone.
“I think the building needs an extraordinary amount of work,” said Selectman Ellen Begley.
Selectman Alan Slavin also pointed out that the amount of boating traffic in Onset harbor may make it a less-than-ideal location for kayaking.
“There’s been a tremendous amount of discussion up in the Narrows area," Selectmen Chair Steve Holmes added, "We’ve been thinking about developing a kayak launch."
Holmes seemed enthusiastic about the proposal, and encouraged Edwards to work with the Community and Economic Development Authority and the Harbormaster, among others, to work out the logistics of the plan.
“Worst case scenario, we could find storage at another location,” said Edwards. “We don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. We want to set up shop, have fun, and bring revenue to the town."