For a Great Time—Just Add Water!

Pamela Palongue
Jun 27
4 min read

With summer around the corner, everyone will be heading to the lake. And, as it turns out, life on the water is better for you.

According to the “Blue Mind Theory,” coined by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, spending time near, in, under or on the water enhances your well-being.

Who knew that being around water could improve your mood, and even stimulate your creative side? Probably just about everyone who’s ever heard the waves lapping against the shoreline or felt the warm breezes coming off of Lake Erie. It also provides plenty of visual delights, like when the afternoon sun hits the water just right and the lake sparkles like a field of diamonds.

Of course, if you want to spend time on the water, there are the popular activities of swimming and fishing, but if you’re a person who doesn’t know how to bait a hook and you don’t really like getting wet, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the water.

Sailing is a wonderful way to be on the water without having to get soaked—except for an occasional spray of water. Sailing can be exciting and invigorating, or calming and peaceful, depending on the company and the weather.

In North East, sailing season lasts from about mid-April to mid-October. Lake Erie is especially ideal for sailing because unlike many Pennsylvania lakes, there are no mountains or large hills blocking the wind.

Did you know that you can sail from Lake Erie to the Atlantic Ocean? The Erie Canal is a popular route to the ocean, although there are alternate routes.

If you don’t happen to own a sailboat, and you’re not an experienced sailor, there’s another option to enjoy sailing. Your Sailing Adventure is a charter sailboat company located in Erie. Captain Scott Hitz is an experienced sailor with a seasoned crew who will make sure you enjoy your day on the water.

With a charter crew, you really won’t need any prior knowledge of sailing, but you may want to learn a little about it to enjoy the experience more. The American Sailing Association offers online courses, and also has a search engine for finding in-person classes. You will get a certificate for any courses you complete, but more important, you may discover a passion for the sport!

To get more “up close and personal” with the water, try a ride on a jet ski. These are very popular at North East Marina. The beach at Presque Isle can be very congested, particularly on weekends and summer holidays, and North East offers more open water for enjoyment.

If you’ve never been on a jet ski, consider renting one to see if it’s for you. It can be an exciting ride, and can become habit-forming! A bit easier to haul than a large boat, a jet ski goes fast enough for a little shot of adrenaline.

Although it takes minimal practice to operate one, according to the latest guidance, children under 12 are not allowed to operate a jet ski.

For a slower, quieter experience, you might want to try kayaking, another popular activity at North East Marina. Because you have to paddle a kayak, it’s good exercise, especially for the upper body, but you’ll actually use all your muscles.

A swimming pool is a great place to practice if you’re new to kayaking, and you’ll quickly learn to balance yourself and to maneuver the small craft.

It’s good to know how to turn the kayak to its upright position in case you inadvertently turn upside down! This is a little more advanced move, but you can easily free yourself from the kayak and start over if you’re a beginner.

Fishing is what Lake Erie is known for, with people pouring in from all over the U.S. to take advantage of our local jewel. Fishing is such a great sport that you can do year-round, and everyone from children to those in their 90s can participate.

It can be fun to fish alone or to pass the day with a treasured friend, chatting about everything from the best way to cook walleye to world peace.

Michael Yori is an avid boater and fisherman. “All summer long, walleye fishing and perch are good. Then in the fall, the bass and steelhead fishermen come into the area,” he says.

Though he clearly loves spending time on the water, Yori also sees the positive economic impact of the marina, noting that “there’s generally more than 120 boats here on the weekend with people coming here to enjoy the water.” Not only do they visit the lake, they also will shop in town, have dinner, and in many cases remain overnight. “There are nearby hotels that are filled every week, and bed and breakfasts that stay booked.”

Yori owns Yori Wine Cellars & Brewing Company and Michael’s Pizzeria. Although located in the historic district of North East, he sees a lot of boaters and fishermen who come into town for an evening out, as well as locals who come in to sample the 30 homegrown wines and locally brewed ales.

There’s a lot of excitement about a new restaurant at the marina, The Blue Pike Grille. North East Marina is one of the best places in the area to view a romantic sunset on the lake. And now you will be able to dine while you watch the sun set!

Kim and Kevin Daughrity are the owners, and should see their first customers around June 1. The restaurant will have a wide variety of dishes, including seafood. It will open early for breakfast at 6 a.m. and will offer casual dining as well as takeout, lunch and dinner.

You don’t have to be a fisher, a swimmer or even athletic to enjoy the water. And you may even discover you’re enjoying life a little more!