AKRON, Ohio — Summer is almost here, and most people are looking to get out and enjoy the warm weather. 

Kayaking is a great way for people of all abilities to get out on the water, and there are countless beautiful places to do so throughout Ohio.

“Absolutely anybody can come out here and kayak,” said Mickey "Mic" Katrine, a naturalist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at Wingfoot Lake State Park, just east of Akron.

He said all you need are a few basics: sunblock, a hat, maybe a waterproof container to store your valuables, and a good pair of sunglasses.

“The sunlight is going to be pretty blinding off the water, and it’ll do a lot of damage to your eyes. So just making sure that you have good UV protective sunglasses and not cheap basic ones,” Katrine said.

And most importantly, a life vest. Anyone under the age of 10 is required to wear one while kayaking.

If you don’t own your own kayak, you can rent one from the nature center. It’s open every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., or you can rent them simply by scanning a QR code located near the dock. It unlocks a cage with everything you’ll need including kayak, paddle and life vest.

Getting on the water is accessible for any ability, Katrine said. The kayak launch is ADA accessible for those with physical disabilities. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources can help anyone who needs assistance.

“Just let us know — stop in at the office, call us. We’ll come out and help you,” he said.

ODNR also offers free kayaking lessons on Saturdays.

Once on the water, this location offers a unique view.

“It’s a pretty awesome thing to get to experience — taking off while you’re kayaking right underneath it,” Katrine said, referring to the blimp parked just alongside the lake.

Wingfoot Lake State Park was once owned by Goodyear, the tire company. It’s now a take-off and landing spot for the Goodyear blimp. The park gets its namesake from the company’s original logo.

Katrine said his favorite park about kayaking here are the sunrises.

“The sunsets are pretty cool, too,” he said.

If you’re looking to take part in the free kayaking lessons, you can sign up by going to the Wingfoot Lake State Park's Facebook page.