By Avra Sullivan

“Be safe and have fun” are great summer instructions and Island Bike and Paddle can help you accomplish both. Owned and operated by Chris Dollar and his business partner Willy Agee, they have been providing a full line of kayak and bike rentals, sales and service for the past four years and have two locations, here in Grasonville and one in Chestertown. Whether you own a bike or kayak and need supplies or repairs, or may be looking to explore the Chesapeake or bike the Cross Island Trails, Chris and his staff can assist you. Bikes can be rented on an hourly, daily, weekly or weekend basis.

If you’re more water-bound, a kayak may be your thing. We live in a great area to see eagles, ospreys, herons and other wildlife and paddling through in a kayak can give you a front row seat to the beauty of the Chesapeake. Island Bike and Paddle doesn’t just give you a kayak and send you paddling, they offer instruction to get you going and can even arrange guided tours to help you get the most out of your trip.

While Island Bike and Paddle caters to recreational kayaking, their passion is kayak fishing. Chris explains how this is becoming the fastest growing type of recreational fishing. Kayaks can help you reach the smaller, shallower more narrow water where fish hide out and there is no engine to announce your approach. A licensed fishing guide since 1997, Chris can arrange a guided fishing tour for you or small group. He also encourages trying out the new paddle sport,-Stand up Paddle boats, or SUPS. “These are a fantastic way to get great exercise while exploring the local river trails,” he adds. They are generally 10-14 feet long and Chris promises they are user friendly. Their floating dock right on Wells Cove Marina makes it easy for you to get right in the water.

Best of all, Chris feels he can offer exceptional customer service because as an avid kayaker, both for fun and for fishing, and a biker, he, as well as his staff, actually use the gear they sell. They have first-hand knowledge and 20 years of user experience. Island Bike and Paddle is located at Wells Cove Road in Grasonville and can be reached at 877-545-2925. You can also visit their website at www.islandbikeandpaddle.com or check out their Facebook page.