Kayak launches approved for Oconto Falls beaches

A launching area for kayaks and canoes will be installed this spring at the two beaches in Oconto Falls.

The City Council gave its approval April 13 to installation of the launching docks at East Side Beach and West Side Beach.

Joe Ruiz, a former city police officer who runs a kayak and paddle boat rental business called Off Duty Adventures, asked for permission to install the 14-by-4-foot docks in partnership with the Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and its president, Gail Yatso.

“We did all the legwork. We got the quotes. We got the money,” Ruiz said. “All we need is your OK to go ahead and purchase them and put them up.”

The Kaukauna company that sold the docks to Ruiz will send a crew to install them, he said.

“I think it’s an excellent idea,” said City Administrator Vicki Roberts. “The amount of kayaks and canoes on the river is unbelievable.”

Ruiz said from a safety standpoint, it’s much easier to climb into a kayak from a dock.

The council voted unanimously to give Ruiz the go-ahead.