Making life a beach at Kenwick on the Lake

Pam Wright Fun-in-the-sun toys for folks who want to play will be available again this summer at Bright’s Grove’s Kenwick on the Lake Park. “We love the waterfront,” said Tim Nixon, co-owner of Beach Bums.

Pam Wright

Fun-in-the-sun toys for folks who want to play will be available again this summer at Bright’s Grove’s Kenwick on the Lake Park.

“We love the waterfront,” said Tim Nixon, co-owner of Beach Bums. “And we love the opportunity to allow people to enjoy the recreation here.”

The local company rents watersport items that include paddleboards, boogie boards, snorkeling equipment, beach chairs and sea kayaks, including a popular tandem ‘kayak built for two.”

A successful summer of 2015 in The Grove was rewarded with a new three-year agreement with city hall on May 30. The approval came with an eye to possible expansion into Canatara Park, where the venture began four years ago before moving to Kenwick.

“Canatara is definitely on our radar,” Nixon said.

Kayaks and paddleboard rentals are $20 the first hour and $10 each subsequent hour. Safety gear is provided.

More equipment is also on the radar. The company is considering adding bicycle rentals to the mix.

Beach Bums is a family business started by Nixon and wife Kira. His parents, Doug and Elaine Nixon, joined forces two years ago, and they also employ a few extended family members.

Nixon jokes their three-month-old son could inherit the Beach Bums crown one day.