What is it: The public beach in Port Clinton’s
Waterworks Park is a great place to spend sunny, summer days. However, Curt Fleming saw that there was still a need for a beach shop that would offer visitors even more fun as well as make visits to the beach easier.
Now in its second summer, Fleming’s
North Coast Beachfitters in March was awarded a
Destination Development Grant from Shores & Islands Ohio, which will allow Fleming to affix a permanent sign to the business and install a new roll-up door. The door will create a more inviting environment and make shopping easier for customers, Fleming says.
About the business: A retired Huron law enforcement officer, Fleming used his relationships with the mayor and safety service director, along with the City Council Park Board, to see his vision come to fruition.
Partnering with BOTE, an inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), kayak, and platform company, Fleming was able to become an authorized rental agent and bring his company to life. Working with co-owner Jen Cadmus, the pair knew that their business would provide the healthy, active, relaxing, and fun environment that would thrive in Port Clinton.
Customers can rent SUPs, kayaks, water pads and platforms, or water hammocks, and Fleming even provides a beach shop where necessities such as sunscreen, towels and toys can be purchased or rented.
Local ties: A lifelong resident of Port Clinton, Fleming is a cheerleader for the area.
“The natural resource of the lake is central to the reason I have always felt the area to be a very special place in Ohio,” he explains.
The business has even become a de facto tourist information center.
“Few communities on Lake Erie have so much public accessibility to the lake,” Fleming says, “and I wanted to give a reason for families to enjoy their stay in Port Clinton and offer them some recreational opportunities while here.”
How to get involved: Operating hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays. Outside of these hours are accommodated by appointment only. The 2024 season will run through September 29
th (weekends only in September).
For information, visit North Coast Beachfitters on
Facebook, call 419-635-7333 or email
[email protected].