Paddleboarding Introduced at Outdoor Festival

looks like a mix of a surfboard, gondola and kayak, and it is becoming the one of the fastest growing sports on the water.

And after becoming popular in locations including Hawaii and Florida, the sport is now coming to Lake St. Clair.

St. Clair Shores-based Great Lakes Kiteboarding is currently offering tours, lessons and rentals, and will have boards on display at the at Metro Beach Metropoark.

"It is a full-body workout," said Brian LeFeve, owner of Great Lakes Kiteboarding, speaking about paddleboarding. "We'll be talking to people about the sport and getting them stoked."

One of the LeFeve's paddleboards was used by County Executive Mark Hackel to open the weekend-long event Thursday. But in addition to having a display at Metro Beach, LeFeve mentioned that he is working with Grosse Pointe Farms to teach yoga on the boards.

Beyond the self-propelled sports, the festival offers a wide variety of outdoor items including boats, snowmobiles and hot tubs on display and for sale.

There will also be children's events, and Duma the waterskiing dog. The event runs noon-8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $9 for adults, and children under 12 get in free with an adult.