New kayak business takes shape in Lakeside
Looking out across the blue, rippling waters of Flathead Lake on Saturday, B.J. Johnson and Joli Hailey saw a new business spreading out before them.
The duo this week launched Sea Me Paddle Kayaking Tours in Lakeside, a company that provides guided kayak tours around the north end of Flathead Lake.
Johnson and Hailey want to provide tourists and locals an opportunity to see Flathead Lake from the seat of a kayak. The company has a range of tours available, from two-hour family padddles in Somers Bay for beginners, to overnight trips with stays at Wayfarers and West Shore state parks. A half-day tour will take paddlers on the route from West Shore State Park to Painted Rocks and Cedar Island.
Johnson is an avid paddler. He’s a retired deputy sheriff from the Midwest who has lived in northwest Montana for seven years. Owner and Lead Guide, Johnson been paddling for 16 years. He is whitewater rescue certified and has his PADI Master Scuba Diver certification. He is a wilderness medical first responder, and is CPR/AED certified. When he is not out on the water he is participating as a member of the Flathead County Search and Rescue Team, director of the Flathead County Mountain Rescue Team, Flathead County Swiftwater Rescue Team and a member of the Flathead County sheriff’s department dive team.
Hailey is a Montana native and graphic designer and marketer by trade. The pair is combining their skills to form the new venture. “He just has such a passion for paddling,” Hailey said of Johnson.
Last weekend the pair had just come back from Missoula with half a dozen new kayaks ready for their venture. “We’re excited to get this going,” Johnson said. “We’re going full tilt already.”
Sea Me wants to offer specialty paddle trips such as holiday paddles, moonlight paddles and trips for mental health professionals and their clients. The company plans to be open all year for their guided kayak excursions on Flathead Lake. With all new gear and boats, the company’s focus is on safety. But Johnson said there’s no better way to get the feel of the big lake than from the seat of a kayak.
Johnson said Sea Me will offer people a way to enjoy Flathead Lake in a low-impact way. “We want to be ambassadors for Flathead Lake,” Johnson said.
The company is permitted through Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and has permits to use certain public facilities on the north end of Flathead Lake.
Their grand opening is May 18 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 7220 U.S. 93 South in downtown Lakeside.
On the Web: seamepaddle.com