Kayaks, paddleboards now available to rent on Assawoman Canal near Bethany Beach

Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are now available to rent on the Assawoman Canal just outside Bethany Beach.

Just in time for the holiday weekend, Bay Venture Outfitters is celebrating their grand opening at 38635 Muddy Neck Rd. in Frankford. It's owner Kelly Benson's second location, with the first being in North East, Maryland, on the North East River.

The southeastern end of the Assawoman Canal, where Bay Ventures operates, leads to the saltwater marshes of Assawoman Wildlife Area and, beyond that, Little Assawoman Bay. Assawoman Wildlife Area, described by Southern Delaware Tourism as "one of the best kept secrets along the Delaware-Maryland Coast," is an over 1,600-acre state-managed preserve, chock full of shorebirds and other wildlife.

Bay Venture Outfitters is offering hourly kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, plus large group reservations and waterfront paddlesport storage. Bikes aren't yet available in Frankford, but will be soon, Benson said.

The business is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, and Benson expects to extend those hours. He recommends making reservations to ensure availability. They can be made at bayventureoutfitters.com or by calling (877) 523-9555.

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Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.