Cardiff Lake birthday: kayaks over candles

This year, I was determined not to do the same old, same old birthday dinner for my daughter. We’ve done the restaurant thing a dozen times, so this year, I booked a paddling party at Cardiff Park instead and it was AWESOME.

Forming a kayak 'snake' to get our gear to the water.

I found Fusion World Rentals while creating the recreation and leisure section of this site, so I knew where to look, and they did not disappoint. Booking was super easy, and I was actually pleasantly surprised by how affordable it was. You can rent 4 kayaks for 2 hours for $100, and a paddleboard for the same time for $28. I ended up booking 7 kayaks and 2 paddleboards for our group.

I had a moment or two of panic when the day rolled around and the skies were grey, the wind picked up, and the temperature hovered around 15°C. Not cold, but definitely not beach weather. I needn't have stressed: turns out cool weather is perfect for paddling. (Cardiff Lake is bigger than you think once you’re out there—you’ll get a workout.)

Great service, happy paddlers

The Fusion World crew were fabulous—fun, helpful, and somehow managed to get even our most reluctant guests into kayaks and out on the water before they had a chance to say no. And everyone was glad they gave it a try instead of sitting on the sidelines.

They met us at the south end of Cardiff Lake, unloaded all the gear from their huge van, gave us lifejackets AND a quick lesson on how to kayak, since we were all newbies. Then they showed us how to form a 'kayak snake' to easily haul boats and gear down to the water. There's a rubber mat on the shore to sit the kayak on while you climb in—no need to get your shoes wet—then they just give you a little shove and off you go!

So if you’ve ever sat by Cardiff Lake watching others glide by and thought, “That looks fun but I wouldn’t know where to start”—just book it and go! It’s easier (and more fun) than you think. If I can do it, anyone can.

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We wrapped it all up with a barbecue and birthday cake in one of Cardiff Park's covered picnic shelters—warm sweaters over slightly damp clothes, happy hearts, and a great memory in place of a restaurant bill.

It’s the kind of afternoon that reminds you how much there is to discover right here at home. Find more ways to get outside this summer in our Recreation & Leisure listings.