PORT CLINTON SUP FIELD GUIDE
Paddleboarding With Goats on Port Clinton’s 16' Paddleship — Gavin, Nug, and a Bald Eagle’s Neighbourhood
A one-hour, shore-near paddle from Port Clinton to Judy Island aboard a massive 16' Paddleship, offering a rare photo‑op with goats Gavin and Nug and views of a resident bald eagle nest.
Paddleboarding With Goats on Port Clinton’s 16' Paddleship — Gavin, Nug, and a Bald Eagle’s Neighbourhood.
Adventure brief
Paddleboarding With Goats on Port Clinton’s 16' Paddleship — Gavin, Nug, and a Bald Eagle’s Neighbourhood
Launch from a beach in Port Clinton and step aboard a colossal 16' Paddleship for an experience that reads equal parts animal encounter and gentle on‑water outing: Gavin and Nug — the goats at the heart of this offering — ride with guests as the craft moves out through the canal into the Portage River and holds near Judy Island, home to a resident bald eagle nest.
Paddleboarding with goats in Port Clinton offers a truly unique outdoor adventure that combines the tranquility of lake exploração with playful animal encounters. Hosted by Portage River Paddling Company LLC, this experience elevates traditional stand-up paddleboarding by featuring friendly goats that often interact from the shore or even join you on your board. As you glide across the calm waters of Lake Erie, you'll enjoy unobstructed views of the Ohio shoreline, all while hearing cheerful bleats and giggles from your goat companions. This captivating activity is perfect for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a fun family outing or a relaxing day on the water with a twist. The guides are knowledgeable, ensuring safety and teaching paddling techniques suitable for beginners, so everyone can enjoy the adventure regardless of skill level. Beyond the fun, this experience promotes connection with nature and supports local farms and animal welfare initiatives. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a playful outdoor escape, paddleboarding with goats delivers memorable moments and plenty of Instagram-worthy photos. Prepare to balance, splash, and giggle your way through a one-of-a-kind Ohio outdoor experience that you won't soon forget.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic & Stops
The trip follows a short sequence of nearshore stops from the launch to the area around Judy Island.
Launch — Port Clinton beach area
Guests meet at the operator’s beach launch in Port Clinton and board the Paddleship to begin the outing.
Canal to the Portage River
The craft paddles out the canal into the Portage River, offering calm, short‑duration paddling and stable vantage points for photos.
Judy Island — bald eagle viewing
The Paddleship holds in the general vicinity of Judy Island, where guests can view the resident bald eagle nest while accompanied by Gavin and Nug.
This is presented as a short, photo‑centric experience rather than an extended paddle; guests should expect a nearshore, low‑endurance outing. Operators may tailor on‑water positioning and time near wildlife as appropriate.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Gavin & Nug — the goats who started it all
Riptide (Nug) and Gavin are the reason this experience exists: Nug began coming to the paddling company as a young pet, jumped onto boards, and the company developed regular goat‑on‑board outings. The program evolved in 2021 so visitors can share time on the water with these animals.
A 16' Paddleship built for company
The outing uses a giant 16' Paddleship — a stable, large craft designed to carry many occupants; the board is described as capable of carrying up to 2,500 lbs, making the goat‑on‑board setup possible and safe for group photos and steady sightseeing.
Judy Island and a bald eagle’s nest
The route brings guests into the general vicinity of Judy Island, notable because it hosts a resident bald eagle nest — a principal natural highlight of the short voyage.
What the day feels like
What the hour feels like
This is a compact, sociable outing rather than a long paddle: guests launch from the operator’s beach area in Port Clinton, board the large Paddleship with Gavin and Nug, paddle out through the canal into the Portage River, and remain in the area around Judy Island for sightseeing and photos—with each guest receiving one of Nug’s favorite treats.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this fits — and who should check first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing runs about 1 hour.
Meet at 3134 West Harbor Road, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 (operator launch/beach area).
This is presented as a short experience and photo opportunity; each guest will be provided with one of Nug’s favorite treats during the outing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the paddleboarding with goats experience?
The outing lasts approximately 1 hour.
Where do we meet for the trip?
Meet at 3134 West Harbor Road, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452, at the operator’s beach launch area.
What should I expect to do on the water?
Guests board the 16' Paddleship with Gavin and Nug, paddle out the canal into the Portage River, and remain in the vicinity of Judy Island to view the resident bald eagle nest and take photos.
Is this a strenuous paddle?
No — the offering is described as more of an experience and photo opportunity than a long paddle, so it emphasizes short, nearshore time on the water.
Who are Gavin and Nug?
Gavin and Nug (Riptide) are the goats who accompany guests; Nug joined the paddling company as a young pet, began riding on paddleboards, and the goat‑on‑board program was developed from that history.
How large is the Paddleship used for the experience?
The outing uses a 16' Paddleship described as capable of carrying up to 2,500 lbs.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:44:57.915Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.