NIANTIC -- The serenity of Smith Cove in Niantic welcomes anyone who wants to be out on the water. At Three Belles Marina, they make that much easier.
Three Belles rents kayaks and standup paddleboards, and, this summer, added a new way to float, and it makes it feel like you're walking on water! What is known as a Hobie Mirage Eclipse comes pretty close to that -- it's a stand up paddleboard that riders can pedal.
"It's extremely user friendly, it's stable and fun," said Theo Maryeski, the general manager at Three Belles.
Three Belles guide Ivan Carlson described the Eclipse as something close to a stairmaster on water.
"A lot of people are surprised on how easy it is," Carlson said, making his out of Smith Cove for a scenic ride on the Niantic River. "It's a very stable way to ride out on the river."
What look like bike brakes are actually the steering mechanism for the new-age board -- squeeze the left handle, go left, squeeze the right handle, you'll turn right.
Maryeski added that the ride "offers you a workout at the same time you're out on the water."
Three Belles Marina in Niantic offers rentals of Hobie Mirage Eclipse boards and all sorts of aquatic adventures. Kayaks, Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP), and even SUP Yoga. For more info just click here.
