photocredit: thewalkingtourists.com

BY: RACHEL SMITH

**Original Article Published in the Award-Winning Visitor Guide**

Have you ever sat on a boat in the center of Clear Lake and looked around?  The sight is surely one to behold; colors bleed from every angle as the beauty cocoons you into peaceful oblivion.  Lush trees sway in the gentle breeze.  Wooden docks jut into the water, lined with jet skis and boats, paddleboats and Lily Pads, all enjoyed on our gorgeous lake.  The sand beaches at City and State park are dotted with patrons catching some sun, building a sand castle, or cooling off from the heat with a swim.

The great outdoors are literally all around us.  And Clear Lake is one of the best!

So what’s there to do while you’re at the Lake?  Well… you definitely don’t want to be sitting inside, glued to a television or your phone.  No way.  The lake is made for fresh air and fun, so here are a few things to look for to get up, get out, and get moving!

For the super-active folks, Clear Lake is a very bike-friendly community.  You’ll often see bikers pedaling along North Shore before making their way to the bike path along the Grade in Ventura.  Continuing on that route, you can swing onto South Shore to complete your trip around the Lake.  It’s a great way to enjoy the scenic views while getting exercise – WIN!

And those who prefer their outdoor activities on foot, we have a plethora of organized runs just for you!  The Lights on 5K, Fam Bam Color Jam, Earth Day 5K, CLDT Glo-Run/Walk, and the Champagne 5K.  These events are made for everyone to enjoy; whether you’re a hard-core runner going for the gold or prefer to walk the course.  No judgement here – just encouragement for everyone involved!

Now, if you’re a lover of both biking and running you might be interested in Tri Clear Lake.  In its 3rd year, this event has proven to be one of the top sprint triathlon races in the area.  The race takes place on Saturday, June 8th with a 750 meter open water swim at State Beach, and 12.4 mile jaunt on the bicycle, and then finished with a 3.1 mile run.  A highlight of this event is the awesome finish-line party held in our beautiful City Park.  For more information or to register online go to www.triclearlkeia.com.

Myself, I’m more of a ‘life in the slow lane’ type of person.  There’s nothing I enjoy more than a cruise along the shoreline of Clear Lake on my paddleboard.  Imagine my excitement when Paddlefest kicked off their inaugural year last season.  This event, held the last weekend in June, is a great way to explore the shores of our spectacular lake on a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board.  There are also three options to choose from on race day: a 1-mile sprint race, a 5K short course, or a 10K long course.  Just pick the best fit for your skill level and come on out!

In all honestly, being active and health-conscious doesn’t mean you have to be a hard-core competitor.  The Parks & Rec department offers a wide variety of laid-back activities for children and adults to enjoy the great outdoors.  You can check them out at www.cityofclearlake.com.

And on Saturday mornings, you can hit up a Yoga by the Lake class.  It’s the perfect way to center your mind, body and soul after a busy week.

Take a walk in one of our many parks, or go for a stroll along the shore.  Being outside and being active is so good for your well-being; relieving stress and energizing.  Just being outside in the fresh air, enjoying the many opportunities Clear Lake has to offer is enough.  Remember… all you need to do is get up, get out and get moving.

All of those are easy to do when you’re at the Lake!