Looking to kickstart some great family memories on the Missouri River, look no further than Wade‘N Around is what owners Roy Jr. and DeRae Wade want their customers to think of when they think of their new local business, Wade’N Around. The new business located at 727 US Hwy 281 in Lake Andes officially opened their business this past Friday, July 19th with a soft opening on the 18th. Even though the Wade’s are still working on the getting the inside of the water rentals building finished, they are open for business.

Wade‘N Around features different water equipment rentals including kayaks both adult and youth, standing paddle boards, boat pull behind inflatables, and a four person peddle boat. The couple has plans to add more boat towables and lily pads this season. They are hoping by next year’s season to be able to rent out jet skis and possibly even a pontoon boat. The Wade’s also plan on carrying swimsuits, swimming gear and having a line of merchandise available at the shop. They are also currently looking at carrying SDSU ice cream at their location. They want to be a one stop shop for all possible water equipment needs to enhance every customer’s local Missouri River experience.

When asked how they came up with the name of the business, Roy Jr. said that they were brainstorming, going through all kinds of different names that included catchy water themed names when it came to them that they could use their last name, Wade, in a fun and catchy way. As DeRae grew up in Lake Andes and Roy Jr. grew up in California but has a lot of family in the area, the couple wants to do all they create more positive reasons to want to come to Lake Andes. It was their thinking that why do people have to go somewhere else to rent fun water equipment, when they could make Lake Andes a destination for it. Plus creating this type of business is a good boost for the economic development of Lake Andes.

The idea for the water equipment rental business first started in April when the Wade’s were looking to do something new and different for the Lake Andes area. They wanted to create a business that would enhance Lake Andes and offer something different to the area that can be family friendly and provide local youth with some positive options when it comes to their free time.

Currently available for rental are 11 adult kayaks, 7 paddle boards, 5 youth kayaks, 2 different behind the boat inflatables, 1 angler/fishing kayak and 1 peddle boat.

There are some requirements that must be met in order to be able to rent from Wade’N Around. Requirements include must be 18 years of age; must have a valid drivers license or photo identification; must be willing to sign a liability waiver; acknowledge how to use the equipment safely; and be using the water equipment at one of the local water recreational areas including White Swan, Pease Creek, North Point, South Shore or the Lake Francis Case beach area. Any rentals from Wade’N Around are not allowed to be used below the Fort Randall Dam. There is also a requirement of a life vest with each rental.

Wade’N Around does offer a loyalty program punch card. Every rental earns a customer a punch to their card with their 10th rental free. They will also be doing merchandise drawings on small business Saturdays. Each rental will earn one entry into the weekly drawings. The Wade’s are also planning to put together a basket to be put at the Commercial State Bank for the Bid A Basket auction with all proceeds going to the Wagner Cancer Walk & Rummage Organization. Wade’N Around has a current promotion from now until the end of July that any rental is $10 off.

Wade’N Around is open 12 p.m. until 9 p.m. seven days a week. Rental reservations can be taken in person at the shop or by phone. Phone numbers to call are 605491-0437 or 605-491-4324. They are currently working on creating an online rental booking system. Equipment must be returned by 9 p.m. daily or another day’s rental fees will be charged. Rentals will be available until September 15th.

Congratulations Roy Jr. and DeRae on your new business and thank you for wanting to continually better Lake Andes with quality, positive opportunities.