Kelli McRobert | Jul 10, 2025
On a warm, muggy summer evening, the glassy stillness of Rock Lake was gently disrupted by the rhythmic dips of paddles and the joyful chatter of women reconnecting with nature and themselves. Fourteen women arrived at McMullen Park and Beach in Verona, drawn by a shared hope: to find friendship and like-minded souls through a new Women’s Wellness Group.
The event, part of a grassroots initiative and held in partnership with Verona Outfitters, was more than just an evening on the water—it was a celebration of resilience, community, and the therapeutic beauty of the outdoors.
Verona Outfitters, owned by local entrepreneur Rick Wagar, has become a lakeside beacon of healing and inspiration. Rick’s journey—from trucking instructor to small business owner—began with a life-altering medical crisis in 2022. A severe infection led to the amputation of his toe, and by mid-2023, his situation escalated to a below-the-knee amputation and multiple post-surgical infections. Rather than retreat, Rick rebuilt, investing his time, energy, and resources into a venture that honours the restorative power of water.
“During recovery, I wanted to put my energy into something meaningful. I spent my own money and my time on this because our lake is special,” Rick shared. Fitted with a prosthetic just last month, Rick now welcomes paddlers with renewed purpose for his second season.
On the beach, Rick greeted each woman with gear—kayaks, paddles, and life vests—ensuring everyone felt safe and supported. With the wind picking up across the lake’s surface, experienced paddlers paired with newcomers before launching southward. Staying mostly inland until conditions eased, the group found rhythm as waves gently lapped the sides of their boats.
The hot summer air hugged the paddlers while the water below cooled and refreshed their bodies. Dragonflies zipped past, plucking insects mid-flight, and the usual deer flies seemed blissfully absent. At the shore, families played and kids laughed in the background, adding joyful ambiance to the lakeside retreat.
As the group paddled, small clusters formed naturally—women floating side by side, exchanging stories, thoughts, and gentle laughter. The lake carried the sound of voices braided with the lull of water and wind. Some ventured into the nearby river, drifting slowly through lily pads that bobbed with each paddle stroke. There, in quiet pockets, they listened to the sound of nothing—just breeze, water, and the hum of a distant lawn mower.
As the women paddled back across Rock Lake, the light had faded into soft charcoal, and the water turned cool and calm beneath their boats. Quiet conversations replaced earlier laughter, and the rhythm of paddles slowed with the evening air. Onshore, Rick welcomed them with ice cream bars and cold drinks—small comforts that matched the warmth of the moment. Plans began to form, casual but sincere: another paddle, another gathering, another chance to connect. Beneath the darkening sky, the lake held its silence, and so did the women—just for a moment—grateful for what it had given.
Many women capped the evening with a swim, diving into the clean, calm waters of Rock Lake.
Verona Outfitters is more than a sales and rental service. It’s a gateway to five interconnected lakes, explored easily from their launch site at Rock Lake’s outlet. Offering kayaks, canoes, and SUPs—with all equipment included—Rick also serves as a local dealer for Clearwater Design, a kayak manufacturer based in nearby Picton. The partnership required a bold $10,000 investment, and Rick offers tax-free gear purchases alongside daily rentals from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at $10 per hour (minimum two hours, taxes included). All guests sign a waiver before paddling.
To reserve your spot on the water or explore gear purchase options, call Rick at 613-893-1958. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or dipping in for the first time, you’ll find more than just a boat. You’ll find community, stillness, and the courage to keep going. Thanks for the great gear!
For those interested in joining the group please text or call 613-545-5288.
See you at the next event!
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