What started off as a crazy fad in Hawaii has fast become a popular pass time all over the world.

Simeon Cooke came one step closer to making his plans a reality on Tuesday night when Orange City Council resolved to enter into a licence agreement for him to use Lake Canobolas as a hire facility for paddleboards for up to three years.

Not only is this good news for those interested in fitness, paddleboarding is a sport that suits the whole family and the installment of a rental facility for the boards will only further enhance the lake’s reputation as one of the region’s best recreational areas.

Mr Cooke also has plans to build a retro-look caravan shopfront, set up on the western side of the lake.

According to Mr Cooke he will probably operate his business on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to start off with, and a little more during the holidays period.

It’s good to see plans to introduce more recreational options at the lake coming to fruition.

Orange City Council has already done much to enhance the area by dumping a large amount of soft sand on one side of the lake in order to create a beach area frequented by families.

Of course Bathurst Council has also been active in helping to facilitate recreational activity in its region having approved the temporary erection of a water park at Ben Chifley Dam.

Long seen as one of the great under-valued resources of our region, Ben Chifley Dam’s water park is set to become a draw card for the Central West.

Anyone who has visited Lithgow’s Lake Lyell over the past few summers would have seen just how many families from the region make the trip to take advantage of the Aqua Blitz fun park there.

There is clearly a demand for outdoor lake and dam activities.

Let’s hope this latest venture at Lake Canobolas is the start of exciting things to come.

The trick is going to be ensuring that the needs of all lake users users are not be pushed aside in favour of commercial interests.

This is too good a chance for Orange to capitalise on this natural tourist attraction and local resource for us to miss out on.

Bring on the warm weather.