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Kayak Lessons

Fundamental Water Safety Course

wet-exit

This three-hour course teaches the basics of kayak safety and efficiency and will help to develop your personal kayaking skills.  Whether you are a beginner with a desire to learn, or an experienced paddler wanting to refresh some techniques for the season, this course will help you get to the next level and bring awareness to Being Prepared – Lake Superior Kayaking.

Participants must be 16 years or older to take this lesson and/or rent kayaks from us.

This ‘hands on’ course is taught by one of our professional American Canoe Association trained instructors and entails:

  • Orientation to kayak nomenclature and equipment, including establishing a good “boat  fit”
  • Teaching of primary skills, including the “J-lean” & “hip snap” development
  • Introduction to various paddle strokes including propulsion, maneuvering, and recovery strokes
  • Practicing of “the wet exit”, ” “T-rescue” & “paddle float re-entry ” rescues
  • Highlighting of safety considerations and preparations for paddling on Lake Superior, including hypothermia, wind & waves, shoreline dynamics and their effect on paddlers, interpreting marine forecasts and signaling.

 

Successful completion of this course is a requirement prior to renting our equipment for self-guided adventures — and this holds true for 3 years. We will, however, honor having successfully completed a Water Safety Course that encompasses the same topics as ours within the past 3-years, with a documentation signed by another ACA Certified Instructor.

PHOTO GALLERY

What do I bring sea kayaking?

To ensure your sea kayak adventure is a good experience, we suggest that you bring the following:

  • A synthetic top such as polyester, polypropylene or capaline. Fleece is great for cooler days or evenings. Cotton should be avoided.
  • Shorts or a swimsuit that a wetsuit can be slipped over.
  • Water-shoes or sandals. Participants can choose to go barefoot if they desire. Shoes with laces are not allowed!
  • Hat for shade when it’s sunny. Cap for warmth if it’s cool.
  • Sunglasses and Sunscreen
  • Drinking Water – a pint is sufficient for most.
  • Camera – take advantage of the many photo opportunities while on ‘da Big Lake!

THE FINE PRINT:

  • Safety is always our number one concern and we do everything possible to manage the risks for our clients! Your guides have gone through sea kayak instructor and trip leader training with the American Canoe Association (ACA) on Lake Superior.  All of our guides are certified as either Wilderness First Responders (WFR) or in Wilderness First Aid (WFA).  Our guides carry two-way VHF marine radios, cell phones (though coverage is sporadic) and a GPS tracking device capable of sending messages and to call for advanced help in an emergency.
  • Wetsuits will be provided, and use is mandatory because of Lake Superior’s cold water. Drybags are also available for your use, though participants assume their own risk for damaged or lost goods.
  • Weight/Size Limits: There is a minimum of ~80lbs and a maximum of ~280lbs. Kayaks can be size discriminate and having a safe fit is largely dependent upon height and body shape, too. Our largest cockpits are 17 x 33 inches in size and elongated, so one must be able to comfortably fit into this space to have the freedom to get in and out of the cockpit.
  • Gratuities for your trip leaders are at your discretion.
  • CANCELLATION POLICY: Payments are refundable, minus a 15% cancellation fee, with notice any time prior to TWO WEEKS of scheduled activity — otherwise non-refundable unless the optional Trip Protection has been purchased.
  • WEATHER POLICY: All lessons are subject to rescheduling or possible cancellations due to wind, wave or other UNSAFE weather conditions. Light to moderate rains, fog or cool weather do not necessarily cancel a lesson, though. Customers often find paddling in the rain more enjoyable than they thought, since they are well protected from the elements by the kayak, spray skirt, wetsuit, lifejacket, personal rain jacket and hat, and generate body heat as they paddle. That all said, we will certainly not venture out in a heavy downpour or if thunderstorms are present — and full payments will be refunded if staff determines a weather cancellation.
  • TRIP PROTECTION (OPTIONAL): ​​​​​​​This is a “CANCEL FOR ANY REASON” in-house trip insurance, which covers rentals, tours and shuttles (not lodging). If you subscribe to this option (for $15 per booking), you understand that it allows you to cancel your rentals, tours and/or shuttles up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled reservation and receive a refund minus a 15% cancellation fee. You understand that Trip Protection is void in cases where a 24 hour notice of cancellation is not provided AND DAY OF CANCELLATIONS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
TRIP DETAILS
COST
  • $145 – includes professional instruction, kayak rental and equipment
  • $115-  if renting kayak for multiple days
  • Minimum of 2 participants per lesson (please call if you’re traveling solo and want to join existing lesson)
Time
  • Must call to schedule (906.289.4303), a week in advance to guarantee availability
  • The Course normally takes 3-4 hours to complete and we prefer to start no later than 3:00pm (EDT)
BEST FOR
  • Novice/Beginner paddlers who want to venture out without a guide
  • Experienced paddlers who want to brush up on skills

 

TRIP INFO

 Sign Waiver Form

 FAQ & COVID-19 Response

What do I bring sea kayaking?

To ensure your sea kayak adventure is a good experience, we suggest that you bring the following:

  • A synthetic top such as polyester, polypropylene or capaline. Fleece is great for cooler days or evenings. Cotton should be avoided.
  • Shorts or a swimsuit that a wetsuit can be slipped over.
  • Water-shoes or sandals. Participants can choose to go barefoot if they desire. Shoes with laces are not allowed!
  • Hat for shade when it’s sunny. Cap for warmth if it’s cool.
  • Sunglasses and Sunscreen
  • Drinking Water – a pint is sufficient for most.
  • Camera – take advantage of the many photo opportunities while on ‘da Big Lake!
  • Facemask – please see COVID-19 Response for Sea Kayaking

THE FINE PRINT:

  • Safety is always our number one concern and we do everything possible to manage the risks for our clients! Your guides have gone through sea kayak instructor and trip leader training with the American Canoe Association (ACA) on Lake Superior.  All of our guides are certified as either Wilderness First Responders (WFR) or in Wilderness First Aid (WFA).  Our guides carry two-way VHF marine radios, cell phones (though coverage is sporadic) and a GPS tracking device capable of sending messages and to call for advanced help in an emergency.
  • Wetsuits will be provided, and use is mandatory because of Lake Superior’s cold water. Drybags are also available for your use, though participants assume their own risk for damaged or lost goods.
  • Weight/Size Limits: There is a minimum of ~80lbs and a maximum of ~280lbs. Kayaks can be size discriminate and having a safe fit is largely dependent upon height and body shape, too. Our largest cockpits are 17 x 33 inches in size and elongated, so one must be able to comfortably fit into this space to have the freedom to get in and out of the cockpit.
  • Gratuities for your trip leaders are at your discretion.
  • CANCELLATION POLICY: Payments are refundable, minus a 15% cancellation fee, with notice any time prior to ONE WEEK of scheduled activity — otherwise non-refundable unless the optional Trip Protection has been purchased.
  • WEATHER POLICY: All lessons are subject to rescheduling or possible cancellations due to wind, wave or other UNSAFE weather conditions. Light to moderate rains, fog or cool weather do not necessarily cancel a lesson, though. Customers often find paddling in the rain more enjoyable than they thought, since they are well protected from the elements by the kayak, spray skirt, wetsuit, lifejacket, personal rain jacket and hat, and generate body heat as they paddle. That all said, we will certainly not venture out in a heavy downpour or if thunderstorms are present — and full payments will be refunded if staff determines a weather cancellation.
  • TRIP PROTECTION (OPTIONAL): ​​​​​​​This is a “CANCEL FOR ANY REASON” in-house trip insurance, which covers rentals, tours and shuttles (not lodging). If you subscribe to this option (for $15 per booking – not per person), you understand that it allows you to cancel your rentals, tours and/or shuttles up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled reservation and receive a refund minus a 15% cancellation fee. You understand that Trip Protection is void in cases where a 24 hour notice of cancellation is not provided AND DAY OF CANCELLATIONS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.