Alexandra Jarvis, Owner and guide of Superior 皮划艇 Company talks kayaking in hg6668皇冠登录 County, MI.

"After moving to hg6668皇冠登录 for college, I fell in love with the town’s proximity to hikes, 瀑布, 最重要的是, 苏必利尔湖. I spent a few summers guiding sea kayak tours at Pictured Rocks, and in 2016 launched Superior 皮划艇 Company to help people safely get out on the water in small groups. 皮划艇 is a wonderful way to enjoy nature and get to places that cars, bikes, and boots can- not. It has been my pleasure to watch the sunset from “the best seat in the house” with many locals and visitors in hg6668皇冠登录 over the years."

A couple kayaking on an inland lake in hg6668皇冠登录 County, MI

"One of the best things about kayaking is the ease with which you can nestle into a cove"

 

新手

Clark Lambros Beach Park, hg6668皇冠登录: Accessible kayak launch to help paddlers of all abilities launch in calm water. Novices can kayak up the Dead River or into 苏必利尔湖, where they will enjoy protection from the 普雷斯克岛 Harbor Breakwall. Paddle in summer and early fall.

 

中间

Teal Lake, Negaunee: 划 around this intimate lake will take about three hours. Explore the west and north sides furthest from M-28 for the best views. Stunning granite rock formations and spectacular colors in the fall. Large enough to feel like you are out in open water, yet small enough to be safe and enjoyable. Paddle in spring, summer, and fall.

 

准备迎接挑战

普雷斯克岛 to Little Presque: Paddle past Middle and Partridge Islands. Fantastic views of 面包山 on this seven-mile half-day trip. Exposure to 苏必利尔湖 wind and waves with sections of cliff line where exit is not possible, so be prepared to self-rescue if necessary. Paddle in spring and summer.

A man kayaking near unique rock formations on 苏必利尔湖

穿什么

• Protect: Always wear a personal floatation device!

• Cover: Hat and sunglasses
• Layer: Multiple light and medium layers instead of one bulky one. Include a base layer of a long sleeve shirt that can function as a rash guard and sun protection. 避免棉花. Choose wicking, “quick dry” options like nylon or polyester, or wool, which insulates, even when wet. Consider long pants to protect your legs from pesky biting flies!

• Feet: Wear a secure sandal (Chaco, Teva, Keen) that won’t be a problem when wet. If you have to exit quickly, you don’t want to worry about your shoes floating away!

要点

• Personal Flotation Device with a whistle

• Drinking water and snacks
• Sun and eye protection
• A dry bag (especially for electronics, in case help is needed)
• Simple first aid and repair kit

Two kayaks on sand near the edge of the water忠告

查看天气. Familiarize yourself with NOAA and other marine forecast websites. Novices may think to check for rain but not wind and wave forecasts, which are critical when it comes to kayaking. Let someone know your paddle plan before heading out.

和别人一起去. 加入朋友或 雇一个导游, especially on 苏必利尔湖. Observe, ask questions, and get hands-on experience with an expert. Superior 皮划艇 Company offers two-hour tours around 普雷斯克岛公园, excellent for paddlers of any level.

选择合适的齿轮. Visit a local outfitter or outdoors shop like Downwind 体育 to discuss options. When you are ready to buy, think about where you will paddle most. Kayaks are not one-size-fits-all. 苏必利尔湖 requires different equipment than a lazy river or small inland lake.

混合一下. Paddle on hot summer days and crisp spring mornings. Down rivers, on inland lakes, and, when you are more experienced, 苏必利尔湖. Enjoy sunset paddles on long summer days when the water is calm and the low light makes the granite and sandstone cliffs stand out. Fall is a great time to explore inland lakes and rivers that don’t get the high winds of the Great 湖泊. Once you’re comfortable, get off the beaten path. One of the best things about kayaking is the ease with which you can nestle into a cove, picnic on an unoccupied beach, or get to an otherwise inaccessible hike. Most of all, enjoy the adventure!