Sea Kayak Learning in Bayfield Peninsula - August (18) 19-21, 2022

August Sea Kayak Skills Learning Trip on Lake Superior - August (18) 19-21, 2022

(The training begins on Friday morning August 19 and concludes on Sunday afternoon on August 21. Travel to arrive in Washburn WI on Thurday night August 18. Return to Madison on Sunday evening.)

Leaders: An ACA Instructor Trainer, a few of my fellow ACA instructors, and I will be leading this specific weekend. 

My goal is to develop skilled paddlers, instructors, and leaders in a safe fun-filled weekend.

Please sign up on the wait list if you are sincerely interested. Final participant list will be at the leader's discretion. Space is limited by class size & lodging/campsite capacity and by leadership safety considerations.

Paddlers will benefit from expert ACA training on Lake Superior between the Bayfield Peninsula of Wisconsin and the Keweenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan. Venues include the Apostle Islands National Shoreline (including the Meyer's Beach Sea Caves), Porcupine Mountain State Park, and Black River Harbor. Each day will include an integration of classroom didactic instruction with on water training on Lake Superior and nearby inland lakes.

Who: SK1 rating and initial sea kayak paddling experience. Standard swim test required. If you are sincerely interested, available for the specific dates, feel free to contact me. We can discuss on a case by case basis. I would be happy to discuss my previous experiences with you.

COVID-19 Precautions: Full Covid-19 vaccination, Covid-19 booster, and symptom free are required prior to the event date.

Boats/Gear: Most of the needed boats and gear can be made available through the club and/or through our local host in Washburn WI. Please email me directly to make arrangements. Wearing wetsuits with synthetic underlayers (your own), paddling jacket, helmet, and other essential personal paddling gear of pfd, spray skirt are required.

Personal Gear: Synthetic under-layers (no cotton). A drysuit can be helpful. For a drysuit, I would highly recommend that you contact Kayak Academy and arrange to have a rental dry suit. (Details below.)

https://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/rental-dry-suits

https://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/drysuit-guide

Future: I am hoping this type of training event provides an incentive for each of us to increase/improve our paddling, teaching, and leadership skills. This also will open opportunities for ACA certification moving forward.

Why: ACA training/certification in paddling, teaching, safety, and leadership skills is essential and highly valued for those who intend to work and/or play in the outdoors. 

Here is your opportunity here in Wisconsin in and near one of our favorite Great Lakes - Lake Superior.

The expectation is that you will develop and grow your skills throughout the weekend. With a lot of opportunities for mentored hands-on skills development and practice.

When: The Training Dates are August 19-21, 2022 (Most folks will arrive on Thursday afternoon August 18, 2022.)

Where: Washburn WI (With indoor classroom activiies and camping/lodging near our water venues for training and practice)

Cost: The final price will depend on number of participants. The goal is to make this accessible and reasonably affordable. (Camping/lodging, instruction, instructional materials, paddling gear, and food will be included in the cost.)

Boats/Gear: All available through the Hoofers Outing Club at no additional cost.

What: Sea Kayak Skills Weekend

Goals (Learn & Earn):
1. Learn/refine paddling, safety, teaching, and leadership skills.

Let's go and grow as a paddling community.

Note: There will also likely be one or two opportunities this summer for paddling and skills practice and knowledge sessions prior to this trip.

Please sign up on the wait list if you are sincerely interested. Final participant list will be at the leader's discretion. Space is limited by class size & lodging/campsite capacity and by leadership safety considerations.

Costs: Will be determined based on number of participants. I expect those who participate will also commit to teach and lead others in the club. You must demonstrate a commitment to lead and serve others.

This is a terrific opportunity to learn and earn in one of the sea kayaking national treasures. Let's go!