If you have questions about the trip, contact Nate Strong.
If you have questions about camping arrangements, contact Linda Decker

Lake Michigan Paddle – South Haven, Michigan
Dates:  July 10 – 12, 2020
Camping: Van Buren State Park, 23960 Ruggles Road, South Haven, MI 49090

Covid-19 Note:  We will be practicing any recommendations for keeping people safe during Covid-19.  Restrictions have been reduced, but we will still be practicing social distancing and participants should bring recommended personal protection items such as face mask and sanitizer.  Anyone experiencing any sickness or other symptoms of Covid-19 should not attend or cancel.

Description:  Lake Michigan offers the opportunity to kayak on an inland sea where conditions like wind, waves and surf are common.  This is an opportunity for paddlers to get experience paddling on a large, open body of water and in (limited) conditions that may be common there.  During paddles we will take advantage of opportunities for training and getting experience in paddling in whatever conditions we find.  This may include launching and landing in small waves/surf, paddling in wind/waves and paddling in (limited) breaking surf.  We will limit paddles on Lake Michigan to conditions of 1-2 foot waves and winds up to 15-20 knots.  Should conditions on Lake Michigan exceed our limits; paddles will be moved to the Black River in South Haven, or the Paw Paw River or St. Joseph River in Benton Harbor.

We will not be launching from Van Buren State Park as the carry is significant.  Our primary launch site on Lake Michigan will be at Deerlick Creek Park, a short drive North of Van Buren State Park.  We also have the option of launching from North or South Beach in South Haven, or Black River Park in South Haven.

What to bring:  This is an open water paddle.  Sea kayaks, kayaks 14’ or longer with fore and aft bulkheads and sealed hatches.  PFD, spray skirt (neoprene preferred), safety equipment (pump), and helmets are recommended for paddling in surf.  Also, drinking water, snacks, lunch, sun screen for paddling trips.