Lake Michigan Training Paddle – South Haven, Michigan
Dates: July 18 – 21, 2023
Sponsors: Nate Strong & Carrol Anderson
Camping: Van Buren State Park, 23960 Ruggles Road, South Haven, MI 49090
1-24-24 There are no longer available campsites at Van Buren State Park
We have located 3 other campgrounds in the area that still have open sites:
Black River Trails Campground is about 7 miles from VBSP and closer to South Haven. https://www.blackrivertrailscampground.com/ Available sites online
Dune Lake Campground in Coloma, Mi http://www.dunelakecampground.com 1-269-764-8941 Call for reservations
Covert Park Beach and Campground is on Lake Michigan and only about 4 miles south of VBSP. http://www.covertpark.com/ Reservations for campsites and cabins opens April 1st
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 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. If conditions are appropriate, we will also work on boat control, bracing in waves/surf and rough water rescues.
We will limit paddles on Lake Michigan to conditions of 1-2 foot waves and winds up to 15-20knots. 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 may also do some on land training in the evenings covering various topics related to paddling and safety.
The goal of this trip is to primarily focus on training and skills development for HCKC Level 3+trips. Participants should have some paddling experience and be comfortable in their kayaks.
Paddlers should expect to spend at least an hour in their kayaks at a time and be able to keep up with the group. Spray skirts are required for paddling in surf, preferably neoprene, and helmets are recommended. This is a great opportunity for paddlers to advance their skills and confidence in rougher conditions and prepare themselves for more advanced kayaking trips. The goal is to take advantage of safe conditions to learn in and maybe find some more advanced conditions to practice in.
We will not be launching from Van Buren State Park as the carry is significant. Our primary launch site on Lake Michigan will likely be at South or North Beach in South Haven. We also have options of launching at Deerlick Creek Park, a short drive North of Van Buren State Park, or Black River Park in South Haven, or on the St. Joseph River in Benton Harbor.
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.
Register on this page
Questions contact Nate Strong strong.nathan@att.net
Level 2 and above Seakayak Trips are limited to members who have demonstrated, prior to participation, the ability to:
· Safely exit their kayak while wearing a spray skirt
· Participate in an assisted rescue to re-enter their kayak
Registration for every trip is always conditional upon final approval by the Trip Leader. The Trip Leader may communicate with you to assess whether your skills & equipment are appropriate for the conditions.
