Rough water and rocks test kayaking skills
Many paddlers make a false distinction between flat-water and rough-water skills. They practice maneuvers in calm conditions that would never work in dynamic water, thinking they will learn “advanced” skills for more challenging conditions.… read more
The Gales Storm Gathering premiers
The view from Middle Island looking toward Marquette on a calm day.
We just returned from the first annual Gales Storm Gathering, a Great Lakes rough-water symposium based this year in Marquette, Michigan.…
read morePaddling at night, inevitable and pleasurable
The days are getting shorter; sunset comes ever earlier. We’re bemoaning the loss, but we’re also taking advantage of the opportunity to do more night paddling long before bedtime.
Paddling the Chicago River after dark.… read moreA new waterproof camera for paddlers?
Paddlers always seem to be asking which waterproof camera to buy. That’s a symptom of two problems: we aren’t thrilled with the cameras we have, and they don’t hold up as well as we wish.…
read moreIf you are intimidated by rough water….
The Gales: A Storm Gathering will be a great place to learn or improve your rough-water paddling skills.
Daybreak with waves.During one recent foray in Lake Michigan waves, a fellow coach and friend mused about how few paddlers go out on truly rough days.…
read moreA week of rough water on Lake Michigan
It has been an amazing week of rough water along the Chicago shoreline. Day after day of 25 to 30 knot winds out of the north and northeast have given us large waves, massive clapotis and loads of fun.… read more
Marveling at Lake Michigan from the sky
Whenever we fly back to Chicago, we hope the descent will be over Lake Michigan. There’s something grounding — if you’ll excuse the pun — about returning to our home waters. … read more
Something sad found floating in Lake Michigan
The other day, while paddling between the Wilson Avenue and Four-Mile water intake cribs (about four miles from shore), we saw something floating in the lake. From afar, it looked as though it might be a cushion.…
read moreWarm water surfing in the Great Lakes
Paddling out through the surf zone.
Last night, the kayaking listservs were abuzz about the building waves on Lake Michigan. Paddlers arranged to meet at 63rd Street Beach in Chicago, Portage Beach in Indiana, and the New Buffalo beach in Michigan to play in the waves.…
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