• ·       Sea Kayaking:  April 30 – May 3, 2026
• ·       Trip Level L3
• ·       Availability: 12 (16 capacity)
• ·       Sponsors and Trip Leads: David & Susan Nord
• ·       Assistant Leads: Jim Heichelbech, Linda Decker

Join us for a weekend of sea kayaking at Michigan’s “Tip of the Thumb”. Paddling opportunities include sandy beaches, low sandstone cliffs, an offshore lighthouse, shallow shipwreck viewing, and the iconic Turnip Rock.

• Trip Info: This HCKC sponsored trip will likely include 2 day trips. Paddles will average 10-14 miles per day (weather permitting).  Water temperatures on Lake Huron in early May average about 50°F. Immersion protection will be required to participate, dry-suits are recommended.

• NOTE: If the wind is up, this trip might offer participants casual opportunities to practice surf launching & landing, paddling in wind, turning in wind, draw strokes, rudder strokes (bow & stern), bracing, edging and boat control.  We hope to encourage some fun learning opportunities as we explore.

LOGISTICS: We will camp in PORT CRESCENT STATE PARK:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/G8PJT6RTpQqRi3sK8

·       PARTICIPANTS WILL NEED TO RESERVE THEIR OWN CAMPSITES

·       MAKE RESERVATIONS ASAP! PORT CRESCENT STATE PARK CAMPGROUND FILLS FAST!

Candidate day trips (Friday and Saturday):

1.     Turnip Rock

a.     Route:  Eagle Bay-Turnip Rock-Lighthouse-Port Austin and back (14 miles)

b.     20min drive from campground to Eagle Bay Kayak launch

c.      Can be done as a 7-8 mile one way trip by leaving shuttle vehicles in Port Austin

2.     Graffiti Rock

a.     Route:  State Park Campground to Pinnebog River to Graffiti Rock and back (10-11 miles)

Required Equipment:

                           I.          Sea kayaks 15’ or longer with full perimeter deck lines, sealed fore and aft bulkheads and/or floatation.

                         II.          Personal Flotation Device (PFD) & whistle, spray skirt, pump, and paddle float

                        III.          Dry Suit, (or wetsuit and dry top at a minimum). The water will be cold and the air may not be that warm either.

                       IV.          VHF radio (recommended if you own one)

                         V.          Extra food and water, sunscreen, waterproof matches, headlamp, emergency blanket, first aid (especially epi-pens or required medications)

                       Day trips will be selected to minimize weather impact, but maximum conditions could be as described below:

·       Visiting the lighthouse involves a 1 to 1.5 mile open water crossing each way

·       There may be fishing boats/recreational traffic

·       There are limited landing opportunities due to private property (including Turnip Rock).

·       Winds up to 15 knots (17mph)

·       Waves up to 2 feet, plus confused wave patterns due to shallows extending far from the shoreline

·       Expect 4-6 hours of paddling each day

  Participants must be able to:

o   Safely exit their kayak and participate in an assisted rescue in the above conditions

o   Maintain a pace near 2.5-3.0 mph in L3 conditions in any wind or wave direction

o   Perform a solo rescue in L3 conditions

o   Paddle for up to 3 hours without landing

o   Paddle for 10-14 miles per day

Registration for every trip is 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.

Registration:   Register here and e-mail David Nord @ nordfamily@hotmail.com