This listing is provided as a service to show previous events of the Great Lakes Paddlers from January 2010 to the present.
PADDLE SKILLS & TRIP DIFFICULTY RATING GUIDE: This guide helps paddlers determine if a trip is appropriate for them based on their skill and experience level.
01-01-2012: New Years Day Paddle Huron River, Belleville, MI
Meet time: 12:00 Noon. Location: Belleville, MI
Skill level: Intermediate, Difficulty rating: Moderate
Put in at North Fishing Site in Lower Huron Metropark and take out at last fishing deck. This is a cold water paddle. Dress appropriately, always wear a PFD, and bring a full change of clothes in a dry bag. No children or pets please. A Metropark annual sticker ($25, $15 Seniors) or day pass ($6) is required for park entry. Lunch afterwards at Applebee’s Restaurant, 10526 Belleville Rd., Belleville, MI 48111. Come for a meal or to help with the shuttle if you are not paddling.
11-25-2011: Day After Thanksgiving Paddle
Meet time: 11:00 am at the Proud Lake Boat Launch off Bass Lake Rd.
Skill Level: Intermediate, Difficulty rating: Moderate
Paddle the Huron River from Proud Lake to Central Park in Milford. There is one portage on the route. The distance is approximately 5 miles on one lake and some moving water. Potluck lunch at Central Park Pavilion after the paddle. Please bring a dish to pass. Shuttle run prior to paddle. This is a cold water paddle, no children or pets please. If leaving your car at the put in location, a state park pass is required.
10-08-2011: Cider Paddle on Huron River
Skill Level: Intermediate, Difficulty rating: Moderate
Meet time: 10:00 am at Rapids View in Hudson Mills Metropark. Shuttle to West Delhi parking lot prior to paddle. Bring $ for treats from the cider mill in Dexter.
Conditions: Wide river with moving water and some class I rapids. Total distance approximately 9 miles.
09-30 - 10-02-2011: GLP Au Sable River Weekend
Paddle the lower portions of the Au Sable River including Cooke Pond. Camping at Old Orchard Park (http://www.oldorchardparkcampground.com/) or other accommodations available at local motels. Food and accommodations on your own.
09-23 - 25-2011: GLP Muskegon River Weekend
Weekend camping trip with paddling on the Muskegon River. Campground: White Birch Canoe. Website: www.whitebirchcanoe.com Make reservations by calling 231 328-4547.
Suday paddle on the Flat River, Belding, MI.
08-12 - 14-2011: GLP Burt Lake Weekend
Day paddles on Burt Lake and Douglas Lake. Camping available at Maple Bay State Forest Campground. (http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=612&type=SFCG) or motel lodging at the Pellston Lodge (http://www.pellstonlodge.com/). Food and accommodations are on your own. Please note that reservations are not accepted for State Forest Campground sites which are available on a first come, first serve basis only. Potluck dinner Saturday evening.
07-09-2011: GLP Detroit River Tour
Open to members of the "Great Lakes Paddlers"
Skill level: Novice, Difficulty: Moderate.
Conditions: Wide river with current, waves, and wind. Kayaks must have floatation (bags or bulkheads) and paddlers must wear a spray skirt and PFD. In addition, please have a whistle attached to your PFD and a pump.
Take a tour of the picturesque side of the Detroit River from Camp Swampy. 3 hour paddle with no shuttle required. Please note that the event is in Ontario. If coming from Michigan, you will need a passport or Nexus Card to cross the International border.
BBQ and potluck after the paddle. Please bring a dish to pass.
07-07-2011: GLP Kayak Safety and Rescue Practice
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Island Lake Recreation Area, Kent Lake Beach (state park entrance fees apply).
Members of the Great Lakes Paddlers will gather for a Kayak Safety & Rescue Practice session again this year. This will be a skill sharing event where we will learn from each other. You will need a kayak with at least one bulkhead, lifejacket with whistle, paddle, and pump. If you have them bring a paddlefloat, towbelt, contact or short tow, stirrup or sling…..we can share these items and if you don't know what they are you will learn!!! You will get wet so you should come prepared for the water and air temperatures, footwear is a must. You should have previously done wet exits from your kayak to get the most out of this activity.
This is a Great Lakes Paddlers event for members only and you will be asked to sign the club waiver. Lifejackets required to participate.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend. You will be sent updates and a final notification based on weather.
06-24 - 26-2011: GLP East Race Paddling Weekend
Location: Cranberry Lake Campground, 10301 Bent St., Marcellus, MI Spend Saturday afternoon at the East Race, South Bend's white water park. See website for additional information: http://www.sbpark.org/parks/erace.htm Sunday we'll paddle a local river before heading home. Sunday paddle the Prarie River. Reservations on your own at Cranberry Lake Campground. See http://www.campcranberrylake.com/ or call 269 646-3336
05-27 - 30-2011: GLP Les Cheneaux Weekend.
Meet time: 10:00 AM. Skill level: Seasoned, Difficulty: Demanding.
Location: Camping at Looks Point Campground, Cedarville, MI
Camp at modern campground and enjoy day trips in the Les Cheneaux Islands/Lake Huron. Must have sea kayak at least 16 ft. in length with bulkheads, full wet suit or dry suit, PFD, whistle, throw rope in a bag, pump, sponge, spray skirt and be comfortable with wet exit/T-rescue methods. Bring your own tent or rent a cabin. Bring your own food. Bring $ for possible dinner in town one evening.
05-14-2011: GLP Mouth of the Huron Paddle.
Meet time: 10:00 AM. Skill level: Intermediate, Difficulty: Moderate.
Location: Meet at the boat launch off Seneca Street below the dam in Flat Rock, MI
Paddle the last 9 miles of the Huron River to where it meets Lake Erie. Conditions: wide river, moving water with moderate to swift current, wind.
04-9 & 10-2011: GLP Tandem and Solo canoe clinics.
Meet time: 9:30 AM. Skill level: Novice, Difficulty: Easy.
Location: Hi-Land Lake, Hell, MI
Learn the basics or update your existig knowledge. Novice as well as more experienced paddlers will receive training to improve their skills, with training to fit the needs of paddlers present.
Instructors hold either ACA or ORCKA certification.
Clinics free to GLP members, $5 per person charge for non-members.
03-19-2011: GLP St. Patty's Day Paddle and Potluck, Island Lake Recreation Area, Brighton, MI
Meet time: 11:00 AM. Skill level: Intermediate, Difficulty: Moderate.
Location: Meet at Kent Lake Beach inside Island Recreation Area. Paddle the scenic Huron River from the Kent Lake Dam to River Bend Picnic area. Bring a dish to pass for the potluck lunch and don't forget the wearin' of the green! This is a cold water paddle. As always, PFD must be worn while on the water. Bring a full change of clothes in a dry bag. No children or pets please. State Park pass ($10) required for park entry.
02-05-2011: GLP Cross Country Ski Outing, Independence Oaks County park, Clarkston, MI
Meet time: 11:00 AM. Location: Ski Rental Hut on Crooked Lake. Cross-country Skiing – Four trails of differing lengths and difficulty. Rental equipment available on site. See http://www.destinationoakland.com/parksandtrails/parks/independenceoaks/Pages/default.aspx for additional information.
01-01-2011: GLP New Years Day Paddle, Huron River, Belleville, MI
Meet time: 12:00 Noon. Location: Belleville, MI Skill level: Intermediate, Difficulty rating: Moderate Put in at North Fishing Site in Lower Huron Metropark and take out at last fishing deck. This is a cold water paddle. Dress appropriately, always wear a PFD, and bring a full change of clothes in a dry bag. No children or pets please. A Metropark annual sticker ($25, $15 Seniors) or day pass ($6) is required for park entry. Lunch afterwards at Applebee’s Restaurant, 10526 Belleville Rd., Belleville, MI 48111. Come for a meal or to be a shuttle bunny if you are not paddling.
11-26-2010: GLP Day After Thanksgiving Paddle and Potluck, Huron River, Brighton, MI
Skill level: Intermediate, Difficulty rating: Moderate
Meet at Kent Lake Beach inside Island Recreation Area.
Paddle the scenic Huron River from the Kent Lake Dam to River Bend Picnic area. Bring a dish to pass for the potluck lunch. This is a cold water paddle. PFD must be worn while on the water. Bring a full change of clothes in a dry bag. No children or pets please. State park sticker ($24, $6 seniors), day pass ($6) or new park pass required for park entry.
10-01 – 03-2010: GLP AuSable River Paddle Weekend, Oscoda, MI
Skill level: Novice, Difficulty rating: Moderate
Paddle the lower portions of the Au Sable River including Cooke Pond. Camping at Old Orchard Park Campground http://www.oldorchardparkcampground.com/ or other accommodations available at local motels. Food and accommodations on your own.
09-17 – 19-2010: GLP Pine and Pere Marquette Rivers Paddle Weekend, Wellston, MI
Skill level: Seasoned, Difficulty rating: Demanding
Paddle the Pine and Pere Marquette Rivers. Class I and possibly Class II rapids. Paddlers should be comfortable on moving water and have adequate maneuvering skills for the conditions. Primitive camping at Peterson Bridge National Forest Campground or other accommodations available. Food and accommodations on your own.
08-08-10: GLP Kent Lake Nature Tour
Skill level: Beginner, Difficulty rating: Easy
Meet at East Boat Launch, Kensington Metropark (enter park at Kent Lake Rd.) Address is for park office. See park website for full park map: http://www.metroparks.com/parks/pk_kensington.php
Meet time: 10:00 am at the East Boat Launch. No fee for this event.
Metropark Nature Interpreter, Mark Irish will provide a guided tour of Kent Lake including the lotus beds. Meet at East Boat Launch inside Kensington Metropark. A Metropark annual sticker ($25, $15 Seniors) or day pass ($5) is required for park entry.
08-03-10: GLP Kayak Safety & Rescue Practice Session
Island Lake Recreation Area, Kent Lake Beach
Members of the Great Lakes Paddlers are invited to a Rescue Practice session. This will be a skill sharing session where we will learn from each other. You will need a kayak with bulkheads or floatbags, lifejacket with whistle, paddle, pump and if you have them a paddlefloat, towbelt, mask, noseplugs. You should come prepared for the water and air temperatures......protective clothing is a good idea to prevent bruises and footwear is a must. You should be comfortable doing wet exits from your kayak to get the most out of this activity. This is a Great Lakes Paddlers event for members only and you will be asked to sign the club waiver. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. A Metropark annual sticker ($25, $15 Seniors) or day pass ($5) is required for park entry.
07-11-10: GLP Dowagiac River Paddle
Skill level: Intermediate, Difficulty rating: Moderate
Meet time: 10:00 AM at Nub Lake Campground for paddle, or camp for the weekend at Nub Lake Campground. 1701 Pucker St., Niles, MI 49120. Phone for reservations at 269 687-9681.
07-10-10: GLP East Race, OH
Enjoy white water rafting in downtown South Bend. 12:00 - 2 PM. All equipment is provided. Rubber soled shoes with heel strap are required, no flip-flops and no sharp jewelry or objects may be worn. Prepare to get wet! Required height for rafting is 54”. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult in the raft. Website: http://www.sbpark.org/parks/erace.htm. Cost: $5 per person/per run. If you are coming for the weekend, we will be camping at Nub Lake Campground, 1701 Pucker St. Dr., Niles, MI 49120. Phone for reservations at 269 687-9681.
07-04-10: GLP President's Paddle
Skill level: Intermediate, Difficulty rating: Moderate
Paddle the Huron River from Delhi Metropark to Argo Canoe Livery or Gallup Park. Bring water and a picnic lunch that you can carry in your boat. It is ok to bring food to share with friends! There are some rapids (Class I or less) on this section. There is a portage at Barton Dam and Argo Dam.
06-13-10: GLP/GREAT - Paddle on Kent Lake
Skill level: Intermediate, Difficulty rating: Moderate
Exit 153 (Kent Lake Rd.) off I-96. Meet at the East Boat Launch in Kensington Metropark (first left after the ranger shack at entrance). Paddle on scenic Kent Lake with lunch stop at noon at picnic area next to Martindale Beach. Lunch will be provided by GLP. A Metropark annual sticker ($25, $15 Seniors) or day pass ($5) is required for park entry. Meet time: 10:30 am
05-23-10: GREAT/GLP - St. Joseph River Paddle
St. Joseph River (Hillsdale County) Fayette St., off M-99, Hillsdale to US 12, Jonesville (park & lot next to State Farm Insurance). Meet time: 12:00 pm. Cookout after take out on location provided by GREAT. Website: www.great-mi.org
05-15-2010: GLP Headwaters of the Huron Paddle. Start time: 10:00 am, till about 4 PM
Skill level: Intermediate, Difficulty rating: Moderate
Put in: Proud Lake Recreation Area Boat Launch on Bass Lake Rd. See unit map at website: http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=487&type=SPRK
Take out: Central Park in Milford. Enjoy the scenic headwaters of the Huron River. There is one portage (25 ft.) with ramps around a low head dam at the end of Proud Lake. A shuttle will take place prior to the paddle. Bring a bottle of water, snack, sunscreen, and a change of clothes in a dry bag. A state park annual sticker ($24, $6 Seniors) or day pass ($6) is required if leaving your vehicle at the put in location and may be obtained at the park office located at 3500 N. Wixom Rd., Milford, MI 48380
03-20-2010: GLP St. Paddy's Day Paddle
Island Lake Recreation Area, Brighton, MI
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Meet at Kent Lake Beach below the dam, 12:00 PM. Paddle the Huron River from Kent Lake to River Bend for a St. Paddy's Day potluck feast!
Skill level: Intermediate, Difficulty Rating: Moderate
01-01-2010: GLP New Years Day Paddle
Lower Huron Metropark, Belleville, MI
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Meet at Lower Huron Metropark north fishing pier, 12:00 PM. Paddle the Huron River inside Lower Huron Metropark from the north fishing pier to the south fishing pier.
Skill level: Intermediate, Difficulty Rating: Moderate
