Each class on this page is color coded. During your registration you will fill out a self evaluation that will help you determine your level of skill and experience. At the end of the evaluation you will be given a color that corresponds with your skill set and will help you choose tours and classes that are most appropriate for you. Every time you see that color on this site you can know that that tour or class fits into your level of experience. This isn’t to say it won’t push you and help you become a better paddler. You are more than welcome to take tours and classes that don’t match your color but please be aware that they may not sufficiently challenge you or they may require some skills that you haven’t gotten yet. Please note that all classes meet at the instruction beach.
On Water Classes
Kayaking Basics – Introductory Class
Just getting into kayaking? This class will teach you the basics so that you can be more independent in your paddling adventures. If you aren’t sure how to load and unload a boat, how to adjust a boat to fit your body perfectly, or get in and out of your kayak this class will get you set up for a great weekend of paddling. Be prepared to learn a lot from our wonderful instructors!
Boat Control Basics
This is the perfect class for you if you have ever run into something in your kayak that you didn’t want to! Boat Control Level 1 starts with the basics of body positioning, posture and balance. With this foundation participants will learn the basic strokes and techniques to being maneuvering their boats efficiently and easily. These tools will be built on in the Level 2 course, so make sure you sign up for it!
Kayak Play
Sure, you can sit upright in your kayak, but can you sit on your kayak when it is upside down? Have you ever stood up in your kayak? Have you ever played catch from your kayak? What about sitting on the deck of your boat and trying to paddle? This class is focused around laughter and fun. It will also help you learn the balance of your boat and how to use your body to keep in balance, but you won’t know that because you’ll be too busy laughing.
Rolling Basics
This class is for people who have done a wet exit, but need some practice being comfortable under water as they prepare for learning how to roll a kayak. Once being comfortable under water is in hand participants will progress to the static brace and other skills needed to put together a roll. Being comfortable upside down in your boat is the first step to a successful roll!
Great classes to take before this class are: Boat Control, Kayak Play
Bring: Nose plugs, ear plugs and swim goggles if desired/needed. Make sure you are dressed to be wet and in the water!
Rescues Basics
This entry level rescues class will introduce participants to the principles of self and partner rescues and towing, as well as provide an overview of equipment needed to be safe on the water. Designed as a “partners” class you will be working with another participant to learn the skills you need to be safe on the water while instructors demonstrate and assist you. This is a great class to join with a friend as there will be stories to tell and laughs to be had!
Traditional Paddling– Incorporates Greenland or Inuit style Paddle
What is Traditional or Greenland Paddling? In this on-the-water course you will learn a little about the rich history of traditional boats and paddles (because someone is going to ask!) as well as their hydrodynamics. You spend 99% of your time going forward so you will learn the key elements of an efficient forward stroke and how to continue to develop your stroke with traditional equipment.
Working Out the Kinks
This half-day paddle will focus on applying what you have learned in classes to actually paddling. The class will leave shore and head into the Bay to let you work on your forward stroke, kayak balance and boat control while moving forward. Use this class as an opportunity to let your body move for a while and play around with the new skills you have been taught thus far.
Boat Control
Boat Control Part 2 builds on what was learned in the Level 1 session. Focus will be on fine tuning strokes, body position and combining strokes in order to make your boat respond faster. This class will incorporate the morning’s session by applying it to a moving platform and more real life situations
Rolling
This class is for people who have done a wet exit, but need some practice being comfortable under water as they prepare for learning how to roll a kayak. Once being comfortable under water is in hand participants will progress to the static brace and other skills needed to put together a roll. Being comfortable upside down in your boat is the first step to a successful roll!
Great classes to take before this class are: Boat Control and Kayak Play
Bring: Nose plugs, ear plugs and swim goggles if desired/needed. Make sure you are dressed to be wet and in the water!
Working out the Kinks
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to JUST PADDLE! Especially after taking a few classes. This short tour gives you the chance to apply what you have learned while enjoying Munising Harbor. Instructors will answer questions and assist participants with new skills while seeing the sights.
Rescues
Comfortable with “normal” self-rescue and partner rescues in “normal” conditions? Want to learn more and be challenged? Then this is the class for you! Rescue Me! will bring your rescue skills to the next level by teaching you new techniques using mechanics that are better designed for a woman’s body. Rescue class will be in open water, so dress appropriately!
Prerequisites: Comfortable with self and partner rescue, towing and self-rescue equipment, helmet
Practice on the Move
This half day class will leave from Sand Point and head straight to open water to hone their skills and learn some new ones. This class will be instructor and participant driven, meaning the content will be tailored to class desires and skill level. Keep in mind, however, that you are headed to open water to be challenged—and who knows what that big lake or your instructor might have in store!
NEW! – Navigation
No tricks here; it’s all COMPASS, WATCH and looking at a map/chart! Sure that sounds good on paper but anyone who has ever been lost can tell you that there is a bit more to navigation. Let us help you out with this course; a must-have if you are interested in going someplace you haven’t been beforeand the destination doesn’t show up on a Denny’s placemat.
Practice on the Move
This half day class will leave from Sand Point and head straight to open water to hone their skills and learn some new ones. This class will be instructor and participant driven, meaning the content will be tailored to class desires and skill level. Keep in mind, however, that you are headed to open water to be challenged—and who knows what that big lake or your instructor might have in store!
Rescues
This advanced level rescues class designed to put the “real” into your rescues practice. Focusing on real-life scenarios, real challenges, and the necessity of being able to rescue yourself or a partner quickly and calmly this class will get your rescue-skills up to real speed
Rolling
This limited capacity class is for participants who are already have a roll, even if it is not perfect. Instructors will work with students to fine-tune your existing roll, teach alternative rolling techniques, or get you going on an off-side roll. Learning to roll is a great accomplishment, and one that combines finesse, strength and timing. This high-instructor contact course will help you put all of the pieces together in order to succeed.
Prerequisite: Basic rolling skills, comfort being upside down! Bring: Nose plugs, ear plugs and swim goggles if desired/needed. Make sure you are dressed to be wet and in the water!
Rough And Ready: Managing Risks
This course offers high-intermediate to advanced paddlers an opportunity to learn about risk assessment and management in a safe, but challenging environment.
NEW! – Class Intro to Surfing
When many paddlers think surf, they have a notion that it’s a tropical experience on huge curling waves with a banana daiquiri waiting on the beach. Whereas that it a fine way to think about it, surfing can also be a very viable skill in the colder Great Lakes. By understanding which strokes and effective, such as a powerful forward stroke, and draw, and stern rudder, a paddler can use surfing to get home safely and propel their boat farther and fast than they ever thought possible. Oh, and it’s really fun too! Learn the basics of wave riding right here, right now and find out why everyone who surfs is smiling all the time! This course is weather dependent and helmets are required
STAND UP PADDLING
NEW! – Class SUP Paddling Basics – Introductory Class
Just getting into Stand Up Paddling? This class will teach you the basics so that you can be more independent in your paddling adventures. Board design, how to carry, how to launch, paddling stokes will all be covered! Be prepared to learn a lot from our wonderful instructors!
Stand Up Paddleboard Play
Be done with learning and just play on your SUP board! This class will help you with balance, walking on your board, bracing and leaning all while having a great time with some games and challenges. Be prepared to get wet and have a lot of fun!
NEW! – Class SUP Rescues Basics
This entry level rescues class will introduce participants to the principles of self and partner rescues and towing, as well as provide an overview of equipment needed to be safe on the water. Designed as a “partners” class you will be working with another participant to learn the skills you need to be safe on the water while instructors demonstrate and assist you. This is a great class to join with a friend as there will be stories to tell and laughs to be had!
SUP YOGA CLASS
Deepen the already amazing benefits of yoga by using your core muscles to balance on your SUP. This class includes a diverse range of poses, as well as gentle sequences. Centering and breath work are integrated for a totally unique connection with a gorgeous Lake Superior morning…..can you think of a better way to start the day?
CANOEING
NEW! – Class Canoeing Basics – Introductory Class
Just getting into canoeing? Haven’t tried it in years? This class will teach you the basics so that you can be more independent, efficent and safe in your paddling adventures. Launching, paddling positions, and strokes will be covered. Be prepared to learn a lot from our wonderful instructors!
NEW! – Class Canoeing Touring – Introductory Class
This class will teach you the basics of canoe touring including packing a boat, paddling in conditions, so that you can be more independent, efficent and safe in your paddling adventures. Launching, paddling positions, and strokes will be covered. Be prepared to learn a lot from our wonderful instructors!
NEW! – Class Canoe Rescues Basics
This entry level rescues class will introduce participants to the principles of self and partner rescues, as well as provide an overview of equipment needed to be safe on the water. Designed as a “partners” class you will be working with another participant to learn the skills you need to be safe on the water while instructors demonstrate and assist you. This is a great class to join with a friend as there will be stories to tell and laughs to be had!
Off Water Classes
Off water: Waterfall Hike
Need a break from paddling? Tired or sore muscles? Then how about switching it up a bit and taking in some of the other scenery Munising has to offer. This ½ day field trip will show you some of the waterfalls close to Munising and allow for some great photographs.
Prerequisite: Good shoes/boots, vehicle for traveling to different destinations