Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayak Safety/Early Season Indoor Session
S3
With the ice starting to thaw, our minds return to paddling. Our safety course is for all levels of paddlers. In the comfort of an indoor pool, you'll learn wet exits, T-rescues and other assisted rescues including how to properly use the paddle float, all designed to make your paddling experiences this coming summer safer and more enjoyable. Class fee includes the use of kayaks. 60 807 69400
Offered twice:
Andrew Teichmiller
Saturday,May 3; 9 a.m. - Noon
Lakeland Union High School Pool
Fee: $38 Class #66014
Wil Losch
Thursday,May 8; 6 - 9 p.m.
Rhinelander High School Pool
Fee: $38 Class #66015
Sea Kayak Safety
S3
Learn the basic skills needed to paddle in protected waters. Emphasis will be on safety, rescues for group and solo paddlers, wet exits, efficient strokes, braces, equipment, dress, and local hazards. Anyone who owns a kayak or is considering taking extended paddling trips should take this course. Open to first-time paddlers. 60 807 69400
Offered Three Times:
Wil Losch Saturday, June 7
SARA Park,Tomahawk 1 - 6 p.m.
Fee: $25 Class #10357
Fee: $40 w/Rental Class #10358
Andrew Teichmiller Sunday, June 8
Vandercook Landing,Near Arbor Vitae 1 - 6 p.m.
Fee: $25 Class #10359
Fee: $40 w/Rental Class #10360
Dan Clausen, Rae Lundberg Saturday, June 21
Rest Lake Park,Manitowish Waters 1 - 6 p.m.
Fee: $25 Class #10361
Fee: $40 w/Rental Class #10362
Kayak with Kids
S2
Looking to introduce your youngun' to the world of kayaking? This course will do just that though paddle games, races, and lots of wet laughter. Our instructors will emphasize safety and even subtly sneak in a tip or two on technique. Our goals are not to create the next world class paddler, but to introduce paddlesport to kids in a safe, low-stress, exploratory manner. The morning session is for 7-12 year olds. The afternoon session is for 3-6 year olds (and their adult partner). Lunch snacks will be provided 60 807 69300
Kids Only Session (7-12 years old)
Wil Losch/Rae Lundberg
Saturday, July 19; 9 a.m. - Noon
Vandercook Lake, Arbor Vitae
Fee: $25 Includes Rental Class #10354
Parents & Kids (Adult only needs to register.We expect you will be bringing one child ages 3-6)
Wil Losch/Rae Lundberg
Saturday, July 19; 1 - 4 p.m.
Vandercook Lake, Arbor Vitae
Fee: $30 Includes Rental Class #10353
Play in the Pool Session
S3
Pool sessions are a great setting for safety courses. They are also great for getting back into your boat to play in warmer waters before the chill is out of our area waters. Practicing rolls, sculling, and wet exits are just the beginning. Try all those tricks that you might avoid on the lake or the river simply because you really don't want to get wet then. Bring your nose plugs and even a pair of goggles for this safe play session. 60 807 69400
Wil Losch
Thursday,May 22; 6 - 10 p.m.
Rhinelander High School Pool
Fee: $38 Class #68505
The Backwater Intro
S2
This paddle on one of the more northern sections of the Wisconsin River will provide not only a review of basic kayak skills, but will do so on a stretch of water that is rich in lessons on topics ranging from duck habitat to state legal history. Come hear about the local culture of "the backwaters" on this evening paddle. We'll cover this flat, meandering stretch from late afternoon to dark - the perfect time of day for observing critters roaming the shoreline. We'll offer some tips on paddling at night to make the joys of twilight paddling all yours. 60 807 69300
Wil Losch/Rae Lundberg
Thursday, July 17; 5 p.m. to Dark
Wisconsin River/Near McNaughton
Fee: $20 Class #10349
Fee: $30 w/Rental Class #10350
Introduction to Sea Kayaking and Story Paddles
To register, call 715.356.6753 or 1.800.585.9304
If you've ever watched kayaks from the shore wondering what kayaking is like, here's your chance to give it a try. Join us for an easy social paddle. You will learn the basics about the kayaks and the equipment in general. We will also teach you how to get in and out of the boat, how to paddle it and a few safety tips. Our goal is to have fun and to allow you to try out this relaxing sport.
Eskimo Rolling
S3
The Eskimo roll is an advanced kayak skill used to turn your kayak upright after capsizing. A properly executed roll keeps you in your boat and keeps you paddling. Whether it is your goal to learn how to roll, learn a new roll or just to tweak the roll you have, this advanced paddling course is for you. Learn in the warmth of the pool during this three-week course rich with individual attention. Class fee includes the use of kayaks. 60 807 69100
Andrew Teichmiller
Saturdays, April 19, 28 & May 3, 1 - 3 p.m.
Lakeland Union High School Pool
Fee: $85 Class #66013
Trout Lake
S2
Once you have paddled Trout Lake you will be back again and again. At 3,816 acres and 150 feet deep, this big water spot with 86% of it's shoreline considered state or federal land is rich with natural and human history. The DNR may have picked the prettiest spot of all to develop North Trout Lake Campground where the shoreline rises high up a hill covered in mixed pines. A little history: In 1915, Jack Vilas was the first pilot in Wisconsin to forest fire patrol and Trout Lake was his runway; President Dwight Eisenhower fished her shores and John Dillinger freely roamed these parts. The tranquil enchantment of Trout Lake has long been the destination for settlers and vacationers alike. Come experience Trout Lake! 60 807 69300
Andrew Teichmiller/Dan Clausen
Wednesday, June 25, 1 - 5 p.m.
North of Minocqua
Fee: $20 Class #10347
Fee: $30 w/Kayak Rental Class #10348
The Canals of Lac du Flambeau
S2
Around 1900, many canals were constructed on the Lac du Flambeau chain of lakes. Prior to our kayak excursion on beautiful White Sand Lake, Dennis Robertson, owner of Dillman's Lodge will talk about the history of the canals at the turn of the century. Hopefully we will paddle through one of the remaining canals. After our paddle, we will linger with a paddler's picnic. 60 807 69300
Dan Clausen/Martha Schouweiler
Tuesday, July 22, 4 - 9 p.m.
Lac du Flambeau
Fee: $34 Class #10355
Fee: $44 w/Kayak Rental Class #10356
Bent's Camp
S2
We will enjoy a relaxing paddle while exploring the rich history of one of the largest inland chain of lakes, The Cisco Chain. Bent's Camp was established in 1896 for sport fishing and hunting. Charles Bent loved the Northwood's and did all he could in his lifetime to protect and improve it for others. Bent's Camp has been a recognized Mecca for fishermen since 1896 and it's still being discovered by sportsmen every year. We feel this camp should be on the national historical as it is a step back in time with birch bark wallpaper and incredible views of the Cisco Chain. Join us as we explore the true beauty of the Northwoods. Fee includes dinner at the camp. 60 807 69300
Andrew Teichmiller/Susan Teichmiller
Wednesday, June 11; 5 p.m. - After Dark
The Cisco Chain
Fee: $34 Class #10343
Fee: $44 w/Rental Class #10344
The Willow
S3
"Almost Canada" is how one visitor described the Willow Flowage. Over 6,400 acres of water offers a paddler's paradise with access to 117 islands and backwaters. Surrounded by swamps, bogs, and other watery lowlands, the Willow Flowage is isolated from roads and development. Its sense of remoteness, abundant wildlife, and scenic natural shoreline beckons the paddler. 60 807 69500
Dan Clausen/Rae Lundberg
Thursday, July 24, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Fee: $25 Class #10371
Fee: $45 w/Kayak Rental Class #10372
The Turtle-Flambeau
S3
The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage is approximately 14,000 acres of water, 114 miles of mainland shoreline, 195 islands, and arguably the richest water body for wildlife in the state. The area's feeling of remoteness is unparalleled in Wisconsin. It hosts the highest breeding density of bald eagles, osprey, and loons in Wisconsin as well as being home to black terns, merlins, great blue herons, and a diversity of waterfowl and songbirds. 60 807 695 00
Dan Clausen/Rae Lundberg
Sunday, June 22; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Murray's Landing,Manitowish Waters
Fee: $25 Class #10365
Fee: $45 w/Kayak Rental Class #10366
Isle Royale: A Kayaking and Lodge-Based Learning Adventure
S4
Isle Royale is one of the few places in the United States that is beyond the reach of the automobile: the only way to get there is via ferry or seaplane. The island itself is a puzzle of land and water and its complex topography attracts kayakers and researchers as well as hikers. As a densely forested, wind-lashed island wilderness in the northwest corner of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park offers outstanding recreation and rich human and natural history.
As the glaciers retreated 10,000 years ago, they left behind Isle Royale, the largest island on the world's largest freshwater lake. Native Americans dug copper here 3,000 years ago. Later French, English, and Americans trapped a wealth of furs. During the 19th century's copper fever, mining companies sank shafts in the bedrock - leaving more than 1,000 mining pits. Commercial fishing supplanted mining in the early 1900s, until the park was established in the 1930s.
Isle Royale is ecologically complex. Three distinct forest types- including a remnant of ice-age boreal woodlands-grow on the island just nine miles wide and 45 miles long. A century ago, lynx and caribou were the dominant mammals. Today, these species are gone, replaced by wolves and moose, which only arrived here from the mainland in the 20th century. We've designed a four-day trip that includes comfortable lodging on the island. We will arrive at the island by ferry and dine and stay at a lodge overlooking Rock Harbor. Located on the northeastern end of Isle Royale, Rock Harbor offers excellent opportunities for day hikes and paddles to visit rocky shores, scenic overlooks, secluded coves, and boreal forests.
We'll step back in time as we visit a restored commercial fishery and a restored lighthouse. We'll also be treated to a boat taxi tour to visit more of the island than we may care to paddle to. In addition, this park is one of the nation's best national parks for spotting wildlife -- moose, fox, waterfowl and wolves live throughout the park.
Price includes transportation to the island, four nights lodging, most meals and guided kayak and hiking excursions. Transportation from Rhinelander is also provided. 60 807 695 00
Dan Clausen
Thursday - Monday, August 14-18
Depart Rhinelander at 9 a.m. U.P.,Michigan
Fee: $780 Class #10378
Fee: $860 w/Kayak Rental Class #10379
The Pampered Kayaker Copper Harbor, Michigan
S3
We've combined a great lodge, the grandest of the lakes, great food, and great guides for this introduction to sea kayaking. Thousands of forested acres meet Lake Superior at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge near Copper Harbor, Michigan. Wake up each morning to breakfast at the lodge followed by basic sea kayak paddling instruction and exploration on Lake Superior. If strong winds kick up big waves on Superior, we'll paddle one of the sheltered inland lakes instead. Friday evening enjoy a traditional fish fry and Saturday night a gourmet meal prepared in a yurt by your guides. Price includes lodging (double occupancy), kayaks, breakfasts, dinners, and massage. Transportation from Rhinelander is provided. A safety class is also a prerequisite. 60 807 695 01
Dan Clausen/Rae Lundberg
Friday-Sunday, August 22-24
Depart Rhinelander at 9 a.m. Copper Harbor,Michigan
Fee: $285 Class #10377
Lake Superior's Huron Islands
S4
A unique paddling trip on the stunning Lake Superior shoreline in Michigan's central Upper Peninsula beckons the intermediate paddler. Every once in awhile we are given gifts, this time a private land owner has granted us permission to camp near the Huron Mountains and Huron Islands. This three-night, four-day trip will have us paddling east of the Keweenaw Peninsula. A variety of conditions are possible and paddlers on this trip will need to have previous Lake Superior experience. We'll be base camping at a very comfortable site on a beautiful sand beach that overlooks the islands. The camping experience is a very big part of this adventure. Bring your hiking boots, fishing gear and don't forget a towel for the sauna ... a Lake Superior Northshore tradition. Completion of safety course is a prerequisite. Transportation from Rhinelander is available. 60 807 69500
Dan Clausen/Wil Losch
Friday-Monday, August 8-11
Depart Rhinelander at 8 a.m. U.P.,Michigan
Fee: $240 Class #10375
Fee: $300 w/Rental Class #10376
Advanced Apostle Islands
S4
Andy wants to play . . . join him on a tour of the Apostle's outer islands. We will be paddling 12 -15 miles a day in possible 3' conditions so this trip is for the serious kayaker! If you want to paddle at a fast pace, have fun and see the places most never go, this trip is for you. We'll see Devil's Island Sea Caves and the lighthouse at Devil's Island, the only one among the Apostle's group to retain its original Fresnel lens. This trip will take us near the Cat and Outer Islands sandscapes then past Stockton Island's balancing rock and Noquebay shipwreck. All paddlers must be proficient with team rescues and self rescue techniques. 60 807 69504
Andrew Teichmiller
Thursday-Sunday, July 31-August 3
Fee: $250 Class #10837
Fee: $300 w/Rental Class #10388
First-Time Lake Superior Kayaking Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
S4
Expansive water, sand beaches, and geological wonders are only a part of this scenic archipelago far from the summer bustle of the mainland. We plan to paddle to Sand Island, visit the lighthouse, explore sea caves, relax with the group and simply soak it all in. We will emphasize the practical concerns of cold water paddling with ample time for topics such as navigation, landings, reading the lake, and efficiency in paddling. The group plans on camping both nights on Sand Island. Students must have completed a basic safety course. Wet suits and dry bags are included. 60 807 695 00
Dan Clausen
Friday-Sunday, July 11-13
Begins at 10 a.m. on first day
Meet at Little Sand Bay near Bayfield
Fee: $185 Class #10369
Fee: $235 w/Rental Class #10370
Full Moon Paddle
S3
Prior to our ancestors refining agriculture and living with the cycles of the sun, people more often than today moved to lunar patterns. Get reacquainted with these patterns on this evening paddle. We'll set out on shimmering, reflective waters - not with the intentions of a physically demanding paddle - but rather to let the gentle strokes of the blade and the magnetism of the moon guide us like a consistent tide. 60 807 69300
Dan Clausen/Rae Lundberg
Tuesday, June 17, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Manitowish Waters
Fee: $20 Class #10345
Fee: $30 w/Rental Class #10346
Wil Losch/Rae Lundberg
Friday, July 18, 7 - 10 p.m.
Alleqush Lake,Near Boulder Junction
Fee: $20 Class #10351
Fee: $30 w/Rental Class #10352
The Sea Caves of Lake Superior
S4
Centuries of wave action carved intricate caves into the sandstone cliffs of Lake Superior's Apostle Island shoreline. Learn about the geology, and then if the lake is tranquil, paddle in and out of the caves delicate arches, vaulted chambers, passageways and deepest recesses. This will be a seven-mile paddle. If winds prevent paddling to the caves in one location, we will paddle in another area where conditions permit a safe trip. Students must have completed a basic safety course. 60 807 695 00
Paul Ehlers/Wil Losch
Thursday, August 7
Depart Lakeland Campus at 7 a.m.
Return after dark Bayfield Area
Fee: $50 Class #10373
Fee: $70 w/Kayak Rental Class #10374