Held July 23-28, 2024, this was our seventh annual TRR Apostle Islands sea kayak clinic. Ten veterans and 4 civilian volunteers participated this year, including a blind veteran and a paraplegic. Participants hailed from eight states: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, California, Colorado, Idaho, South Carolina and Maryland. We arranged with the US Coast Guard to transport a wheelchair and other camping gear from the mainland to Sand Island. They generously agreed to do so as a favor for this veterans event. During our return to the mainland three days later, the USCG was occupied on a rescue call so they radioed the National Park Service to pinch hit by bringing a veteran, wheelchair, and his kayak back to the mainland.
I was going to write a more detailed description of this year’s Team River Runner sea kayak clinic in the Apostle Islands, but then I received a description of the trip from Steve Baskis, one of our disabled veteran participants. Here’s Steve’s write-up:
I recently had the pleasure of participating in an extraordinary semi-wilderness expedition hosted by Team River Runner at the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior. Ken Braband did an outstanding job organizing the event and ensuring I had all the necessary information and instructions.
Cohen Rautenkranz, a terrific volunteer and guide, picked us up from the airport, welcomed us into his home for some rest, helped us shop for necessary snacks and supplies, and shuttled us four hours to the Bayfield, Wisconsin area. We camped there for one night before paddling out to our home base on Sand Island.
Sand Island, just off the coast of Bayfield, Wisconsin, served as our home base. From there, we embarked on several thrilling paddling adventures. First, we explored the mesmerizing Sand Island caves, where the astonishing acoustics and soundscape left us in awe. We then visited the historic lighthouse on the north end of Sand Island, enjoying a private tour that detailed the rich history of the lighthouse and the island. Our final paddle took us to York Island, where we relaxed in a sunny beach cove.
The island we stayed on was extremely accessible. It had a boardwalk that allowed me to use my long white cane to navigate easily to the pit toilets and water refilling location. These kinds of amenities and accessible systems truly made the experience even more enjoyable.
In addition to the paddling excursions, we received valuable instruction on marine radio communication and open water rescue techniques. These lessons ensured everyone felt confident and prepared for any situation.
The combination of excellent leadership, trustworthy guides, and a fantastic team made the entire experience exceptional. As a blind participant, I felt extremely safe, well-served, and fully equipped for the 3+ mile paddles we undertook on several days. The weather was beautiful, and the water was unusually calm and warm—a rare treat, as we were told. I highly recommend this trip to anyone, especially veterans with disabilities or those dealing with post-traumatic stress and other challenges.
An unexpected change of plans due to incoming weather led us to leave a day early. This decision was well-received, as it allowed us to pack up and travel more leisurely, ensuring everyone made it to the airport without a rush.
Overall, the trip was a perfect blend of adventure, camaraderie, and expert planning, making it a truly memorable and highly recommended experience. I want to give a special thanks to all the leaders, volunteers, and guides who made this possible.
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Held July 23-28, 2024, this was our seventh annual TRR Apostle Islands sea kayak clinic. Ten veterans and 4 civilian volunteers participated this year, including a blind veteran and a paraplegic. Participants hailed from eight states: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, California, Colorado, Idaho, South Carolina and Maryland. We arranged with the US Coast Guard to transport a wheelchair and other camping gear from the mainland to Sand Island. They generously agreed to do so as a favor for this veterans event. During our return to the mainland three days later, the USCG was occupied on a rescue call so they radioed the National Park Service to pinch hit by bringing a veteran, wheelchair, and his kayak back to the mainland.
This kind of participant experience is what keeps you coming back, right? What a generous gift to the world.