Downriver from the power utility dam in Kaukauna, WI, the Fox River passes through a wall-lined channel before exiting downtown. The river then fans out around an assortment of islands, creating creeks and channels before recombobulating to continue its northbound journey to empty into Green Bay. My original plan for […]
Latest posts...
Kayaking Sea Caves of the Apostle Islands
With the right equipment, training and experience (or hiring a guide service), the sea caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are fantastic, other-worldly places to explore by sea kayak. Last week we made return visits to the Mainland sea caves and the caves of Sand Island. In previous trips […]
The Sisu: An impromptu review
I recently test paddled a new kayak that was not yet announced to the public, thanks to fellow kayak instructor and Current Designs sales person Mike Looman. The boat is called the Sisu and it’s the newest kayak from Current Designs. Last week the Sisu was publicly announced at the […]
Tall Ships enter Sturgeon Bay
Kayaking friend Bill and I paddled from a Lake Michigan beach just north of the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Wednesday afternoon to view the parade of Tall Ships as they entered the bay. I couldn’t believe the size of the crowd lined up on both sides of the canal. Here’s […]
My Encounter With Traveling Ted
For the past seven years I have served as an instructor at the annual Door County Sea Kayak Symposium (DCSKS), held the second weekend in July and presented by Rutabaga Paddlesports. This year there were 160 participants with more than 40 instructors and assistants. One of those participants was a […]
South Carolina Legal Decision Protects Right to Float
Thanks to Kevin Colburn and all our friends at American Whitewater for summarizing this important legal case from South Carolina that has ripple effects for everyone who enjoys paddling.
Rescuing a Dude
Last night reminded me that common sense is not all that common. I was with six other kayakers on one of our regular Tuesday evening whitewater runs on the Red River near Gresham, Wisconsin. It was around 7 p.m. We had just finished running the most technical feature, Monastery Falls […]
Door County rock hopping
A short video of Chris and me as we played in the bouncy waves at Cave Point County Park north of Sturgeon Bay, WI. The easiest access by kayak to this picturesque spot is to launch at Schauer Park, about 1.5 miles north of Cave Point. Always check the wind […]
Chambers Island: A sea kayaker’s day trip
I have been told I have the magic touch when it comes to choosing dates for kayaking across the bay of Green Bay. (To be clear, I’m talking about calendar dates.) Last year our “Paddle Across the Bay” group journeyed from the northern mainland tip of Door County to Washington […]
Kayak trip leaders learn the ropes
Fellow level 4 kayak instructor Bill Merrick and I spent two days this week at Gardner Dam Boy Scout Camp helping six kayakers attain their ACA level 1 kayak instructor certification. The candidates are preparing for their summer jobs as guides for kayak camping trips in the Apostle Islands and […]