Level 2 Beginner - Suitable for those who are new. Level 2 is held at a slightly quicker pace OR may involve camping overnight.  Wave height under 1 foot, wind speed under 10 knots. Prerequisite: Completion of 1 to 2 outings at level 1.

Level 3 Advanced Beginner- Lake Michigan or other large bodies of water. Wave height 1-3 feet, wind under 10 knots.  You are able to get your gear ready on your own as well as assist others.  Prerequisite: 3 paddles at level 1 or 2.  You have practiced the Assisted Rescue at least once outside of class and carry appropriate safety gear. After 2 of these Level 3 paddles, you are certified to assist with leading trips.

Level 4 Intermediate Lake MI or other large bodies of water. These paddles may involve long distances at fast paces.  Wave height 2-4 feet and wind speeds of up to 20 knots.  Paddles in areas where there are few landings, or little chance of help.  Remote areas or encounters with wildlife or full moon paddles on Lake MI can also merit this rating.  Prerequisite 3 level 3 paddles.  You will have co-assisted at least one trip. Recommended class: Intermediate 1 or Intermediate 2.

Level 5 - Leader - This level is for those who wish to lead trips.  These are special training sessions that are free to members who have completed a minimum of 8 trips and exhibit good leadership and communications skills, as well as common sense and developing kayaking skills. 
 
If the Leader column is still blank(below), that means we are looking for a volunteer to coordinate. This does not mean you need to drive the trailer, On shorter trips, this means you will be in charge out on the water and if appropriate, check the marine forecast and make decisions about the viability of the trip given that forecast.  For longer trips, you would organize, make reservations (where applicable), gather information, and be the contact person for that trip.

* Notes about fees.   If you are going on a trip that requires a deposit, such as FL, AK, or Galena, you must pay your deposit at the time of your rsvp.  Without your deposit, there is no rsvp.  We have gotten stuck in the past with leaders paying out of their own pockets for no shows on these trips.  

**For any outing that has a trailer fee of $10 or over, you must pay your fee in advance to get your rsvp. Again, we have gotten stuck with no shows, and the leader ends up eating the costs. We will not have volunteers to drive the trailer if they have to pay  costs for those who don’t show. Please do your best to be good to all the volunteers, and to each other. Remember, the trailer fee covers the cost (gas and tolls) of transporting the kayaks. If you transport your own boat, you  never have to share in this expense.

** For outings where there are hotel or campsite or entrance fee expense, we have done our best to approximate these. Please realize that total cost may be more or less than noted.

Classes - Fee Based - please check the instruction  page for a schedule and rates

• Intro to Sea Kayaking
• Intermediate Kayaking Level 1
• Women's 3 week Paddling Program
• Rescue Clinics- free for members
• Advanced Rescues
• Cold Water Paddling 
• Boy Scout/Girl Scout Program