Lake Superior Expedition Course

Skill Level: All skill levels

Have you ever wanted to know how to plan and carry out your own expedition style kayak tour? This is a great opportunity to develop tripping skills in context far beyond what you can get in symposium settings. Sure, you can take short classes at kayak symposia, but you forget most of what you learned by the time you get home. There's no better way to reinforce touring skills than in the context of actually going out there and doing it. This a real world paddling course.

Your course begins long before you get there, with gear and menu planning. We'll meet in Sault Ste Marie and shop as a group and then continue to camp at Lake Superior Provincial Park where we'll sort and pack backcountry food. We'll spend this evening route planning and going over basic navigation skills. Next morning, we strike camp, learn where to pack our gear in our boats and head off to your first night's campsite. You'll be doing your own pathfinding and group management, taking turns being lead and sweep. In camp, learn best places to put tents, prepare great meals, follow weather patterns and adapt plans accordingly. On water, you'll go through rescue and towing scenarios as well.

Day 1) Meet in Sault Ste Marie Canada by noon for lunch food shopping marathon.  Travel to camp for session backcountry food prep and route-planning.  

Days 2-4) Break camp, pack and launch the team.  I'll be there to shadow, facilitate and coach you along, but you'll be following your own set course to make your own destinations.

Day 5) Arrive back at take out by late morning to de-rig, de-brief and begin drives home.

Trip fee includes: maps to keep, expert instructor guide, all group gear (tents, kitchen gear, safety and camp gear), camping fees, maps, shuttle fees, dry bags and gourmet backcountry fare that you'll learn to prepare yourself.

You do need a touring kayak at least 15 feet long, with front and rear bulkheads. High performance expedition-equipped rentals are available from us for $100 for 4 day trips and $150 for one week trips with prior reservation. They include PFD, carbon hybrid paddle, sprayskirt and pump. We will transport your rental boat for you. We offer a variety of sizes and models from Valley, Wilderness Systems, Hurricane and P&H...all with drop skegs.

Cost: $795 / person

Dates for 2010: July 7-11

Registration: A $150 deposit is required to hold your space. Upon registration we will send you a gear list and survey to help us tailor the experience better to your needs. You can also download these off our website. Reservation fees are refundable until 30 days before the trip. The balance is also due 30 days prior to departure. Space is limited to 6, so plan ahead...

Uncommon Adventures PO Box 254 Beulah, Michigan 49617 Map It Toll Free: 1-866-882-5525       Local: (231) 882-5525 e-mail: info@uncommonadv.com