Apostle Islands Sea Kayaking - July 23-27, 2021

*This is currently a placeholder event, pending the availability of campsites at Little Sand Bay.*

So you've been practicing your paddling skills on Mendota, building up some endurance, and participating in some short trips to waterways around Madison.  Perhaps you've even been on a day trip or two over to Milwaukee and paddled some waves on Lake Michigan.  If you're still yearning for a Superior adventure, look no further. 

This trip to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore will take your paddling to the next level, while still remaining accessible to those who are relatively new to Great Lakes paddling. Rather than skipping straight to the (highly-recommended) challenges of island hopping, we will spend several days exploring the area around Little Sand Bay. Possible destinations involving open-water crossings include the sea caves on Sand Island, the beach on York Island, and the historic lighthouse on Raspberry Island. While we will not paddle in any really rough conditions, we will likely have the opportunity to safely play in some larger conditions than we usually get on Mendota without an accompanying storm. If you're hoping to make the transition from shorter quiet-water trips to longer expeditions or eventually develop advanced skills like kayak surfing in bigger conditions, this shore-based Superior trip offers an ideal bridge.  If you are a more experienced paddler, come to enjoy one of the nation's most scenic paddling venues with only a few hours spent in the car, as well as the fine company of your fellow Hoofers. 

Overview

Where: Little Sand Bay, WI and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

When: July 23-28th

Required Rating: SK1 or higher.  Also, you will need to have paddled with me at some point prior to the start of the trip (but don't worry, we will arrange some trips near Madison earlier in the season to ensure this happens).

Itinerary: We will leave Madison at 8am on 7/23 and arrive at Little Sand Bay campground that afternoon. From the 24th-26th we will explore the nearby shoreline and islands (potentially Sand, York, & Raspberry), returning to our campsite in late afternoon each day. We may paddle a bit on the morning of the 27th, and would depart Little Sand Bay for Madison on the afternoon of the 27th.

Lodging: Tent-camping at Little Sand Bay campground (hanging hammocks is also an option for those so inclined). Bathrooms, showers, and potable water are available on site.  Hint: Bring roll of quarters for showers (~$2/shower).

Food: TBD, but probably bring your own (my goal is to keep the needed trip deposit to a minimum).  We may go into town to eat some evening, if people want. 

Notable Gear:  The water on Superior will still be cool even in July, so wetsuits/drysuits and neoprene boots will be required, as will additional thermal layers that are warm  when wet. The club can supply wetsuits.  All other regular equipment (boat, paddle, pfd, sprayskirt, helmet, paddle jacket, etc.),  can also be obtained from the club. A gear list will be forthcoming to participants.

Cost: Approx. $120 to cover gas, camping reservations, and boat use fee; any unused funds will be evenly distributed among trip members after trip completion.