White Lake Shoreline Paddle Tour- August 10

kayaker (photo by JHY)

based on a news article in the Oceana Herald Journal

The White Lake Public Advisory Council (PAC) invites participants for a shoreline canoe/kayak tour of White Lake on Sunday, August 10. The tour begins at 2 pm, and will last approximately two hours.

Roger Scharmer, local historian, and Tanya Cabala, education coordinator for the PAC, will be the guides. They will talk about the purposes and benefits of shoreline habitat restoration along the Whitehall and Montague shorelines.

Due to industrial and municipal pollution, White Lake has been named one of 43 Great Lakes Areas of Concern. The US and Canadian governments work with states and provinces to develop and implement special cleanup plans. White Lake has been in the remediation process for over 20 years, and is in the final stages of a "remarkable comeback." It is scheduled for delisting at the end of 2014. This tour will highlight areas of improvement.

Greg Mund, Chair of the PAC, said, "Restoration of fish and wildlife habitat was a significant project. This will be a great opportunity to see the new habitat, as well as birds and other wildlife."

Any adult with basic paddling skills may participate. Staging will be at Maple Grove Park, 4655 Goodrich St. in Montague. Please arrive early enough to be ready to paddle at 2 pm. There is no additional cost for the tour. Some kayaks available for rent, but RSVP to tcabala@charter.net to reserve a kayak. Rain date is August 17.

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Quiet Water Symposium 2012

from Quiet Water Symposium

Each year, on the first Saturday of March, the Quiet Waters Symposium is held in conjunction with the Michigan State University's Agriculture and Natural Resources Week. The location is the MSU Campus, in the Pavilion for Livestock and Agriculture Education, 4301 Farm Lane Rd, East Lansing, MI.

The Quiet Water Symposium celebrates non-motorized outdoor recreation and a shared concern for our Great Lakes Environment.

At the Symposium visitors will find presentations by world famous authors, photographers, and expedition travelers. Other presentations may cover skills, safety, local and distant destinations. There may be presentations on bicycling, sailing, diving, and history.

This year's main speakers are Cliff Jacobson- "Canoeing the Boundary Waters in Style," Kevin Callan- "How to be a Happy Camper," and "The Best Canoe Routes in Ontario," and Gary & Joanie McGuffin- "Journey into the Heart of the Boreal."

Many other workshops, seminars and demonstrations will also be running throughout. Topics include outfitting, taking a dog camping, boat building, and travel programs from other outdoor adventures.

In 2011, over 1400 people enjoyed the day. It's a great deal for only $10, a little gas and lunch money.

Date: Saturday, March 3, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Admission: Adults $10.00 Students (with ID) $5.00 - under 12 Free



See Quiet Water Symposium
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Canoe Accident on Kalmazoo River

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
based on news from WWMT Channel 3

A 69-year-old Gobles man died today while canoeing the Kalamazoo River. David and Marilyn Barber were canoeing the Kalamazoo River today, when the canoe tipped, sending them both into the water. Marilyn called 911, and the Fennville Fire Department was summoned.

The site was remote enough that GPS location had to be used to find the canoeists. Marilyn Barber had been able to pull her husband to shore, but he was not breathing. Barber is reported to have had an underlying medical condition, but it is not known at this time if that contributed to his death.

See Kayaker Rescued with Use of Cell Phone
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Grand River 2010 Expedition

Grand River (photo from Expedition 2010)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
based on a news article from M-Live, by Aaron Ogg
and information from the Grand River Expedition web site

The Grand River is Michigan's longest river. Its basin is 5,570 square miles, has 18 counties and 158 townships. July 14-26, 2010 are the dates set for the next Grand River Expedition. Planners are drawing on experience from both the Grand River Expeditions 1990 and 2000. This journey of discovery will explore and document the problems and opportunities of Michigan's Grand River and its watershed.

Grand River Expedition 2010 includes a multi-disciplined team of scientists, technicians, historians, educators, students, environmental professionals, boaters and anglers, civic and business leaders, local, state and federal government representatives, writers, visual media specialists and private individuals from the general public.

But the organizers had been counting on financial support from General Motors, and the current economy has now forced them to look for more diverse sources of funding. "It's going to be on a budget," said Charlie Parmelee, river master for 2010.

The water team will paddle canoes and kayaks to conduct studies and specific tasks while on the Grand River. In addition, the expedition will offer presentations, displays and demonstrations to communities along the river in an attempt to interact with the Grand River and its people throughout the watershed.

See Grand River Expedition 2010
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Canoeing Wife Aids Husband's Capsized Sailboat

based on a news article in the Muskegon Chronicle

Amy Schrotenboer, pregnant and guiding a leaky canoe, paddled to her husband's aid when his sailboat capsized on the evening of September 3. It had been a quiet sunset sail for Josiah Schrotenboer until a gust of wind and a freak wave tipped his catamaran into Lake Michigan near Muskegon's Pioneer Park.

Josiah was waiting calmly with his boat, despite the 46-degree temperature of the water. He was wearing a life vest and short wet suit. Although he felt that he could swim the half mile to shore, Schrotenboer did not wish to abandon his sailboat.

At about 9:30 p.m. a Coast Guard helicopter and Muskegon County Sheriff's Marine Unit rescue boat arrived. The boat and owner were towed safely to shore, and the Coast Guard took advantage of the opportunity to do a short training exercise.

"There hasn't been this much excitement along here for years," commented Amy.

See US Coast Guard Boating Safety page
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First Ludington Adventure Race Draws 77 Contestants

race winners Henrickson and Paine (photo from PHAST)

based on a news story in the Ludington Daily News

Local men, Todd Henrickson and Geoff Paine, are the winners of the first Hamlin Blast Adventure Race. This honor did not come to them from lack of competition! 36 teams, made up of 77 racers entered the three-part event.

Adventure Races consist of bicycling, orienteering, and canoeing. This new venue includes portions of Hamiln and Victory Townships in Mason County. Paul Havens of Jenison chose to come north rather than participate in a Kalamazoo triathalon. His teammate voiced their excitement at the choice: "It was a blast," he said.

organizers Klevorn & Maclean (photo from PHAST)

Event organizers Andy Klevorn and Dave Maclean were pleased with the turnout. "Congrats to all the racers who finished their first race, it's quite an accomplishment to put it all together," they wrote in the race wrap-up. They are hoping to attract 200 racers next year. Maclean and Klevorn have teamed up and participated in six previous Adventure Races.

See PHAST- Play Hard Adventure Sports and Tours
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26th Ausable Canoe Marathon This Weekend

2008 AuSable Canoe Marathon (photo by Lloyd43)

from AuSable Canoe Marathon

Ninety teams have entered the Weyerhaeuser AuSable River Canoe Marathon with competitors from 14 states and three provinces of Canada represented. The race, billed as "America's longest richest and toughest canoe race" will have $50,000 in prizes available and is set to run July 25 - 26 2009 from the traditional run to the river in downtown Grayling and finish 120 miles later at the finish line in Oscoda at the shores of Lake Huron.

In a sport where experience counts, the eldest competitor in the race and fan favorite--- Al Widing Sr. 84 of Mio, Michigan will team up with partner Ray Quick of Millington,Michigan for his thirty-ninth run down the river. On the other end of the age scale, Daniel Medina,15 and partner Michael Harmon 16, of Grayling will be making their first attempt at a marathon finish in 2009.

Marathon paddlers arrived in Grayling last weekend (July 18-19) for Spikes Challenge Race. The Challenge, long considered a tune-up race and daylight preview for the grueling marathon to follow, was captured by 2008 ARCM champions Andy Triebold of Spring Arbor, Michigan and partner Steve LaJoie of Mirabel, Quebec in 2:39.06.

See the AuSable Marathon Video Introduction
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Solo Hike Paddle Loops

Pere Marquette loop follow link below for full size

from Alan Fark

If you're paddling Michigan rivers, you know it's a hassle to shuttle your own kayak or canoe back-and-forth from the start and end point, and you need a buddy to help you do it.

Here are some circuits which can be done without shuttling, and which combine hiking and paddling. They can be done solo. Most are on the North Country Trail. These are day trips, not overnights.

Either drop your canoe or kayak off at the upstream portion (lock it with a bicycle lock or hide it in weeds, and don't forget to leave paddles and life vest away from the boat), drive to your endpoint, hike upstream and paddle back to your car. You can also obviously just start paddling from the upstream point and walk back upstream to your car after leaving your boat at the "bottom." This latter strategy runs the risk of missing the bend in the river where you're supposed to stop, if you're unfamiliar with the landing spot.

Alan has provided maps and some info for five different loops. There is a 6th possibility for a short trip, on the map above. You can begin at Upper Branch Bridge, hike the NCT and Sulak Access Road and then paddle down to Upper Branch. This makes a short day trip... nice for families.

See Hike-Paddle Loops
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Quiet Water Symposium 2009

by Joan H. Young (sources MSU and Quiet Waters)

As part of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Week at Michigan State University, the annual Quiet Water Symposium is being planned. This is an annual event where those who share a love of outdoor, non-motorized recreation come together to share experiences and adventures, equipment ideas, and concerns for water resources. Of course, attendees are always looking for just the right spot to take that next river trip.

Agriculture and Natural Resources Week (ANR Week) continues to be one of the largest events of its kind in the nation. Foundations for the week were laid by the Farmers’ Institute more than a century ago. In 1898, Michigan Agricultural College hosted the first state-wide Farmers’ Institute “Round-Up.”

The Quiet Water Symposium will be Saturday March 7, 2009, in Lansing, at the Pavilion for Livestock and Agriculture Education. Times are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and adult admission is $8.00.

At least three venues with full programs are being planned. Speakers of note include

• Cliff Jacobson, one of North America’s most respected outdoors writers and wilderness paddlers. He is a recipient of the American Canoe Association’s prestigious Legends of Paddling Award and a member of the ACA Hall of Fame.
• "Doc" Fletcher: "Weekend Canoeing in Michigan: The Rivers, The Towns, The Taverns"
• Jonathan M. Ahlbrand: Basic Sailing Concepts, A Brief Introduction to the Sport
• Erick Hansen: The Poetry and the Practicalities of Hiking Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
• Cathy Green: Wreck Diving in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
• ongoing demonstrations on re-canvasing canoes, and wood strip kayak building
• and many others

There will be exhibits of beautiful hand-built canoes, kayaks, rowing craft, outdoor gear, antique and restored classic canoes, traditional snowshoes, bicycles - and more. Environmental groups will also have informational booths.

See the Quiet Waters Symposium for the complete schedule.
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Quiet Water Symposium - March 1 at MSU

canoeists on the Huron River

The 13th Annual Quiet Water Symposium is scheduled as a part of the Agriculture and Natrual Resources Week at Michigan State University.

The symposium is an annual event where those who share a love of outdoor, non-motorized recreation come together to share experiences and adventures in the great outdoors. Equipment, water resources, and opportunities to participate in activities are also major thems of the event.

Participate on Saturday March 1, 2008 in Lansing at the Pavilion for Livestock and Agriculture Education (Farm Lane, south of Mt Hope - on the campus of MSU). The doors open at 9:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM. Admission is $8.00 for adults, under 12 are free.

Activities including canoeing, kayaking, biking, diving, sailing and fishing. Beautiful hand-built canoes, kayaks, rowing craft, outdoor gear, antique and restored classic canoes, traditional snowshoes, and bicycles will be on display. There are children's activities, demonstrations of re-canvassing canoes, outdoor cookery, fly tying and more.

If you're looking for a fun way to ponder warmer days in the outdoors, this would be an event worth visiting.

from Quiet Waters Symposium
Also see Agriculture And Natural Resources Week - Not Just for Farmers
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The Tradition Endures: 60 Years of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon

The Tradition Endures

"Have you ever watched the crazy running start to the AuSable River Canoe Marathon or watched the paddlers race through the night from Grayling to Oscoda?" asks the Gaylord Herald Times.

A new book, "The Tradition Endures: 60 Years of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon," brings the reader 104 pages of highlights from what is billed as the longest non-stop canoe race in North America and the world's toughest spectator race. It contains over 100 new photographs from the races.

The Grayling to Oscoda Canoe Marathon is staged the last weekend in July of each year, and is North America's richest canoe race with over $50,000 cash and prizes awarded.

The book focuses on the last 10 years, taking up where an earlier volume "Experience the Tradition: The First 50 Years of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon," which sold out.

"One April, the father and son team of Bob and Mike Bradford paddled upstream on the AuSable all the way from Lake Huron in Oscoda to Grayling 112 miles," said Jon Thompson, one of the book’s authors. "Then they portaged with their canoe and camping equipment over to the Manistee River and paddled all the way to Lake Michigan, about 151 miles. Along the way, they encountered ice on some of the ponds behind dams and had to portage a total of 31 miles."

"The Tradition Endures" includes:

• The best canoe racing teams ever
• The world’s toughest fans
• Unbelievable training stories
• Weather versus the Marathon
• The Memorial Monument lives!
• The aging of the Marathon

The book is a fundraiser for the AuSable Marathon with 100% of the purchase price going to the AuSable River International Canoe Marathon. Volunteers working on the book are authors John Cook, Nancy Lemmen, and Jon Thompson and Photography/Editing Assistant: Pam Williams.

from the Gaylord Herald Times, "AuSable Marathon focus of new book", Dec 22, 2007 and AuSable Canoe Marathon book order form
See AuSable Canoe Marathon
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Adventure Race is New Pentwater Summer Event

Summer Groove is a 15-hour endurance event being held on July 28 in Pentwater

The endurance race will run from 3 am to 6 pm and includes orienteering, mountain biking, canoeing, trekking and rope use. There will be solo, two-person, co-ed, male, female and four-person co-ed divisions.

"This is going to be a big event drawing lots of new visitors into the community. There will be 250 entrants, plus their families," Shaw [Pentwater Chamber of Commerce Executive Director] said.

Matt VanderSys of Endurance Sports in Muskegon began talking to Shaw two years ago.

"He thought Pentwater was a lovely town and would be a great place to have a triathlon," Shaw said. "I proposed it to the chamber board but they didn't want to do that. Matt came back to me with the endurance thing, the board approved that, and I jumped right on it.

"The area has a lot of natural wilderness," VanderSys said. "It has waterways, elevation changes, trails and two-tracks, which are all the things we look for."

from the Ludington Daily News
See The Groove
Contact Matt VanderSys 231-843-4993
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