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Sea Kayaking along the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Kayaking

Take a paddle on Lake Superior

Although we are enthusiastic paddlers, we are definitely amateurs, and our kayaking experience has been limited to tooling around shallow, calm lakes, so we were a little trepidatious about sea kayaking on Lake Superior. However, as soon as we arrived at the outfitters*, all of our worries were put to rest. We were greeted warmly by Hannah and Jenna, our guides for the day, who radiated competence and confidence.

After being fitted for wetsuits, we met the rest of the people in our group, and then hopped in the van to drive the 15 minutes to our put-in at Myers Beach. Once there, Hannah and Jenna gave us instruction in strokes, safety, and using our kayaks. We got kitted out in our spray skirts and PFDs, then started out for the sea caves!

We spent the morning exploring the red sandstone cliffs and sea caves along the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The wild, otherworldly beauty of the sea caves – millions of years in the making, yet constantly changing, needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated. After a tasty, yet healthy lunch on the beach, we spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the different types of caves and perfecting our paddling before heading back to the Living Adventure base.

Know before you go

Some upper body strength is required. You will have to help carry kayaks up and down steps leading from the parking lot to the beach. Also, if weather conditions don’t permit you to visit the sea caves, your guides will take you on an alternate route in a more sheltered location. Be sure to visit the Living Adventure Website for recommendations on what to wear and what to bring.

Bottom line

Don’t miss this experience. Not only would we book another kayak trip with Living Adventure, we’re also considering a winter trip to see the caves in their icy incarnation.

* The outfitter we used for the day, Living Adventures, has retired! However, they recommend two other area kayaking companies — Lost Creek Adventures and Trek and Trail.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

415 Washington Avenue Bayfield, Wisconsin, 54814

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