Login

u/JournalistStreet8064

r/Outdoors r/Paddlesports r/Inflatablekayak r/WestMichigankayakingc r/Kayaking r/canoeing r/canoecamping
▲ 1 r/WestMichigankayakingc

50+ Miles on the Manistee River — 3-Day Kayak Camping Trip

Just got back from an awesome three-day kayak camping expedition on the Manistee River with the West Michigan Kayaking Club.
This wasn’t a typical weekend float. We covered 50+ miles over three days, averaging roughly 18–20 miles per day, while carrying all of our camping gear, food, water and supplies in our kayaks.
Day 1 — Getting Started
We launched at Lucas Road Boating Access near Lucas Bridge and headed downstream toward Old 131 Campground.
The river was flowing around 1,300 CFS, and the current gave us a nice push as we settled into the trip. With fully loaded boats, having some current behind us was definitely appreciated.
We averaged around 4.7 mph and made good time through the forested river corridor.
And then things got interesting.
One of our paddlers, Gary, stopped to take some photos and managed to get his kayak hung up on a log. The kayak swamped, and Gary ended up taking an unexpected swim.
Fortunately, he wasn’t hurt. The group stopped, helped secure his boat and gear, and got him back underway. He was able to change into dry clothes, grab some food and warm up before we continued.
It’s one of those moments that probably wasn’t very funny while it was happening—but definitely became part of the story afterward.
We eventually reached Old 131 Campground, set up camp, cooked dinner and gathered around the fire.
A few of us still had enough energy left to hike about three miles on the North Country Trail to check out the new railroad bridge over the Manistee.
Day 2 — Deeper Into the River Country
Saturday morning was quiet.
We had breakfast, broke down camp and somehow managed to fit everything back into our kayaks.
Then we launched for another roughly 20 miles.
We caught some light rain during the day, but nothing serious. The river valley gave us some protection, and honestly, a little rain just felt like part of the experience.
As we continued downstream, the river became increasingly remote. There were long stretches where it felt like we had the entire river to ourselves.
Eventually we found a secluded place in the Manistee National Forest and made camp.
After dinner, we went for another hike—about four miles through the forest and along logging roads overlooking the river.
That night was one of my favorite parts of the trip.
We sat around the fire while coyotes called from across the valley and owls sounded off in the darkness.
That’s one of the things I love about multi-day river trips. After spending all day paddling, you get to experience the same landscape in a completely different way once the sun goes down.
Day 3 — The Final Miles
It rained sometime during the night, but everyone stayed warm and dry in their tents.
We packed everything up Sunday morning and launched for the final stretch.
The weather improved throughout the day, and we even got some sunshine.
We stopped for lunch along the way and ran into several professional canoe racers who were training on the same section of the Manistee for an upcoming event.
We also saw bald eagles, deer, coyotes and several turtles along the way.
Eventually, we arrived back at Wilderness Outfitters.
Three days.
50+ miles.
Two nights camping along the river.
Fully loaded kayaks.
And a lot of good memories.
Why I Like These Trips
There’s something completely different about traveling a river for several days with everything you need packed into your kayak.
You’re not just paddling from Point A to Point B.
Your kayak becomes your transportation, gear trailer and basically your home for the weekend.
You have to think about what you bring, how you pack it and what you actually need. Then you spend three days moving through the landscape instead of simply visiting it for a few hours.
The unexpected swim, campfires, wildlife, hiking, rain, sunshine and miles of river all become part of the experience.
Huge thanks to Benita Meekhof for organizing and leading the trip and keeping the group moving together.
For anyone who has done a multi-day trip on the Manistee—or another Michigan river—what’s your favorite section or favorite river for an overnight paddle?

reddit.com
u/JournalistStreet8064 — 24 days ago
▲ 1 r/WestMichigankayakingc

Plaster Creek: How Did One of Kent County’s Most Degraded Waterways Get This Way? Kent County, Michigan

Plaster Creek runs roughly 26 miles through Gaines Township, Kentwood, Wyoming and Grand Rapids before entering the Grand River. For decades, the creek has absorbed the consequences of urbanization, stormwater runoff, erosion and legacy pollution.
The uncomfortable question is: How much progress are we actually making?
Michigan EGLE has identified multiple impairments associated with the Plaster Creek watershed, including sedimentation, E. coli, mercury and PCBs. Stormwater runoff is a major concern because rainfall moving across roads, parking lots, rooftops and developed land can carry sediment, nutrients, bacteria, oil and other pollutants directly into the watershed.
And then there is PFAS.
State environmental records document PFOS concerns involving stormwater at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. That does not mean the airport is responsible for all contamination in Plaster Creek. It does mean PFAS associated with airport activities and stormwater has been a documented environmental issue that warrants continued monitoring and public scrutiny.
But PFAS is only one piece of a much larger problem.
The bigger issue is stormwater
As Kent County has developed, natural areas capable of absorbing rainfall have increasingly been replaced with pavement, rooftops and other impervious surfaces.
Instead of soaking into the ground, water moves rapidly across the landscape and into storm drains and streams.
That can mean:
More erosion
More sediment
Higher bacteria levels
Increased nutrient pollution
Warmer stream temperatures
Greater flooding
Degraded aquatic habitat
Faster movement of contaminants downstream
And once pollution enters the creek, it doesn’t stop at a municipal boundary.
So are restoration efforts working?
There is plenty of positive work happening.
Plaster Creek Stewards, local governments, researchers, residents and other organizations have invested years into rain gardens, native plantings, green infrastructure, erosion control and watershed restoration.
Those efforts matter.
But there is an important statistic that deserves attention: Plaster Creek Stewards reports that it has not measured an overall change in the creek’s water quality since 2010.
That doesn’t necessarily mean restoration has failed. The watershed is enormous, and much of its degradation occurred over generations.
But it raises a legitimate question:
Are we restoring Plaster Creek at a scale large enough to overcome the pollution entering it?
That’s the question I’d like to see more discussion about.
How much pollution is entering the creek through individual stormwater outfalls?
Which areas contribute the greatest loads?
Where are PFAS and other contaminants being detected?
How effective are current stormwater requirements?
Which restoration projects have produced measurable improvements?
And ultimately:
Is Plaster Creek actually getting cleaner?
Those answers should be based on monitoring data—not political talking points, assumptions or the number of restoration projects completed.
Why this matters
Plaster Creek eventually flows into the Grand River.
The Grand River flows into Lake Michigan.
What happens upstream doesn’t simply disappear.
For anglers, paddlers, property owners, taxpayers and everyone who cares about West Michigan’s waterways, Plaster Creek is a case study in a much larger question:
How do we manage a growing metropolitan area without sacrificing the rivers running through it?
I’d be interested in hearing from people who live near Plaster Creek, work on the watershed, fish it, paddle it, or have followed restoration efforts over the years.
What have you seen change—and what hasn’t?
Michigan Watershed Watch / The Kayaker’s Journal
West Michigan Kayaking Club
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
#PlasterCreek #KentCounty #GrandRapids #Michigan #WaterQuality #PFAS #Stormwater #RiverRestoration #MichiganRivers
#westmichigankayakingclub

reddit.com
u/JournalistStreet8064 — 1 month ago
▲ 1 r/WestMichigankayakingc

Michigan Fisheries Award $892,200 in Habitat Grants, Including Athens Dam Study in Calhoun County

State funding targets fish habitat, aquatic connectivity and dam-related projects across Michigan
By Michigan Watershed Watch | West Michigan Kayaking Club.
September 2026
Michigan is putting nearly $900,000 toward improving fish habitat and aquatic ecosystems across the state, with one of the funded projects focused directly on the future of the Athens Dam in Calhoun County.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced September 9 that 10 Fisheries Habitat Grant projects will receive a combined $892,200, backed by more than $240,000 in partner contributions. Together, the projects represent more than $1.1 million in conservation work aimed at improving aquatic habitat, fish populations, water quality and fish passage. (Michigan⁠)
For Calhoun County, the award includes $65,000 to the Calhoun Conservation District for an Athens Dam feasibility study.
That project is significant because feasibility studies can provide the technical information needed to determine whether an aging or environmentally problematic dam should be repaired, modified or removed.
Athens Dam becomes part of a larger statewide conversation
The Athens Dam project is one of several awards in the latest grant cycle involving dams, barriers and aquatic connectivity.
The DNR says its Fisheries Habitat Grant program supports projects that address the causes of habitat degradation rather than simply treating its symptoms. Eligible work can include fish habitat conservation, dam removal or repair, aquatic organism passage and resource assessments designed to guide future conservation decisions. (Michigan⁠)
That approach is increasingly important in Michigan, where dams and other barriers can interrupt fish movement, alter natural river processes and change aquatic habitat.
According to the DNR, the projects funded in this grant cycle are expected to contribute to fish migration across more than 147 miles of Michigan streams and work toward the removal or replacement of five dams. (Michigan⁠)
For communities such as Athens, the feasibility work can therefore be about more than the structure itself. It can help answer a larger question: What option provides the greatest long-term benefit for the river, fish, public safety and the surrounding community?
A broader investment in Michigan’s rivers
The Calhoun County award is one piece of a much larger statewide effort.
Other funded projects include the removal of the Brick Plant Causeway in Shiawassee County, woody habitat restoration on the Boardman and Little Manistee rivers, work associated with Swan Creek and Highbanks dams, a fish-passage project at Hesperia Dam, and habitat work on the Au Sable and Pigeon rivers. (Michigan⁠)
The DNR says five of the funded projects are designated Priority Habitat Conservation Projects, while seven directly support priorities identified in Michigan’s Wildlife Action Plan. (Michigan⁠)
The funding comes from Michigan’s Game and Fish Protection Fund and state general funds. For this grant cycle, fishing license revenue contributed $542,200, while $350,000 in general funds was designated for dam-management grants. (Michigan⁠)
That funding model is particularly notable for anglers and outdoor recreationists: money generated in part through fishing licenses is being reinvested into the aquatic systems that support Michigan’s fisheries.
Why habitat restoration matters to paddlers, anglers and communities
Healthy fish habitat is not simply a fisheries issue.
Rivers are interconnected systems. Changes to flow, water temperature, woody habitat, sediment movement, shoreline vegetation and fish passage can affect aquatic species as well as the recreational users who depend on healthy waterways.
The DNR identifies numerous threats to fish habitat, including erosion, loss of vegetation and downed timber, warming water temperatures, poor water quality, altered stream flows and blocked fish passage. (Michigan⁠)
For Michigan’s paddling community, restoration projects can also have broader implications. Removing or modifying barriers can restore sections of river that have been fragmented for decades, while improving river function can benefit the ecological and recreational character of an entire watershed.
The important question is what comes next
The $65,000 Athens Dam feasibility study is not itself a dam-removal project. It is an investigation intended to provide information for future decisions.
That distinction matters.
A feasibility study should ultimately help decision-makers compare alternatives based on measurable factors such as ecological restoration, fish passage, public safety, structural condition, long-term maintenance obligations, recreational benefits and cost.
Michigan’s own Fisheries Habitat Grant program states that competitive projects should provide long-lasting benefits, address the causes of habitat degradation, use appropriate methods and address health and human safety when dealing with dams. (Michigan⁠)
That makes the Athens study an opportunity to look beyond simply asking how a dam can continue to exist.
The more consequential question is whether the dam continues to provide enough public benefit to justify its environmental, structural, financial and safety costs — or whether restoring the river would provide the stronger long-term outcome.
For Michigan’s rivers, that is increasingly the conversation worth having.
Michigan’s waterways are public resources
The latest grant awards demonstrate that Michigan is willing to invest in restoring aquatic systems rather than simply accepting degraded habitat as permanent.
The challenge now is making sure those investments lead to decisions based on sound science, transparent analysis and the long-term public interest.
In Calhoun County, the Athens Dam feasibility study will provide another piece of that information.
For anglers, paddlers, conservationists and communities throughout Michigan, the outcome could have implications well beyond Athens.
Healthy rivers support healthy fisheries. Healthy fisheries support recreation, tourism and local economies. And restoring connectivity can give Michigan’s rivers a chance to function more like the systems they were meant to be.
 
About Michigan Watershed Watch
Michigan Watershed Watch reports on Michigan’s rivers, lakes, dams, fisheries, conservation efforts, water quality and the decisions affecting the state’s aquatic resources.
West Michigan Kayaking Club is a community of paddlers committed to exploring and protecting Michigan’s waterways through active outdoor adventure and responsible stewardship.
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
West Michigan Kayaking Club⁠
Follow and join the West Michigan Kayaking Club community on Facebook:
West Michigan Kayaking Club Facebook Group⁠
#MichiganWatershedWatch #MichiganDNR #MichiganFisheries #FishHabitat #CalhounCounty #AthensDam #DamRemoval #RiverRestoration #MichiganRivers #MichiganKayaking #WestMichiganKayakingClub #FishPassage #WatershedRestoration
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Sept. 9, 2026. The DNR’s official announcement confirms the statewide $892,200 award total and the $65,000 Athens Dam feasibility study. 

u/JournalistStreet8064 — 1 month ago
▲ 1 r/WestMichigankayakingc

Why you should always wear your PFD

Kayaking Safety Starts With One Simple Rule: Wear Your PFD
The Kayaker’s Journal | West Michigan Kayaking Club
When you climb into a kayak, there is one piece of safety equipment that should never be optional: your personal flotation device, or PFD.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re kayaking the Grand River in Grand Rapids, exploring the Rogue River near Rockford, paddling the Muskegon River, or spending the day on one of Michigan’s inland lakes.
If you’re on the water, keep your PFD on.
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends wearing a life jacket whenever a boat is underway. In 2024, 76% of fatal boating-incident victims whose cause of death was known drowned, and among incidents where PFD use was known, 87% of those victims were not wearing a PFD. (USCG Boating⁠)
Those numbers are a powerful reminder that a PFD isn’t something you keep in the bottom of your kayak.
It’s something you wear.
A PFD Doesn’t Help You If You’re Not Wearing It
One of the most common mistakes paddlers make is treating a PFD like required equipment rather than life-saving equipment.
Putting a PFD in your kayak doesn’t protect you.
Strapping it to the deck doesn’t protect you.
Saying, “I’m a strong swimmer” doesn’t protect you.
Wearing it does.
The American Canoe Association recommends that life jackets be worn during on-water activities and specifically notes the increased risks associated with cold water, waves, currents, distance from shore and the time it may take for rescue. (ACA⁠)
A capsize can happen in seconds.
You may not have time to reach for your PFD.
You Can Be a Great Swimmer and Still Need a PFD
Being a strong swimmer is valuable, but swimming ability doesn’t eliminate the dangers of an unexpected capsize.
Cold water can affect your ability to move and breathe normally. Current can separate you from your kayak. Waves and wind can make staying afloat more difficult. A river obstruction can create an emergency before you have time to react.
A PFD provides flotation while allowing you to concentrate on getting yourself and your kayak to safety.
The ACA’s paddling safety materials emphasize that a PFD should be worn while paddling—even when wearing one may not be legally required. (ACA⁠)
Rivers Demand Extra Respect
At West Michigan Kayaking Club, many of our adventures take place on moving water.
Michigan’s rivers can look calm while still carrying significant current.
A submerged log, changing water level, fallen tree, unexpected wave or slippery shoreline can turn a routine paddle into an emergency quickly.
That is why river kayaking safety starts before you launch.
Your PFD should already be properly fitted and secured before you push away from shore.
The ACA recommends properly fitted life jackets for paddling and requires life jackets for its paddling activities. (ACA⁠)
Cold Water Makes a PFD Even More Important
Michigan paddling doesn’t end when summer does.
Spring and fall can provide some of the best kayaking conditions of the year—but water temperatures can be dangerously cold.
An unexpected capsize can quickly become a serious situation.
A properly fitted PFD helps keep you afloat while you work through the emergency and can provide some protection against the effects of cold-water immersion. (ACA⁠)
That’s why experienced paddlers don’t think of a PFD as something they wear only when conditions look dangerous.
They wear it because conditions can change.
“It’s Just a Calm River”
This is one of the most dangerous mindsets in kayaking.
Calm water can still be dangerous.
The American Canoe Association notes that more than half of recreational boating fatalities occur in calm water and emphasizes that many drowning deaths are preventable through life-jacket use. (ACA⁠)
You don’t need whitewater to have an accident.
You don’t need a storm.
You don’t need huge waves.
Sometimes all it takes is one unexpected movement of the kayak.
Your PFD Needs to Fit Correctly
Wearing a PFD isn’t enough if it isn’t properly fitted.
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends choosing a PFD that is:
The correct size for the user
Appropriate for the activity
In good, serviceable condition
U.S. Coast Guard approved when approval is required (USCG Boating⁠)
Your PFD should be snug and properly secured.
Check the buckles.
Check the straps.
Check the zipper if your model has one.
Make sure it doesn’t ride up excessively when you lift it at the shoulders.
A PFD only works properly when it’s worn correctly.
Don’t Take Your PFD Off on the Water
One of the worst habits a paddler can develop is taking their PFD off once they reach calm water.
Maybe you’re hot.
Maybe you’re tired.
Maybe you’re stopping for lunch.
Maybe you’re only a few feet from shore.
That’s exactly when complacency can take over.
At West Michigan Kayaking Club, our message is simple:
PFD ON. ALL THE TIME.
Put it on before launching.
Keep it secured while paddling.
Keep it on until you’re safely off the water.
Kayaking Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Safety isn’t just the responsibility of the person leading a group.
Every paddler is responsible for their own equipment, decisions and preparedness.
Before every trip:
Check your PFD.
Check the weather.
Know the waterway.
Know the hazards.
Know your limits.
Carry appropriate safety equipment.
Tell someone where you’re going.
And most importantly:
Wear your PFD.
West Michigan Kayaking Club: Adventure With Safety in Mind
West Michigan Kayaking Club is an adventure-focused paddling community based in the Grand Rapids area.
Our trips explore Michigan rivers, lakes and waterways through kayaking, hiking, camping and long-distance paddling adventures.
Adventure doesn’t mean ignoring risk.
It means understanding it.
The best paddlers aren’t the people who think nothing can happen to them.
They’re the people who prepare for what could happen.
A PFD is one of the simplest and most important pieces of that preparation.
Don’t Just Bring It. Wear It.
Before you launch your kayak on the Grand River, Rogue River, Muskegon River or anywhere else in Michigan, make sure your PFD is properly fitted and secured.
Because you never know when you’ll need it.
Your kayak can be replaced. Your paddle can be replaced. Your gear can be replaced.
You can’t.

Follow West Michigan Kayaking Club
🌐 Website:
West Michigan Kayaking Club⁠
📘 Facebook Group:
West Michigan Kayaking Club Facebook Group⁠
The Kayaker’s Journal | West Michigan Kayaking Club
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
#WestMichiganKayakingClub #KayakingSafety #KayakSafety #PFD #WearYourPFD #LifeJacket #KayakingMichigan #MichiganKayaking #WestMichiganKayaking #KayakingGrandRapids #GrandRapidsKayaking #RiverKayaking #KayakMichigan #PaddleSafe #PaddleSmart #AdventurePaddling

reddit.com
u/JournalistStreet8064 — 1 month ago
▲ 1 r/WestMichigankayakingc

Kayaking the Rogue River in Rockford, Michigan: A West Michigan Paddling Adventure The Kayaker’s Journal | West Michigan Kayaking Club

If you’re searching for kayaking the Rogue River in Rockford, Michigan, you’re looking at one of West Michigan’s most accessible river adventures.
Flowing through Rockford before joining the Grand River, the Rogue River offers paddlers a combination of wooded shoreline, moving water, wildlife, changing river conditions and easy access from the Grand Rapids area. The Rogue is also recognized as a major tributary of the Grand River and has a long history as an important West Michigan waterway. (Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited⁠)
For the paddlers of West Michigan Kayaking Club, the Rogue River is exactly the kind of waterway that makes exploring Michigan by kayak so rewarding.
The Rogue River: A West Michigan Classic
The Rogue River flows generally north to south through Rockford before eventually reaching the Grand River. Its watershed covers approximately 234 square miles, with most of it located in northwest Kent County. (Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited⁠)
The river changes character along its course.
Depending on the section, paddlers can encounter narrow stretches, moving current, rocks, bends, fallen trees and changing water levels. The Rogue also supports an important fishery, including trout and seasonal runs of steelhead, Chinook salmon and coho salmon. (Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited⁠)
That combination makes the Rogue more than just a recreational float.
It’s a river worth exploring.
Kayaking the Rogue River Near Rockford
For paddlers looking for kayaking near Rockford, Michigan, the Rogue offers several access opportunities.
Public access points include locations such as Gougeburg Landing, Friske Drive, Rockford-area launches and other river access sites. Outdoor Michigan’s river information also identifies multiple Rogue River boat launches and the Rockford Dam as a major feature along the river. (Outdoor Michigan⁠)
Gougeburg Landing Park & Kayak Launch is specifically used as a carry-in access point for kayaks and canoes on the upper Rogue.
That makes the Rockford area a convenient starting point for paddlers coming from Grand Rapids and communities throughout West Michigan.
The Rockford Dam: Know Before You Go
One of the most important things paddlers need to understand about kayaking the Rogue River is the location of the Rockford Dam.
The dam is located in downtown Rockford and separates sections of the river. It should never be treated as something to paddle over or through.
Know your route.
Know your takeout.
Know where the dam is located.
And never approach a dam without understanding the river conditions and your portage plan.
The Rockford Dam area is also one of the most recognizable features of the Rogue River, with public riverfront areas and overlooks providing excellent places to experience the river from shore. (Outdoor Michigan⁠)
More Than a Float Trip
There is a difference between floating a river and adventure paddling.
At West Michigan Kayaking Club, we believe kayaking should be about exploration.
Our club was built around paddlers who want to go farther, experience more miles and discover Michigan’s rivers beyond the typical short recreational float.
That can mean a challenging river section, a long-distance paddle, a kayak camping expedition or simply discovering a new stretch of water with a group of experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
The Rogue River fits perfectly into that philosophy.
The Rogue Meets the Grand
One of the most interesting aspects of the Rogue River is where its journey eventually takes it.
The river continues south toward the Grand River, creating a connection between two important West Michigan waterways.
For paddlers, that connection provides another reminder of how interconnected Michigan’s river systems really are.
A river that begins as a relatively small waterway eventually becomes part of the much larger Grand River watershed.
That’s what makes exploring Michigan’s rivers so fascinating.
Every paddle is part of something bigger.
Paddle Smart. Respect the River.
The Rogue River can change with water levels, weather and seasonal conditions.
Paddlers should check current conditions before every trip and be prepared for changing current, shallow water, fallen trees and other obstructions. Local paddlers have reported that conditions can vary considerably between sections of the river. (Exploits and Adventures⁠)
Always:
Wear your PFD.
Check weather and river conditions.
Scout unfamiliar sections.
Know where dams and hazards are located.
Carry appropriate safety equipment.
Have a clear launch and takeout plan.
Never attempt to paddle over or through a dam.
Be prepared to portage when conditions require it.
Respect private property and public access rules.
Leave the river cleaner than you found it.
Adventure paddling starts with preparation.
Kayaking Rockford and West Michigan
One of the biggest advantages of living around Grand Rapids is the incredible number of waterways within reach.
The Rogue River provides an opportunity to experience moving water without traveling across the state.
For West Michigan paddlers, Rockford is a natural gateway to the Rogue.
And for members of West Michigan Kayaking Club, it’s another reminder that some of Michigan’s best adventures are right in our backyard.
You don’t always need to travel hundreds of miles to find great water.
Sometimes, the next adventure is right down the road.
Join West Michigan Kayaking Club
If you’re searching for kayaking in Rockford Michigan, Rogue River kayaking, kayaking near Grand Rapids, Michigan kayaking groups, or West Michigan kayaking, connect with West Michigan Kayaking Club.
Our community is built around kayaking, river exploration, hiking, camping, endurance paddling and discovering Michigan’s wild places.
Follow the Adventure
🌐 Official Website:
West Michigan Kayaking Club⁠
📘 Facebook Group:
West Michigan Kayaking Club on Facebook⁠
The Kayaker’s Journal
West Michigan Kayaking Club
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
#WestMichiganKayakingClub #RogueRiver #RogueRiverKayaking #RockfordMichigan #KayakingRockford #KayakingGrandRapids #KayakingGrandRapidsMI #MichiganKayaking #WestMichiganKayaking #KayakMichigan #MichiganRivers #RiverKayaking #AdventurePaddling #ExploreMichigan #KayakLife #GrandRapidsMichigan
This version is structured to target Rogue River kayaking, kayaking Rockford Michigan, kayaking Grand Rapids MI, and West Michigan kayaking without keyword stuffing.

u/JournalistStreet8064 — 1 month ago
▲ 1 r/WestMichigankayakingc

Kayaking Grand Rapids MI | West Michigan Kayaking Club Grand Rapids, Michigan’s Adventure Kayaking

Kayaking Grand Rapids MI | West Michigan Kayaking Club
Grand Rapids, Michigan’s Adventure Kayaking Community
Looking for kayaking in Grand Rapids, MI?
Welcome to West Michigan Kayaking Club — an adventure-focused paddling community for people who want to explore Michigan’s rivers, build endurance, meet other paddlers and experience the outdoors from a kayak.
Based in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, West Michigan Kayaking Club brings paddlers together for river adventures, long-distance kayaking, camping, hiking and outdoor exploration throughout West Michigan and across Michigan.
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
If you’re searching for Grand Rapids kayaking, a kayaking club in Grand Rapids, or people to paddle with in West Michigan, you’ve found a community built around adventure.
Kayaking in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids sits along the Grand River and provides access to an extensive network of waterways and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The City of Grand Rapids also provides kayak access and seasonal rentals at Riverside Park, giving paddlers an opportunity to experience the Grand River close to downtown. (Grand Rapids, MI⁠)
But kayaking in Grand Rapids doesn’t have to stop at a short afternoon paddle.
West Michigan Kayaking Club is built for paddlers who want to go farther.
Our adventures range from scenic river paddles to long-distance expeditions, endurance challenges, kayak camping trips and multi-day outdoor adventures.
A Different Kind of Kayaking Club
We’re not focused solely on short recreational float trips.
West Michigan Kayaking Club was created for people who want more miles, more exploration and more adventure.
Our community focuses on:
🛶 River kayaking
🌊 Long-distance paddling
🏕️ Kayak camping
🥾 Hiking and kayaking adventures
🧭 Michigan river exploration
💪 Endurance paddling
🌲 Outdoor adventure
🤝 Building a strong paddling community
🌎 Environmental stewardship
Whether you’re looking for your first group paddle or your next major Michigan river expedition, there’s room for you here.
Where We Paddle
Grand Rapids is our home base, but Michigan is our playground.
West Michigan Kayaking Club explores waterways throughout the state, including the:
Grand River
Muskegon River
Manistee River
Pere Marquette River
Au Sable River
White River
Pine River
Shiawassee River
Flat River
Jordan River
Our trips are selected around the experience they provide — scenery, river conditions, distance, exploration, camping opportunities and the challenge of getting farther into Michigan’s outdoors.
Kayaking Near Grand Rapids
Searching for kayaking near Grand Rapids, Michigan?
There are plenty of opportunities to get on the water around the metropolitan area.
Riverside Park provides Grand River access within the city, while parks and waterways throughout the surrounding West Michigan region offer additional opportunities for paddling and outdoor recreation. (Grand Rapids, MI⁠)
West Michigan Kayaking Club gives those paddlers something different:
A community to explore with.
Instead of simply renting a kayak and floating downstream, club members can connect with other paddlers and participate in organized adventures throughout Michigan.
Built for Adventure Paddlers
Some kayaking groups are centered around relaxing floats.
West Michigan Kayaking Club is designed for paddlers who want to challenge themselves.
Club adventures can cover significant distances, including 20-mile, 25-mile and longer expedition-style paddles.
That doesn’t mean every trip is extreme.
It means the club believes kayaking can be more than simply getting on the water.
It can be an adventure.
It can be a physical challenge.
It can be a weekend camping trip.
It can be a chance to discover a river you’ve never seen before.
And it can be a way to build friendships with people who love Michigan’s outdoors as much as you do.
Who Is West Michigan Kayaking Club For?
You don’t have to be an elite paddler to become part of the community.
West Michigan Kayaking Club welcomes outdoor enthusiasts interested in kayaking, river exploration and adventure.
Our community includes:
Beginner paddlers looking to become more comfortable on Michigan waterways.
Experienced kayakers searching for new rivers and longer adventures.
Endurance paddlers who enjoy putting serious miles behind them.
Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy combining kayaking with hiking and camping.
Michigan explorers who want to discover waterways beyond the typical recreational routes.
The goal is to create opportunities for people to get outside and experience Michigan.
Grand Rapids Kayaking. Michigan Adventure.
West Michigan Kayaking Club isn’t just about one river or one launch.
It’s about exploring Michigan one river at a time.
From the waterways surrounding Grand Rapids to remote rivers farther north, our adventures are about discovering places that many people never experience from the water.
That’s what makes kayaking special.
You don’t just see Michigan.
You experience it from the river.
Join West Michigan Kayaking Club
If you’re searching for:
Kayaking Grand Rapids MI
Grand Rapids kayaking
Kayaking near Grand Rapids
Kayaking clubs in Grand Rapids
Michigan kayaking clubs
West Michigan kayaking
Kayak trips in Michigan
or Michigan river adventures, connect with West Michigan Kayaking Club.
Visit the Club
🌐 Official Website:
West Michigan Kayaking Club⁠
📘 Facebook Community:
West Michigan Kayaking Club on Facebook⁠
Follow the club for upcoming kayaking trips, river expeditions, camping adventures, hiking events and other outdoor adventures throughout Michigan.
Your Next Adventure Starts Here
Grand Rapids is a great place to begin exploring Michigan by kayak.
Whether you’re looking for a local paddle on the Grand River or you’re ready to travel farther for a 20-, 25- or 30-mile river adventure, West Michigan Kayaking Club is here to help you get on the water and explore.
West Michigan Kayaking Club
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
#WestMichiganKayakingClub #KayakingGrandRapids #KayakingGrandRapidsMI #GrandRapidsKayaking #KayakingMichigan #MichiganKayaking #WestMichiganKayaking #KayakGrandRapids #GrandRapidsMI #MichiganKayakingClub #KayakingNearGrandRapids #RiverKayaking #MichiganRivers #AdventurePaddling #KayakCamping #MichiganAdventure

u/JournalistStreet8064 — 1 month ago
▲ 1 r/WestMichigankayakingc

West Michigan Kayaking Club

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FT2DCMZK1/?mibextid=wwXIfr

#WestMichiganKayakingClub

#WMKayakingClub

#WestMichiganKayaking

#WMKayakers

#MichiganKayaking

#KayakWestMichigan

#WestMichiganPaddlers

#MichiganPaddlers

#GreatLakesKayaking

#LakeMichiganKayaking

#WestMichiganOutdoors

#PureMichiganPaddling

#PaddleMichigan

#KayakLife

#KayakCommunity

#KayakAdventure

#KayakingNation

#KayakDaily

#PaddlingAdventures

#RiverKayaking

#MichiganRivers

#KayakTheMitten

#ExploreMichigan

#OutdoorMichigan

#WestMichiganAdventure

#MidwestKayaking

#KayakTogether

#KayakStrong

#PaddleWithUs

#KayakClubLife

reddit.com
u/JournalistStreet8064 — 1 month ago
▲ 1 r/WestMichigankayakingc

West Michigan Kayaking Club Emerging Michigan’ adventure Paddling Communities

West Michigan Kayaking Club Emerging Michigan’ adventure Paddling Communities
By Staff Writer, The Kayakers Journal
June 2, 2026
West Michigan’s paddling scene has long been shaped by established outdoor clubs, weekend float traditions, and tightly scheduled group outings. But in recent years, a newer organization has begun reshaping expectations of what a modern kayaking community can look like.
The West Michigan Kayaking Club, co-founded by local paddlers Brad De Young and Tim Postma, is rapidly gaining attention as one of the most active and fast-growing kayaking groups in the state. Built around accessibility, skill development, and adventure-focused trips, the club has grown to nearly 2,000 active members with continued double-digit growth projected year over year.
Unlike many traditional paddling organizations that operate on weekday or mid-day schedules, the club has centered its events around the realities of working adults, families, and younger paddlers balancing school and extracurricular commitments.
“When I first started kayaking, it was surprisingly difficult to find a club that truly fit my schedule and made me feel welcome,” said cofounder Brad De Young. “Many groups planned paddles during weekdays or mid-day hours, which simply doesn’t work for people with full-time jobs—or even younger paddlers balancing school, family, and other commitments.”
De Young also pointed to a lack of variety in programming as a driving force behind the club’s formation. While many long-standing groups emphasize tradition and repeatable routes, he said he envisioned something more dynamic and skill-building oriented.
“Beyond scheduling, I also found that a lot of clubs tended to repeat the same short float trips on the same stretches of river year after year,” De Young explained. “There’s absolutely value in tradition and familiarity, but I was looking for something more dynamic—more active, more connected to nature, and more focused on building real skills and adventure.”
He added that his personal goals in kayaking leaned toward exploration, longer river sections, and immersive outdoor experiences that included hiking, camping, and learning alongside other dedicated outdoor enthusiasts.
“When I was looking for a place to develop my skills, I wasn’t really interested in simple float trips or structured social gatherings,” De Young said. “I was more drawn to real adventure—longer routes, learning from nature directly, and connecting with other outdoor enthusiasts who wanted to grow their skills on the water and in the backcountry.”
That vision ultimately led to the creation of West Michigan Kayaking Club, which has since expanded into a broad network of paddlers participating in river trips, multi-day excursions, and hybrid hiking-and-paddling adventures across Michigan’s waterways.
From its earliest days, however, the club’s growth was not without friction. De Young acknowledged that the emergence of a new and rapidly expanding organization drew skepticism from some corners of the local paddling community.
“Interestingly, when we launched the group, we did receive some discouraging messages from members of the local paddling community,” he said. “While that was disappointing, it also reinforced that change is never universally welcomed at first. Established groups often have their own traditions and perspectives, and sometimes new ideas naturally create friction.”
Despite that early resistance, the club has continued to grow steadily, with its focus remaining on inclusivity and participation rather than exclusivity or gatekeeping.
At recent events, members describe a strong sense of camaraderie developing on and off the water, with new paddlers quickly integrating into group outings and more experienced kayakers helping others build confidence and technical skill.
“What’s been most rewarding is seeing people connect—not just with the river, but with each other,” De Young said. “The friendships forming, the encouragement, the skill building—it’s been extraordinary. Watching people smile, push themselves, and feel genuinely fulfilled out there is one of the greatest accomplishments of this club.”
As West Michigan Kayaking Club continues to expand, its model reflects a broader shift in outdoor recreation: a move toward flexible scheduling, open participation, and experience-driven programming designed to meet people where they are.
Membership remains free, as do all organized events—a structure De Young says is intentional, aimed at removing barriers and encouraging participation regardless of experience level or financial means.
In a recent development, the club also launched a merchandise store through its website, with proceeds going directly toward supporting West Michigan Kayaking Club programs, events, and community initiatives.
“We are approaching 2,000 active members,” De Young said. “And we anticipate that continuing to grow at double-digit rates each year.”
For a region with deep outdoor traditions, the rise of a fast-growing, accessibility-focused paddling community suggests that Michigan’s kayaking culture is evolving—paddling not just toward new rivers, but toward new ways of connecting people to them.

reddit.com
u/JournalistStreet8064 — 1 month ago
▲ 1 r/WestMichigankayakingc

West Michigan Kayaking Club

The West Michigan Kayaking Club hosts meet-ups and paddling trips all year long — about once a month in the winter and up to three times a month in the summer.

Every trip brings new faces, great friends, and unforgettable adventures on Michigan’s beautiful rivers and lakes.

👉 Interested in joining? Follow the link below to see what’s coming up: 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Fe27Egcjw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

If you love the outdoors and exploring from a kayak, we’d love to have you paddle with us! 💦

WestMichiganKayakingClub #MichiganKayaking #PaddleMichigan #KayakLife #PureMichigan #OutdoorAdventure

reddit.com
u/JournalistStreet8064 — 1 month ago
▲ 0 r/WestMichigankayakingc

🌊 Upper Gauley River Whitewater Rafting September 24–27, 2026 | West Virginia

🌊 Upper Gauley River Whitewater Rafting
September 24–27, 2026 | West Virginia
🔥 The Pinnacle of Whitewater Rafting | West Michigan Kayaking Club
The West Michigan Kayaking Club is heading to West Virginia for an epic four-day adventure on one of the most legendary whitewater rivers in the United States—the Upper Gauley River.
This isn’t a leisurely float. The Upper Gauley delivers powerful waves, technical rapids, steep drops, and relentless current during the annual Gauley Season releases.
With rapids ranging from Class III to Class V, this is a full-throttle whitewater experience built around teamwork, focus, and respect for the river.
🌲 Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.

🌊 GAULEY SEASON
Every fall, scheduled releases from Summersville Lake transform the Gauley River into one of the premier whitewater destinations in the country.
The Upper Gauley offers approximately 11 miles of intense commercially rafted whitewater, surrounded by spectacular Appalachian scenery.
Expect:
🌊 Huge waves
💥 Powerful rapids
🪨 Technical whitewater
🔥 Adrenaline-pumping drops
🤝 Teamwork and adventure
🏔️ Incredible Appalachian scenery

🏕️ GROUP CAMPING — ADVENTURES ON THE GORGE
September 24–27, 2026
The West Michigan Kayaking Club admins will be tent camping at Adventures on the Gorge.
Adventures on the Gorge⁠
Tent camping and cabins are available.
⛺ Group Site — Site C
There is no reservation number for the group site.
If you want to camp with our group, simply ask for Site C when making your reservation.
⚠️ You must call Adventures on the Gorge directly to make your reservation.
💰 Camping: $195 per site
⛺ Capacity: Up to 3 tents per site
💵 Three people sharing: Approximately $65 per tent
Cabins are also available directly through the resort.
Spaces are filling quickly, so make your camping reservation early.

🛶 UPPER GAULEY RAFTING
💰 Rafting: $215 per person
Your rafting experience includes:
🍽️ Hot riverside meal prepared by your raft guides
🔥 Bonfire after the meal
🌊 An unforgettable day on the Upper Gauley
🤝 An incredible experience with fellow adventurers

📅 TRIP SCHEDULE
THURSDAY — SEPTEMBER 24
🏕️ Arrive in West Virginia
⛺ Set up camp
🤝 Meet up with the group
🌲 Settle in for the weekend
FRIDAY — SEPTEMBER 25
🏕️ Camping and free time
🌄 Explore the area
🤝 Hang out with the group
SATURDAY — SEPTEMBER 26
🌊 UPPER GAULEY RAFTING DAY
🚨 Rafting begins at 9:30 AM.
DO NOT BE LATE.
The rafting bus will leave on schedule and will not wait for late arrivals.
Plan to be ready well before departure.
🍽️ Riverside meal
🔥 Post-trip bonfire
🌊 Big water. Big rapids. Big adventure.
SUNDAY — SEPTEMBER 27
☕ Morning at camp
🏕️ Break down camp
👋 Say goodbye to West Virginia
🚗 Begin the trip home
You do not have to stay all four nights. Come for as many nights as work with your schedule.

🍻 AFTER THE RAFT
The adventure doesn’t end when we get off the river.
Adventures on the Gorge offers restaurants, a pool, and places to relax after a long day of whitewater.
Our usual routine:
🚿 Clean up and shower
🍔 Grab some food
🍻 Enjoy a drink
📺 Relax and enjoy the evening
🤝 Hang out with fellow paddlers
It’s more than a rafting trip—it’s a full weekend of West Virginia adventure, whitewater, camping, and camaraderie.

🔥 THIS ISN’T JUST A RAFTING TRIP
The Upper Gauley is a bucket-list destination for whitewater enthusiasts.
From September 24–27, 2026, we’ll leave Michigan behind and head into the Appalachian Mountains for an unforgettable weekend on one of America’s most famous whitewater rivers.
Come ready for:
Big water. Big rapids. Big adventure.

🛶 WEST MICHIGAN KAYAKING CLUB
The West Michigan Kayaking Club is a community built around adventure paddling, wilderness exploration, hiking, camping, and challenging outdoor experiences.
We don’t just look for easy miles.
We go farther. We explore more. We seek out real adventure.
🌲 Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure. 🛶
🌐 Connect With Us
West Michigan Kayaking Club Website⁠
West Michigan Kayaking Club Facebook Group⁠

🚨 READY FOR THE UPPER GAULEY?
September 24–27, 2026
If you’re interested in joining us, contact Brad directly for trip information.
Don’t wait to make your camping and rafting reservations. Gauley Season is popular, and spaces can fill quickly.
🌊 Upper Gauley River. West Virginia. One unforgettable adventure.
West Michigan Kayaking Club
🌲 Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure. 🛶
#WestMichiganKayakingClub #UpperGauley #GauleyRiver #GauleySeason #WhitewaterRafting #WestVirginiaAdventure #Whitewater #MichiganAdventure #AppalachianAdventure

u/JournalistStreet8064 — 1 month ago
▲ 0 r/WestMichigankayakingc

Au Sable River Hiking & Kayaking Adventure October 23–25, 2026 | Northern Michigan

Au Sable River Hiking & Kayaking Adventure
October 23–25, 2026 | Northern Michigan
🌲 Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure. 🛶
Join the West Michigan Kayaking Club from October 23–25, 2026, for an unforgettable three-day adventure on Michigan’s legendary Au Sable River.
This Northern Michigan expedition combines wilderness camping, hiking the scenic Mason Tract Pathway, and kayaking miles of beautiful, moving water.
This isn’t a casual float trip. It’s a full weekend of hiking, paddling, camping, and exploring some of the best outdoor scenery Northern Michigan has to offer.

Friday, October 23: Establish Base Camp
We’ll meet Friday evening and establish base camp at Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground near Grayling, Michigan.
Set up camp, prepare your gear, and get ready for a weekend of adventure along one of Michigan’s most iconic rivers.

Saturday, October 24: Mason Tract Hiking & Au Sable River Kayaking
Saturday begins with a boat drop at Chase Bridge before we shuttle back to the Mason Tract Pathway.
Participants will hike approximately 10 miles through the Mason Tract, following the Au Sable River through Northern Michigan wilderness.
After reaching our kayaks, we’ll launch and paddle downstream toward camp.
Expect:
🥾 Approximately 10 miles of hiking
🚣 Moving-water kayaking
🌲 Northern Michigan forests and wilderness
💧 Scenic Au Sable River views
🦌 Opportunities to see Michigan wildlife

Sunday, October 25: Main Branch Au Sable River Paddle
Sunday brings another full day on the water as we paddle approximately 15 miles on the Main Branch Au Sable River.
With forest-lined riverbanks, clear water, steady current, and incredible scenery, this is the perfect way to finish an unforgettable weekend of Michigan adventure.

Who Is This Adventure For?
This trip is designed for paddlers and outdoor adventurers who enjoy challenging days, long miles, hiking, camping, and exploring Michigan beyond the typical float trip.
Participants should be prepared to:
🥾 Hike approximately 10 miles
🚣 Paddle approximately 15 miles
🏕️ Camp and remain self-supported
💪 Handle extended days outdoors and changing weather conditions

West Michigan Kayaking Club Safety Expectations
All West Michigan Kayaking Club events are 100% self-supported. Participants are responsible for their own safety, equipment, food, water, clothing, navigation, and emergency supplies.
🦺 Bring and wear the appropriate safety equipment, including a properly fitted PFD while kayaking.
🚫 No drugs or alcohol are permitted while participating in West Michigan Kayaking Club events. This is a zero-tolerance policy.
Please respect the river and other participants by keeping speakers off while paddling so everyone can enjoy the natural sounds of the wilderness.

Join the Community Chat
Important trip updates, weather information, logistics, and last-minute changes will be posted in the West Michigan Kayaking Club Community Chat.
👉 Join the Community Chat:
Join the West Michigan Kayaking Club Community Chat⁠

🌲 Stay Connected With West Michigan Kayaking Club
Explore upcoming kayaking expeditions, hiking adventures, camping trips, endurance paddles, and Michigan outdoor adventures.
🌐 Visit our website:
West Michigan Kayaking Club Official Website⁠
📘 Join our Facebook community:
West Michigan Kayaking Club Facebook Group⁠

Explore Michigan. Go Farther.
The Au Sable River Hiking & Kayaking Adventure, October 23–25, 2026, is more than a weekend paddle.
It’s an opportunity to hike wild trails, paddle one of Michigan’s most legendary rivers, camp beneath Northern Michigan skies, and experience the outdoors the way adventure was meant to be experienced.
🌲 Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure. 🛶
West Michigan Kayaking Club | Michigan Adventure Paddling, Hiking & Wilderness Exploration
#WestMichiganKayakingClub #AuSableRiver #MasonTract #KayakMichigan #HikingMichigan #NorthernMichigan #MichiganAdventure

reddit.com
u/JournalistStreet8064 — 1 month ago
▲ 1 r/WestMichigankayakingc

Why Michigan’s Aging Dams Are a Growing Risk — and Why It’s Time to Remove Them

September 1, 2026
Michigan Watershed Watch / West Michigan Kayaking Club Blog
The Hodenpyl Dam on the Manistee River is 101 years old. Like the other 12 hydropower dams Consumers Energy still owns across Michigan, it is showing its age — sinkholes, compromised sheet piling, a suspected leaking retaining wall, and power-generating units that no longer work. This week, Consumers is preparing to temporarily cut or severely reduce flow below the dam so crews can inspect storm damage in the turbulent tailrace. Officials say the interruption will drop water levels by about a foot and last only days. River advocates say even a short shutoff is unacceptable.
That disagreement is not really about one inspection. It is about a larger truth: Michigan’s aging dam fleet, especially the Consumers Energy portfolio, is becoming a liability for public safety, river health, and the people who paddle, fish, and live downstream.
Aging infrastructure, deferred risk
Consumers operates 13 hydropower dams. Many, like Hodenpyl, date from the early 20th century. When the generating units fail — as they have at Hodenpyl — the only way to move water is through the spillway. That creates the very turbulence that now forces the company to shut the river off for inspections. In other words, mechanical failure is driving flow interruptions that harm fish, strand wildlife, and disrupt a popular stretch of the Manistee used by anglers, boaters, and the North Country Trail.
Company statements insist the dams “continue to operate safely today.” Yet the need for emergency-style inspections, the inability to use the turbines, and the long list of structural problems tell a different story. Across Michigan, roughly 100,000 people live downstream of old, deteriorating dams. Federal rules often shield detailed safety information from public view. When problems surface, communities and river users are left reacting after the fact.
Sale does not equal safety
Consumers wants to sell all 13 dams to a private equity firm for $1 each. The utility argues this is the cheapest path for ratepayers. A state administrative law judge has already called the proposal “highly problematic,” warning that new owners may lack the incentive or capital to make the hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs these structures need. Governor Whitmer has also opposed the sale. Handing aging, high-risk infrastructure to a firm focused on returns does not improve safety — it transfers risk onto the public and the rivers.
Rivers recover when dams come out
Keeping these dams in place locks in perpetual maintenance costs, recurring flow disruptions, fish passage barriers, and the ever-present possibility of failure. Removing them restores natural flow regimes, reconnects habitat, reduces long-term public liability, and opens stretches of river that paddlers, anglers, and wildlife can use without interruption. The Manistee is already a destination river. Freeing more of it from artificial control would make it safer and more resilient for everyone who depends on it.
River advocates have asked Consumers to maintain at least minimal flow during the upcoming inspection — for example by using temporary siphon pipes. The company has declined, citing timing and logistics. That response is consistent with a broader pattern: operational convenience for an aging asset ranked above continuous river health.
A clearer path forward
Michigan does not need to keep every old hydropower dam simply because it is already there. When a structure is past its design life, when its turbines no longer function reliably, when inspections require shutting off a river, and when the owner’s preferred solution is to sell it for a dollar, the responsible choice is removal — not indefinite patching or transfer of risk.
The upcoming flow reduction on the Manistee is a warning, not an isolated inconvenience. It is time for state regulators, elected officials, and the public to stop treating these dams as permanent fixtures and start treating them as the aging liabilities they are. Safe rivers and safe communities are better served by free-flowing water than by another generation of deferred maintenance.
The West Michigan Kayaking Club paddles the Manistee and many other Michigan rivers. We support healthy, free-flowing waterways and will continue to advocate for decisions that prioritize long-term river health and public safety over the preservation of obsolete infrastructure.

West Michigan Kayaking Club
Wild rivers, rugged trails, real adventure
Join the conversation and stay informed:
Website: https://www.westmichigankayakingclub.online/
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749998724166493/

u/JournalistStreet8064 — 1 month ago
▲ 2 r/WestMichigankayakingc

Hardy Dam to WISNERS, Brad and Tim’s Muskegon River adventure#2

Hardy Dam to Newaygo
West Michigan Kayaking Club | The Kayakers Journal
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
The Journey Continues
Our Muskegon River adventure continued on a beautiful July day in 2025.
After completing the first section of the river, Tim and I were back on the water for Paddle #2. We still had a long way to go, and we were excited to see what the next stretch would bring.
This time, we launched just below Hardy Dam and planned to take out at Weisner’s Canoe Rental in Newaygo.
We staged our kayaks, shuttled our vehicles to Newaygo, and had everything ready to go within about 30–40 minutes.
Then we hit the river.
Finding Our Rhythm
It didn’t take long to settle into our pace.
The weather was beautiful, the river was calm, and we averaged about 4–4½ mph. As with most of our trips, this wasn’t a leisurely float. We like to cover miles, maintain a steady pace, and experience as much of the river as possible.
For the most part, this section of the Muskegon was calm and easy to navigate.
We did have one portage around Croton Dam. The route was clearly marked and relatively easy to navigate. We also encountered a mild headwind while crossing the Croton backwaters.
Nothing too challenging.
The biggest challenge that day wasn’t the river.
It was the traffic.
A Busy Section of the Muskegon
This is one of the more heavily traveled sections of the Muskegon River, and it’s easy to see why.
Boaters, anglers, tubers, kayakers, and families come from across Michigan and beyond to enjoy this beautiful stretch of river.
On our trip, hundreds of tubers and plenty of kayakers were sharing the water with us, along with a steady amount of motorboat traffic. We had to stay alert, watch our surroundings, and give other boaters plenty of room.
Aside from the traffic and occasional headwind, the river was calm and approachable.
For paddlers who are properly prepared and comfortable sharing the river with other users, this section can be a relatively beginner-friendly introduction to the Muskegon.
We knew these lower sections would generally be easier paddles. The biggest challenges would be distance, weather, wind, traffic, and simply putting in the miles.
But we also knew the river would change as we continued farther north.
The easy miles wouldn’t last forever.
The Take-Out
After nearly 20 miles, we reached our take-out at Weisner’s Canoe Rental in Newaygo.
We took our boats out there and wrapped up another great day on the Muskegon.
For anyone planning their own trip through this section, there is also a public launch just below Weisner’s on the west side of the river. It provides easy access and convenient parking, making it a good option for paddlers looking for a public place to take out their boats.
As always, check current access conditions and applicable rules before launching or taking out.
Wildlife Along the Way
One of the best parts of traveling by kayak is experiencing the river at water level.
We saw plenty of wildlife throughout the day:
🐢 Turtles
🪶 Blue herons
🦆 Ducks
🪿 Geese
🐟 Fish
🪰 Dragonflies
The river was alive around us, constantly reminding us that there is much more to a river adventure than simply covering miles.
But on this trip, the people we met made the day just as memorable.
Eight Guys. One River.
This was our largest group yet—eight guys paddling the Muskegon River together.
At the time, we had no idea that Tim and I would eventually become the only two people in the group to complete the entire journey from the Muskegon’s headwaters to its connection with Lake Michigan.
Friends would join us for individual sections and then return home. Along the way, we would meet new people and make new friends.
And that was part of what made the adventure special.
Everyone who joined us became part of the story.
Meeting Gary
One of the highlights of this section was meeting Gary for the first time.
Gary had seen one of our posts in the West Michigan kayaking club Facebook group and decided he wanted to join the adventure.
There was just one problem.
He lived on the east side of Michigan and had to drive several hours to get to the river.
He came anyway.
That first paddle was the beginning of a friendship none of us could have predicted.
Today, Gary is a valued member of West Michigan kayaking club, and we’ve gone on to paddle hundreds of miles together.
That’s one of the things we love about kayaking.
Sometimes you launch with people you’ve known for years.
Sometimes you meet someone for the first time at the put-in.
And sometimes, that person becomes a lifelong paddling friend.
Brian Joins the Adventure
Our friend Brian was also along for this section.
Brian is an excellent kayaker, although given the choice, he’d probably be sitting in a short whitewater boat ripping through rapids.
Long boats and long stretches of flat water aren’t necessarily his first choice.
Fortunately, we can usually convince him to join us anyway.
We’re glad we do.
Good friends make the miles go by faster, and Brian brought plenty of personality to the group.
The Numbers
By the end of the day, we had covered:
Nearly 20 miles
5½ hours on the river
4–4½ mph average pace
1 portage at Croton Dam
1 lunch stop
8 paddlers
Not a bad day for our second section of the Muskegon.
The weather was beautiful.
The water was calm.
The wildlife was everywhere.
And the company couldn’t have been better.
Looking Ahead
We knew the river would become more challenging as we continued farther north.
The heavily traveled sections we were paddling at this point were relatively calm and accessible. The real challenges were distance, wind, weather, boat traffic, and putting in the miles.
But that was about to change.
Farther upstream, we would begin encountering more remote stretches, stronger current, obstacles, portages, and increasingly challenging sections of river.
And that was exactly what we were looking for.
We weren’t just trying to paddle the Muskegon River.
We wanted to experience it from beginning to end.
Every mile.
Every bend.
Every portage.
Every unexpected challenge.
And every great day on the water with friends.
The journey was underway—and there was still a long way to go.
We were just getting started.
🛶 Paddle With Us
If you enjoy river stories and outdoor adventures, we’d love to have you join us.
West Michigan kayaking club is built around river exploration, endurance paddling, hiking, camping, and creating opportunities for paddlers to experience Michigan’s incredible waterways together.
Whether you’re new to kayaking or an experienced paddler looking for your next adventure, there’s always another river to explore.
🌐 Visit the West Michigan kayaking club website:
https://www.westmichigankayakingclub.online
📘 Join the West Michigan kayaking club Facebook community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/245452732238952/
Follow along as Brad and Tim continue their journey down the Muskegon River and discover what lies around the next bend.
West Michigan kayaking club
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
#westmichigankayakingclub #MuskegonRiver #MichiganKayaking #KayakingMichigan #GreatLakesPaddling #RiverKayaking #MichiganWaterTrails #Paddle90 #MyAdventureChallenge

u/JournalistStreet8064 — 2 months ago
▲ 1 r/WestMichigankayakingc

Brad and Tim’s 216-Mile Journey: Where It All Began The Muskegon River — Wisner to Maple Island

West Michigan kayaking club
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
In June 2025, Tim Postma and I had already spent several years kayaking together. Somewhere along the way, a simple idea began turning into a challenge:
Could we paddle the entire Muskegon River from beginning to end?
We had talked about it for some time, but in June 2025, we finally decided it was time to stop talking about it and start paddling.
And so began Brad and Tim’s 216-Mile Journey.
Neither of us knew at the time just how much this journey would become.
Over the course of our 216-mile adventure, we would meet new people, make new friends, learn countless lessons, and experience situations we never could have planned for. We would hitchhike. We would cut down trees blocking our way. We would fight our way through ice and frozen sections of river. And we would battle through hundreds of portages.
There would be easy miles.
There would be difficult miles.
And there would be plenty of miles we would never forget.
The Muskegon River
The Muskegon River is one of Michigan’s great waterways. It winds through forests, wetlands, small communities, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Northern and West Michigan before eventually making its way toward Lake Michigan.
I had forgotten just how amazing that river really is.
After years of paddling together, Tim and I knew this would be more than just another weekend kayak trip. Completing the entire river would require planning, endurance, logistics, and—most importantly—coming back again and again to keep moving downstream.
We also had to be realistic.
Both of us have jobs. Both of us have families. Neither of us could simply disappear for weeks at a time to paddle a river.
So we decided to break the journey into manageable sections of approximately 20–25 miles at a time.
That decision would ultimately shape the entire adventure.
June 2025 — 21 Miles to Start
For our first outing, we decided not to start at the headwaters.
Instead, we jumped in roughly two-thirds of the way down the river, beginning at Wisner in Newaygo, Michigan, and paddling approximately 21 miles to Maple Island.
Tim and I launched our kayaks and began our first section of the Muskegon River.
This stretch was wide, had a moderate current, and was relatively easy paddling. It is also a very popular section of the Muskegon, especially with recreational paddlers, floaters, and tourists.
We quickly discovered that we would not be alone.
Throughout the day, we passed plenty of people enjoying the river—families floating downstream, recreational kayakers, and groups simply out to spend a summer day on the water.
For us, though, this was different.
We weren’t just out for a day on the river.
We had a goal.
We were going to paddle the entire Muskegon River.
We covered approximately 21 miles in about 4 hours and 40 minutes, including a lunch break.
At the time, it seemed like a great start.
The river was beautiful. The paddling was enjoyable. The miles came easily.
And we had absolutely no idea what was waiting for us farther upstream.
This Wasn’t Going to Be a Leisurely Float
That first section gave us an important lesson.
Long-distance river travel is different from simply going kayaking for the day.
Every mile matters.
Every decision matters.
Weather matters.
Water levels matter.
River conditions matter.
And sometimes, things completely outside your control become part of the adventure.
We were beginning a long-distance expedition, even if we didn’t fully realize it yet.
But more than anything, that first trip gave us momentum.
We had finally started.
The Beginning of a Bigger Adventure
Looking back, that first 21-mile paddle seems almost small compared with the journey we had imagined.
But every long-distance adventure begins with a single launch.
Wisner to Maple Island became the first chapter in what would eventually become a much bigger effort to experience the Muskegon River in its entirety—from its upper reaches all the way to its confluence with Lake Michigan.
For Tim and me, it wasn’t about setting a speed record.
It was about experiencing the river.
Every mile.
Every bend.
Every community.
Every stretch of wilderness.
And every challenge the Muskegon would throw at us.
What started as a conversation between two friends would become a multi-season adventure filled with unexpected challenges, incredible scenery, new friendships, and memories that neither of us will ever forget.
There would be times when the river seemed to work with us.
There would be times when it seemed determined to stop us.
And there would be moments when simply getting from one point to the next became an adventure of its own.
But on that June day in 2025, none of that had happened yet.
We were just two guys in kayaks, paddling 21 miles down the Muskegon River.
We had no idea where the next 195 miles would take us.
This was only the beginning.
216 Miles. One River. Two Friends.
216 miles. One river. Two friends. One incredible adventure.
And there were a lot more miles still ahead.

Follow the Journey
This article is part of “Brad and Tim’s 216-Mile Journey,” a series documenting Tim Postma and Brad De Young’s effort to paddle the full length of the Muskegon River.
As the series continues, we’ll revisit the miles, the people, the places, the challenges, the unexpected adventures, and the lessons learned along the way.
Some sections were easy.
Some were anything but.
And some taught us that on a long river journey, you never really know what is waiting around the next bend.
| West Michigan Kayaking Club
🌲 Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
#westmichigankayakingclub #MuskegonRiver #MichiganKayaking #MuskegonRiverKayaking #MichiganWaterTrails #GreatLakesPaddling #KayakMichigan #RiverKayaking #KayakingAdventure #BradAndTim #MuskegonRiverJourney

reddit.com
u/JournalistStreet8064 — 2 months ago
▲ 1 r/WestMichigankayakingc

Shiawassee River Adventure with the West Michigan Kayaking Club 🛶

This weekend’s base camp was at Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area. We launched Saturday morning at 9:00 from the Byron canoe launch (Byron High School Ball Fields) and paddled downstream about 18 miles.
Once again, the Shiawassee did not disappoint. The flow was good and the river was clear — thanks to the Friends of the Shiawassee River.
Thank you to our new friend Amy Druryfor joining us and taking pictures! It’s such a wonderful experience being on the Shiawassee. The people you meet, their passion for the river, and their dedication to its conservation and educating others about it is something every community in Michigan should take note of. This is a special river and a special group of people, and it shows.
I’m so thankful we get to paddle it. Looking forward to the next trip!
Special thanks to Gary Velazquez for always being such a gracious host and leading us on this trip again.
Great trip! 🙌

Thank you to the Friends of The Shiawassee river!!!
#WestMichiganKayakingClub #ShiawasseeRiver #MichiganKayaking #PureMichigan

reddit.com
u/JournalistStreet8064 — 2 months ago
▲ 1 r/WestMichigankayakingc

Darcy Gaechter: Amazon Woman — The First Female Kayaker to Paddle the Amazon River from Source to Sea

The Kayakers Journal
Exploring the people, expeditions, and defining moments that have shaped the history of kayaking, canoeing, and paddle sports around the world.
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.

A Legend Is Born on the World’s Greatest River
"Some rivers challenge your skills. The Amazon challenges your entire spirit."
Few rivers on Earth capture the imagination like the Amazon. Stretching thousands of miles through some of the most remote and untouched wilderness on the planet, the Amazon has always represented the ultimate challenge for explorers and paddlers.
In 2013, Darcy Gaechter made history by becoming the first female kayaker to paddle the entire Amazon River from source to sea.
Her incredible expedition covered approximately 4,300 miles, beginning at the river’s origins high in the Andes Mountains of Peru and continuing all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The journey took 148 days and carried her through some of the most remote, dangerous, and demanding sections of the Amazon River system.

The Ultimate River Expedition
The Amazon is more than a river. It is a living wilderness filled with powerful currents, towering rainforest, unpredictable weather, and countless challenges.
From the high-altitude mountain streams near the river’s source to the massive jungle waterways of the lower Amazon, Darcy Gaechter faced a journey that tested every aspect of expedition kayaking.
The expedition required:
Extreme physical endurance
Advanced whitewater kayaking skills
Navigation through remote wilderness
Adaptability to changing river conditions
Mental strength through months of isolation and uncertainty
Each day brought new challenges, but every mile moved her closer to completing one of the greatest river journeys in history.

Breaking Barriers in Adventure Kayaking
Darcy Gaechter’s achievement was about more than completing a record-setting expedition.
It represented a major moment in the history of women in adventure sports.
For decades, some of the world’s most famous river expeditions were led by male explorers. Gaechter’s Amazon journey demonstrated that determination, preparation, and passion—not gender—define the ability to take on the world’s greatest challenges.
Her accomplishment continues to inspire paddlers around the world to push beyond their comfort zones and pursue adventures once thought impossible.

Following the Path of River Legends
The Amazon has long been considered one of the ultimate proving grounds for expedition paddlers.
Earlier explorers, including Piotr Chmielinski, who became the first person to kayak the entire Amazon from source to sea, helped establish the river’s place in expedition history.
Darcy Gaechter added a powerful new chapter to that legacy by becoming the first woman to complete the same incredible journey.
These expeditions remind us that exploration is not just about distance traveled—it is about courage, curiosity, and the willingness to venture into the unknown.

The Spirit of Adventure Lives On
The story of Darcy Gaechter reminds every paddler why we explore.
Whether it is a month-long expedition through a remote wilderness river or a weekend paddle on a local waterway, every adventure begins with the same decision:
Pick up the paddle and discover what lies beyond the next bend.

Join the Adventure
The West Michigan Kayaking Club shares the same passion for exploration, adventure, and protecting the waterways we love.
From local river trips to outdoor adventures across Michigan, the club brings together paddlers who believe in building community and experiencing the outdoors.
West Michigan Kayaking Club
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
🌎 Website:
https://www.westmichigankayakingclub.online
📘 Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EyCJdDPEo/?mibextid=wwXIfr

u/JournalistStreet8064 — 2 months ago
▲ 2 r/WestMichigankayakingc

Traci Lynn Martin: The Woman Who Redefined Great Lakes Expedition Kayaking

A Journey of Courage, Endurance, and the Spirit of Adventure
By Brad De Young
The Kayakers Journal
West Michigan Kayaking Club
Exploring the people, expeditions, and defining moments that have shaped the history of kayaking, canoeing, and paddle sports around the world.

Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
The Great Lakes are often called inland seas—and for good reason. Their massive size, unpredictable weather, powerful currents, and remote shorelines have challenged sailors, explorers, and paddlers for generations.
Among those who have answered the call of these waters is one of the most remarkable expedition paddlers of our time: Traci Lynn Martin.
Her journey across the Great Lakes was not simply a test of physical endurance. It was a mission built on determination, resilience, and a belief that adventure does not have an expiration date. 

A Record-Breaking Great Lakes Adventure
In 2017, Traci Lynn Martin set out on an extraordinary expedition to circumnavigate the Great Lakes by kayak. Launching from Port Huron, Michigan, she began a journey that would take her around some of the largest freshwater bodies on Earth. 
Her route included Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior, and on October 15, 2017, Martin became the first known person to circumnavigate those three Great Lakes in a single calendar year. 
The expedition covered thousands of miles through some of the most challenging paddling environments in North America. She battled cold temperatures, high winds, remote shorelines, and the isolation that comes with long-distance solo expeditions. 
For many paddlers, a journey of this scale would be a once-in-a-lifetime dream. For Martin, it became a statement about what is possible.

More Than Miles on the Water
What makes Traci Lynn Martin’s story especially inspiring is that her expedition was never only about records.
Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2010, Martin used kayaking as a way to challenge expectations and inspire others facing their own obstacles. Her message was simple: keep pursuing the things that bring purpose, passion, and adventure into your life. (Expedition Kayak)
She showed that limitations do not always define what we can accomplish.
The shoreline, the waves, and the miles became part of a larger story—a story about perseverance.

The Great Lakes: A True Expedition Environment
For paddlers throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region, Martin’s expedition represents the very essence of adventure kayaking.
These waters demand respect.
Lake Superior’s wilderness coastline, Lake Michigan’s open-water crossings, and Lake Huron’s changing conditions have challenged generations of explorers. The Great Lakes are beautiful, but they are powerful and unforgiving.
Every paddler who ventures onto these waters becomes part of a larger tradition—one built by those willing to push beyond the familiar shoreline.

A Legacy That Inspires Future Paddlers
Traci Lynn Martin’s journey reminds us that expedition kayaking is not just about distance. It is about discovery.
It is about waking up on a remote shoreline, watching the sunrise over endless water, and continuing forward when the conditions become difficult.
Her story belongs among the great adventures in paddling history because it represents something every kayaker understands:
The greatest journeys begin with the decision to launch.

Join the Adventure
The West Michigan Kayaking Club celebrates the explorers, waterways, and outdoor communities that keep the spirit of paddling alive.
Whether you are a seasoned expedition paddler or someone taking your first trip down a local river, there is always another shoreline to discover.
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
Visit the West Michigan Kayaking Club:
https://www.westmichigankayakingclub.online
Join the conversation on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EyCJdDPEo/?mibextid=wwXIfr

 

u/JournalistStreet8064 — 2 months ago
▲ 1 r/WestMichigankayakingc

Quote

When people join the West Michigan Kayaking Club, they're not just joining a paddling group—they're becoming part of a community dedicated to adventure, education, conservation, and friendship. We believe every river has a story, every paddle creates a memory, and every person we introduce to the outdoors becomes another voice for protecting the places we all love. That's the legacy we're building together."
— Brad De Young, Co-Founder, West Michigan Kayaking Club

reddit.com
u/JournalistStreet8064 — 2 months ago