Welcome to the Michigan "Places to Paddle" Archive Part 1

Todd Ortonville
Designer
Male
State or Province: Michigan
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: Michigamme River in the U.P. Witbeck rapids are a lot of fun. One of the longer stretches of rapids in Michigan and full of boulders. Also very scenic, lots of deer,ducks and decent fishing for pike and smallmouth bass in addition to trout. Shallow in July-September. Navigable but may hit bottom. Reccomend spring time higher water, bring bug juice or net.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Clinton, Flint, Sturgeon, Betsie Rivers. Saginaw Bay Islands - North, Heisterman, The Middle Grounds.
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Perception Acadia Expedition, A great all purpose boat, small enough for creekin and can still hold enough gear for a 3 day trip on a bigger lake.
Other comments: I like one of the other contributors comments about picking up trash. Sometimes I carry a bag just for this purpose. Also on less traveled rivers, take a small treesaw and cut a little clearing in the jogjams, the next one down will appreciate it, maybe you.
(Optional) Your e-mail address: None

Charles Milwaukee
Psychotherapist
Male
State or Province: WI
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: I like to take the car ferry with just my kayak (no car) to Ludington and then paddle north to the State Park for an overnight, then continue along the national forest shoreline south of Manistee. The rangers have been helpful, and travelling by kayak means easy access for camping. It's free if you arrive by kayak, as it is in Wisconsin state parks, by self-propelled boat or bike. I use a collapsible cart to find a launch site in Ludington, though I used to just put in on rocks near the piling
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Pentwater area, for warm and quiet or surf conditions
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Current Designs Solstice GTS, High Volume
Other comments: Come to Wisconsin. Active paddlers group in Milwaukee. Write John at wildernessconnection.com
(Optional) Your e-mail address: None

byron doty Mt. Pleasant
Middle School Coordinator
Male
State or Province: MI
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: I love the coastline between Manistee and Ludington early on a sunny morning. The water is crystal clear and the beach and surrounding cliffs are beautiful. I could paddle easily all day long. But you can go ashore anytime you like for a short rest. You have to be careful not to linger because you could be considered treaspassers. Good lick.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Hamlin Lake on the west side starting at the State Park. Also, there are many inland lakes along highway 17 that goes around Lake Superior. If you can't get out on the big lake, which is great in and of itself, try the inland lakes. Very relaxing. Also, I enjoyed Hatties Cove on the northeastern shore of Lake Superior. Give it a try, you'll like it
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? I currently have a Manteo but am in the market for a Prijon Sea Yak.
Other comments: None
(Optional) Your e-mail address: bdoty@edzone.net

Howard Rice Kolonia, Pohnpei
Professor
Male
State or Province: Micronesia
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: Straits of Mackinac near round island and Mackinac island. Fantastic camping, ship watching and a great cup of java on mackinac island when the rain comes.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: high island, Garden island in the Beaver island chain. Remote and beautiful.
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Klepper Aerius 1 and 11-Aquaterra Sea Lion.
Other comments: Be brave cut your teeth in the Great lakes and then try a remote pacific island. The paddling here on Pohnpei is awesome.
(Optional) Your e-mail address: hrice@mail.fm

Dave Stanwood
Asst. Quality Manager
Male
State or Province: MI
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: The Little Muskegon river in Rustford The trip is a four hour float with one or two easy portages. It is mostly sucluded and you can feel very alone.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Muskegon River from Hersey down to Big Rapids.
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Old Town Guide 16'
Other comments: There are plenty of good river runs in the middle of the state.
(Optional) Your e-mail address: turbo-husky@centurytel.net

Brian Rosa Fenton
Composting Consultant (Backyard & Worm
Male
State or Province: MI
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: So far my wife,son and I have paddled several local lakes and streams (Seven Lakes State Park,Pine Lake, Shiawasseee River).Last June Amy and I paddled the Platte River out to Lake Michigan along the Sleeping Bear Dunes. We had perfect weather and water. I would recommend this trip. Also, my son and I did the AuSable River out of Mio. This was a memorable trip, early June and the peak of the May Fly hatch. We shared the water with hundreds of fly fisherpeople and millions of Mayflies. The trou
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: None
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Carolina by Perception
Other comments: Looking for any classes on Sea Kayaking in the SE Michigan area.
(Optional) Your e-mail address: escsrvs@aol.com

Dave Fair Haven
Illustrator
Male
State or Province: MI
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: North Lake St. Clair, its connecting rivers and islands.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Drummond island, Flint and Clinton rivers.
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Perception Acadia Expedition, currently building Nick Schades Expedition Single cedar stripper.
Other comments: Looking for local paddle partners. Live in Fair Haven on the water, love to kayak camp and fish.
(Optional) Your e-mail address: dcolant@craft-line.com

Jim Noud Brighton
letter carrier
Male
State or Province: MI
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: Sturgeon River (lower peninsula)
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: None
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Necky Gannet
Other comments: The Sturgeon is one of the most challenging rivers in the lower peninsula, and each year more kayakers are finding out about this jewel. Narrow, fast with numerous hairpin type bends, you can usually expect to encounter downed trees which may require a short portage. Rentals are available in both Wolverine and Indian River, but are Old Town 9 foot models which I have tried out when taking a friend, and can't compare to the gannet I purchased. The many access point at the bridges from Wolverine
(Optional) Your e-mail address: jnoud@tir.com

Jeff Lake Orion
catia designer
Male
State or Province: Michigan
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: I've only been kayaking for 6 months so the only place I've gone so far has been the clinton river which is supriseingly very enjoyable. It actually has a few little areas of small rapids. There's a canoe/kayak livery @ 22mile/ryan rd (next to the Hayloft bar)were you can rent your boat. The best trips are west of Rochester (watch out for yates dam).
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: AuSable river in Grayling & downstream in Alcona Co. near Glennie. I would also like to check out St. Johns Marsh area of Anchor Bay & also some of the small lakes here in the Lake Orion area.
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Stearns inflatable
Other comments: Would love to meet a female in the metro Detroit area thats interested in kayaking/canoeing
(Optional) Your e-mail address: JRGofLO@aol.com

Kevin Milan Tempe
Flight Attendant
Male
State or Province: AZ
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: The Les Cheneaux Islands are a network of 20 or so islands in the Hessel-Cedarville area of Michigan's upper where you can paddle and view historic residences and boats from the bygone days of the 20's, 30's and 40's! Beautiful inlets and waterways to rest, relax and enjoy. Another one of the best-kept Michigan secrets.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: None
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Prijon SeaYak Old Town 160T 16' Cedar-Strip Kit Kayak
Other comments: I was born and raised in Michigan. Although I have only been kayaking for a relatively short time (2years). It is a tremendous sport and I have several trips already on the board (Lake Powell in AZ/UT and Prince Wiliams Sound in AK). Of course, working for an airline helps.
(Optional) Your e-mail address: kbmilan@juno.com

Kevin Troy
Java Programmer/Tech Specialist
Male
State or Province: MI
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: The best so far has been Lake St. Clair off the tip of Harsen's Island. I'm more of a "big-water" guy than a protected inland lake paddler, but most of the people I've gone with prefer inland lakes. I also enjoy running rivers if I have the right boat.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Au Sable mainstream when the "party-canoeist" factor is down, as well as the Manistique river in the U.P. between Germfask and Manistique preferable late summer or early fall.
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Perception Carolina, Expedition equipped with rudder.
Other comments: Also looking for someone to day-trip St. Clair Flats or Anchor Bay, also a run of the St. Clair river might be fun. Checkout http://thekayakstore.com if you're looking to have the best and most personal kayak or gear purchase experience around. Every day is a demo day.
(Optional) Your e-mail address: glkayak@virtualfusion.com

Bonnie Craig Eastport
Retired
Female
State or Province: Mi
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: The chain of lakes from Six Mile Lake to Bellaire, also the Grass River Natural Area, from Bellaire to Clam Lake.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Jordan River
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? EddyLine Merlin XT and a Pungo for the shallow rivers
Other comments: None
(Optional) Your e-mail address: None

Jason Kladiva Grand Haven
Quality Standards Auditor
Male
State or Province: MI
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: The Grand River going into Lake Michigan. At times there are 6-8 foot waves between the two light houses and it can get exciting.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Anywhere on Lake Michigan. I love the wide open water of the big lake.
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Current Designs Solstice GT High Volume (17'), fiberglass
Other comments: I'm looking to join up with more folks in the area for some good, old- fashioned paddlin'.
(Optional) Your e-mail address: riverrat@richmondhowitzers.com

Michael Edelman Huntington Woods
Systems Analyst/Writer
Male
State or Province: MI
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: For a quick evening paddle, I love the Huron River around Ann Arbor, particularly between Delhi Metro Park and Barton Dam.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Fair Haven is nice except for the lake lice. For a weekend or week trip, the Manitous. And I'm anxious to get back to Isle Royale.
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Klepper Aerius II, Folbot Aleut
Other comments: See my web page at http://www.mich.com/~mje/kayak.html
(Optional) Your e-mail address: None

Doug Hill Traverse City
Outdoor Retail
Male
State or Province: MI
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: Pictured Rocks and Grand Island.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: North and South Manitou Islands.
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Wilderness Systems Epic the best plastic boat ever made(of course that is only my opinion)
Other comments: If you love our lakes and streams, do something to help them, while you are out paddling. Just pick-up some trash. It's a sad thing but there is way to much garbage in the water out there...
(Optional) Your e-mail address: Yakmstr17@aol.com

Kris Detroit
Musician
Male
State or Province: MI
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: For the whitewater nuts that are stuck in Michigan there is hope. When there is any significant amount of rain a great play hole on the Clinton river develops in Rochester underneath the Rochester Rd (Main St) bridge. Also, approximately 1/2 mile downstream a nice long glassy wave forms near the railroad bridge. There are many other little waves and pushy eddie lines along the Clinton in Rochester/Utica.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: My pool
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Dagger RPM
Other comments: Oh yeah, don't swallow any of the water from the Clinton River, and take a shower as soon as possible after boating there. ha
(Optional) Your e-mail address: GhetoBotr@aol.com

Cindi Doty Mt. Pleasant
Female
State or Province: None
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: Put in at the city park in Manistee, about a 300 yard carry but sandy and nice. We ventured out on a day when the water was like a mirror and headed south towards Ludington. All we saw were cliffs and beach for the distance we paddled. The water was crystal clear and as we stayed near the shore line we enjoyed the scenary. A beautiful paddle where you can choose your legnth of time. Since we were on a time crunch we only paddled an hour and enjoyed every second.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Martiny Floodings, Yankee Springs, Lake Superior
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Wilderness systems Manteo...looking to buy a more Lake Superior adequate kayak. Manteo is GREAT for stability, can load quite a lot and tracks quite well.
Other comments: The WMKCA symposium is well worth attending if you ever have the chance. It was our first time this year and we learned SO MUCH!
(Optional) Your e-mail address: c.doty@gte.net

Cindi Doty Mt. Pleasant
Female
State or Province: None
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: Put in at the city park in Manistee, about a 300 yard carry but sandy and nice. We ventured out on a day when the water was like a mirror and headed south towards Ludington. All we saw was cliffs and beach for the distance we paddled. The water was crystal clear and as we stayed near the shore line we enjoyed the scenary. A beautiful paddle where you can choose your legnth of time. Since we were on a time crunch we only paddled an hour and enjoyed every second.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Martiny Floodings, Yankee Springs, Lake Superior
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Wilderness systems Manteo...looking to buy a more Lake Superior adequate kayak. Manteo is GREAT for stability, can load quite a lot and tracks quite well.
Other comments: The WMKCA symposium is well worth attending if you ever have the chance. It was our first time this year and we learned SO MUCH!
(Optional) Your e-mail address: None

Jeanne Turner Algonac
mother/wife
Female
State or Province: Michigan
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: The Swan Creek in Fair Haven is a beautiful two hour nature paradise.You can portage at the only bridge in downtown then take the creek full circle leading to the beautiful Anchor bay on lake St. Clair.It's located between New Baltimore and Marine City.South of port huron.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Anywhere in the St.Clair flats.You can paddle and camp for weeks with-out seeing another soul.
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Old Town Loon
Other comments: If there are any other fellow kyakers in the st. Clair Michigan area that enjoy day trips let me know. I would enjoy the feed back.
(Optional) Your e-mail address: Jeanneturner@aiis.net

Jeanne Turner Algonac
mother/wife
Female
State or Province: Michigan
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: The Swan Creek in Fair Haven is a beautiful two hour nature paradise.You can portage at the only bridge in downtown then take the creek full circle leading to the beautiful Anchor bay on lake St. Clair.It's located between New Baltimore and Marine City.South of port huron.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Anywhere in the St.Clair flats.You can paddle and camp for weeks with-out seeing another soul.
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Old Town Loon
Other comments: If there are any other fellow kyakers in the st. Clair Michigan area that enjoy day trips let me know. I would enjoy the feed back.
(Optional) Your e-mail address: Jeanneturner@aiis.net

Bentley Whitman Petoskey
Sales Rep.
Male
State or Province: MI
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the best trip I've taken to date. Rough, challenging waters, beautiful scenery, and one of the most beautiful spots in the U.P. make this a paddling mecca!
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Little Traverse Bay (every week) Isle Royale National Park (September 1999) Le Cheneaux Islands
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Betsie Bay Recluse
Other comments: Die-hard Inuit paddler (personally converted by Al Anderson!). Would love to talk with others who have experience in this style of kayaking!
(Optional) Your e-mail address: bentley@freeway.net

Dan Salveta Rapid City
carpenter
Male
State or Province: Mi.
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: Gurnsey Lake,it's real small with four interconnected ponds accessible by kayak or canoe,lots of turtles eveywhere!fish too, and birds nesting everywhere!(do not disturb)
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: can't wait to get into L. superior and L. michigan
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? 17' current designs storm
Other comments: I,m single and 44yo. looking for friends into touring some islands,camping along the way etc. I'm just a beginner but I learn fast. I am an expert downhill skier, experienced backpacker ,climber,canoist,winter camper.
(Optional) Your e-mail address: dcw@torchlake.com

Cindi Mt. Pleasant
Female
State or Province: None
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: A great place to paddle is the pathway from Gun Lake to Lake Chief Noonday.. Southwest of Hastings-- Yankee Springs Takes you through a marshland (cattail area) into two other small lakes with a short portage and a couple of waterway connections. About a three hour round trip. Head out at State Park campground on Gun Lake. Quiet enjoyable with ducks, geese, muskrats, turtles and ....yuck, one dead floating deer :P The rest was really nice. Took the trip April 1st! 80 degrees!!!!
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Pictured Rocks, Martiny flooding (mid-west Michigan)
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? Wilderness Manteo
Other comments: Has anyone paddled the Platte River to Lake Michigan...is it an easy up stream trip to go back? Anyone paddled Seney Wildlife Area? If so any "highlights?"
(Optional) Your e-mail address: c.doty@gte.net

Kalu - lost in MI -HELP!! just arrived from Katmandu
white water rafting guide/safety kayake
Male
State or Province: Nepal
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: I just moved to Grand Rapids and am interested in the biggest fastest water I can find! I didn't bring my kayak, but plan to get one soon.Also looking for a job in the field.
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: Can anyone help???? I've been kayaking and white water rafting on some of the biggest rivers in the world-in Nepal- since I was 12. I just moved to Grand Rapids MI. and I'm having white water withdrawals!! I'm open to any suggestions, and would love some more input !! I am unfortunately NOT working in my field of expertise due to lack of knowledge and information on the area. Please send me an email !!
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? None
Other comments: If anyone could steer me in the right direction as far as possible job opportunities for the summer, it would be greatly appreciated !!
(Optional) Your e-mail address: bonfrommi@aol.com or kelly_bonnie@hotmail.com

Chris Jarvis Detroit
Marketing Director
Male
State or Province: MI
Describe your favorite Michigan paddling location: I would have to say that the Ontanogon is one of the best rivers to canoe in Michigan. I found that this river provides the rush every thrill seaker is looking for in a river. I was unable to attempt the river in early spring when the water is moving the fastest. I realized that this river was not for the weak hearted when I saw aluminum canoes wrapped and mashed agianst giant rocks through out the river. The grade of this river is so steep you can actually look down the river. It i
Other favorite Michigan-area paddling locations: None
What type/brand/model boat do you paddle? None
Other comments: None
(Optional) Your e-mail address: Jarvodo1@aol.com