This program is designed to provide an opportunity for beginners to explore overnight kayak touring without a big financial or time committment. Spend two days paddling and camping along a gentle flooding area on the Manistee River. Not only will you learn the basic strokes, safety skills and group rescues, you will also learn how to pack and outfit yourself for a kayak camping trip. You may encounter otters, eagles, deer and all sorts of aquatic life. If you are interested in fishing, bring a rod for the numerous Smallmouth Bass that you are likely to encounter. So, you'll get some instruction, lots of wildlife viewing opportunities, a nice comfortable backcountry camping experience all in a weekend trip not too far from home! All you have to bring is your clothes, a sleeping bag and ground pad... they provide new touring/sea kayaks, tents, group and safety gear, camping fees, instructor/guides and great meals that redefine the notion of "eating out".
Trip Details
Duration
3 Days
Location
Manistee River
Season
Upon Request
Trip Type
Lake Kayaking
Nearest City
Brethren, MI
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Michigan, United States
Distance Traveled
About 10 Miles
Minimum Age Limit
14
Paddling Skill Level Required
Beginner to Intermediate
Fully Guided
Yes
Guest Capacity
6
Kayaks Supplied
Yes
Kayak Brands
Wilderness Systems, Dagger
Accommodations
Camping
Showers Available
Solar
Dining
Gourmet Backcountry Meals Provided
Rates
$295.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
Cost includes professional guide/instructor, camping fees kayaking equipment (boat, paddle, PFD, skirt) and some very fine meals. Please call if you have special diet requirements. You are more than welcome to bring your own touring kayak if you have one and they'll be happy to help you learn to get the most out of it.
A $150 deposit is required to hold your space. Reservation fees are refundable until 30 days before the trip. The balance is also due 30 days prior to departure. Space is limited to six, so plan ahead.
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Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Meet between 6:00-8:00pm at the Tippy Dam Campground near Brethren, MI. Dinner on your own this night. Get acquainted, learn to pack dry bags and settle into tents for the night.
Day 2: Break camp after a hearty breakfast and begin a basic paddling skills workshop. Head up upriver (almost no current) past islands for a riverside campsite and cookout. Perhaps take an evening paddle after dinner as things quiet down... listen for loonsong and the occasional coyote.
Day 3: After a fine Sunday breakfast, hit the water for a rescue skills practice and explore up river a bit further before breaking camp and coasting back to the parking area around 4:00pm for your drive home.
Notes
Brethren is located along High Bridge Road, ten minutes North of M55 due west of Cadillac. Budget four hours from Detroit or Chicago, 2.5 from Lansing or Grand Rapids.
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