FAQs
Listed below you can find information and
answers to your questions regarding:
1. General info about sea kayaking and our trips
2. Reservations, Deposits, Cancellation and Refund
Policies
3. Weather considerations, Lodging, and other information
4. Rentals- Kayaks, Canoes, Camping
Q.-What is the best time of the year to Kayak
in the Upper Peninsula?
A.- Anytime between May 15th and
September 30th is good but there are some differences.
In the spring the water is obviously colder and more
precautions need to be taken to guard against hypothermia
just in case one went in the water. Wet suits are
the norm and we also try to make our groups smaller
this time of year. Every year is different but around
July 15th we no longer use wet suits as the water
temperature gets above 55 degrees but they are always
available. The water stays above this threshold well
into the fall and only in very late September wet
suits again are used. In the fall and normally around
August 20th the wind picks up and can become a problem
throughout the fall period. So, the best time of the
year to kayak here is from June 15th through August
20th. Perfect weather cannot be guaranteed but the
mid summer period has the best shot at it.
Q. Where are the Pictured Rocks located,
what is the nearest town, and how far is it from major
midwestern cities?
A.- The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
which is a National Park is located between the towns
of Grand Marais and Munising on the southern shore
of Lake Superior. The National Park is 42 miles in
length and the actual area of rocks and cliffs is
about 12 miles in length. Giant dunes and wooded shoreline
make up the balance of the park. Distances in driving
times from major cities in the midwest are: Detroit
6 hrs, Chicago 7 hrs, Milwaukee 6 hrs, and Minneapolis
8 hrs.
A. - Do you accept credit cards?
Q.- Yes- Visa, Master Card, Discover,
and American Express. We prefer that you do use a
credit card and we do require one for a reservation.
However, for large groups we prefer checks or cash
or if you would like to pay cash that can be arranged.
Q. What are your minimum and maximum person
sizes for the trips?
A. Our large triple and double kayaks
can generally handle someone up close to 300 lbs.
We have take some youngsters as young as 3 in our
triple kayaks. The weather is also a consideration
on some days too. Foot size can also be important.
Normally we can handle someone that has a foot size
up to 14. Make sure to discuss these issues when you
schedule with us.
Q.- What should I wear?
A.- This depends upon the time of
year. From May 15th when we start our trips through
around the end of June the water is very cold and
wet suits are worn. We can provide a wet suit for
you. Normally a Farmer John type of 3mm is best for
kayaking. Splash jackets are also great. Do not wear
any cotton or denim material clothing because it does
not dry fast and retains water. Synthetic type clothing
is best. Bathing suit type materials and also some
type of water shoes or sandals are needed since we
often stop in rocky area for lunch. Once July rolls
around and the water temp climbs above 50 degrees
F. the wet suits become optional. Once the water temp
climbs above 60 degrees we normally do not wear wet
suits as they can cause overheating. In then late
fall (September) we often go back to wet suits because
of the cooler air even if the water temp is still
above 50 degrees.
Q.- Are we required to check in prior to meeting
you at the designated location?
A. – No you are not required
to, but we would certainly appreciate a call the day
prior sometime as it helps in our guide and equipment
planning. If you do not check in we cannot guarantee
a specific kayak for you.
Q. Do you provide outfitting equipment on
overnight trips?
A. You bet we do! Tents 2-6 man,
self inflating sleeping pads, stoves, water wurifiers,
dry bags, Cookware, mess kits, utinsels, food storage
containers, storage barrels, freeze dried meals ,
fresh fruit if requested, fire starters, trash bags,
toiletries, chairs, tables, and much more.
Q. Do you provide sleeping bags?
A. No we do not. You should have
a mummy style bag for all kayak trips.
Q.- Do you provide dry bags?
A. Yes we do. Of different sizes as well.
Q.-What time and where do we meet:
A- Pictured Rocks Day Trip: 9:30
AM EST Munising Falls Visitors Center
1505 Sand Point Road- Munising, MI
(Across Street from Hospital)
Grand Island Day Trip “Same as above”
Marquette Trips (Presque Isle) 10:00 AM EST 321
S. Lakeshore, Marquette,MI
(Our Shop at Dockside Marine) South of Large Ore Dock
In Lower Harbor
Q- Can I request a single or tandem kayak?
A.- Certainly but please do so when
you make your reservation or when you check in the
day before as we load the boats for the trip in the
morning in Marquette. Also when you check in be sure
to mention this request again.
Q. Is there a lower price if we take a tandem
kayak?
A.- NO. And here’s the reason
why. Tandem Sea Kayaks cost more than twice as much
as a single kayak plus you still need an additional
paddle and life preserver. Also, our guide to customer
ratio is often dictated by persons and their ages
and physical abilities rather than boats.
Q.- What should I look for in a good day to
paddle the Pictured Rocks regarding weather?
A.- Light Winds, waves forecasted
to be in the 0-2 range, and no thunderstorms forecasted
more frequently than a chance of (30%) by the National
Weather Service. A High Presssure over the area. Winds
from the southeast or east under 15kts are also good.
Do not go totally by what a television or radio station
says. They like to exaggerate and many people have
lost a great day of paddling by not getting a professional
weather forecast. Here is a link to the Marquette,
Michigan National Weather Service Website for Marine
Weather Forecasts: http://www.weather.gov/forecasts/wfo/sectors/mqtMarineDay.php#tabs
Q.- What if it rains?
A. We paddle in light rain. We also
paddle in fog. The major obstacles to a paddling trip
are wind and high waves, lightning, heavy rain, and
cold. Remember you are exercising as you paddle, so
it might be a little cool to start but you’ll
warm up very soon.
Q.- With regard to Thunderstorms in the forecast
when do you make a go/no go decision?
A.- If Thunderstorms are forecasted to be numerous
(70%) or likely (50%), (used by the National Weather
Service) then we do not go in the time period designated
by the forecast. If they are forecasted with a chance
of ( 30%), or a slight chance (10%) we then consult
with a national weather service meteorologist before
proceeding with the trip.
Q.- What are your deposit, charge, cancellation,
and refund policies?
A. Deposits: A 50% deposit is required
on all trips that are scheduled prior to June 15 and
on all large group reservations over 10 persons at
any time. With smaller groups (under 10) after June
15th. Just a credit card # is required to make a reservation.
Charge: Your credit card will be charged for the
balance due after 5:00 pm on the day prior to the
departure of your trip.
Cancellation: You may cancel your reservation with
no charge and have your deposit refunded ( if made)
at any time prior to 7 days prior to the date of your
trip for any reason. Large Groups (over 10) may not
cancel over 30 days prior to the scheduled date of
the trip. Minor variations in the total number of
participants is not considered a cancellation for
those individuals such as scout groups with a large
number of people.
If you cancel within 7 days of your trip a $25 per
person processing fee will be charged.
Cancellations on the day of your trip for any reason
other than the cancellation of the trip by our guides
due to weather or other reasons initiated by the company
will be charged a fee of $50 per person. No shows
will not be issued a refund of any amount.
Q.-Do I have to be experienced to join a kayaking
adventure?
A.- Most of our guests have never
been in a sea kayak before. But if you can hike, bike,
or swim, you can paddle our sea kayaks. No previous
experience is necessary! Nor do you need any swimming
skills. Anyone in average physical condition may join
a kayak tour. The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit
of curiosity and adventure. Regardless of your age
or skill level you will find that our expeditions
offer enough flexibility to make your experience with
us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea
kayaking technique and water safety before leaving
the beach. Our boats comfortably hold two paddlers
and an abundance of gear. Single kayaks are also available.
They are extremely safe and stable, yet swift and
easy to maneuver with foot-controlled rudders. Due
to their modern design and safety features, you will
never have to "Eskimo roll" or capsize!
Q. Do you take large groups such as Scouts,
Schools, Camps, Churches, and NPO's? Can
they receive a discount for a large group?
A. Yes to both questions. We can
take groups up to 40 participants in size on both
day and multi-day paddling trips. We have a standard
discount of large groups of 10%, an additional discount
of 5% for a NP group, and a further discount of 5
% if the trips are taken outside of the July 15-August
15 time period.
Q.- Are there campgrounds in the area?
A.- Closest is the Munising Tourist
Park Campground which we feel is the best in the area.
On the shores of Lake Superior just across from Grand
Island. About 2 miles west of Munising. Website is:
www.munisingtouristpark.com and phone # for a reservation
is 906-387-3145.
Q.-What about motels in the area?
A.- We recommend the Sunset Motel
on the Bay. Website: www.sunsetmotelonthebay.com Phone
# 906-387-4574. Great location, great rooms, wonderful
family. Otherwise check out the lodging section on
www.munising.org
Q.- Can I rent kayaks to go to the Pictured
Rocks?
A.- If you can document that everyone
in your group has received training in wet exits and
recoveries in sea kayaks, weather, navigation and
required safety equipment or has taken the training
from us then we will rent to you. This training must
have been received from an ACA certified instructor
and must have been completed within the last 2 years.
Explanation: The Pictured Rocks section of the Lake
Superior shoreline constitutes a 12 mile area of 200
feet cliffs that descend directly into the lake with
no beaches. As waves hit these cliffs no energy is
dissipated and returns directly to the lake only making
waves higher. If one should upset in a kayak and is
not able to get back in there is no beach to swim
to. On our guided tours we have personnel there to
help and generally if is too rough we just don’t
go anyway. If you are inexperienced the guided trip
is definitely the way to go.
Q.-Do you provide one- or two-person kayaks?
Triple kayaks?
A.-We use tandem (double) sea kayaks
and single on all of our kayak tours. Triple kayaks
are available for families with small children and
can be used to accommodate folks who can't paddle
but still want to participate on a kayaking trip.
All outfitters who put safety as the top priority
follow this policy. The reasons for using tandems
or triples are as follows:
•Speed - Length equals speed. Therefore, the
longer waterline of a tandem kayak makes it significantly
faster than a solo kayak. Our triple kayaks are even
faster! This is important when a group is faced with
crossing an exposed body of water when weather threatens.
•Stability - The extra width of a tandem kayak
provides excellent stability. You'll appreciate this
most in choppy water, and when taking pictures. The
greater stability of tandems allows us extra freedom
to travel in a greater variety of sea conditions.
•Flexibility - With tandems we have the option
to pair people of different strengths so the entire
group can move at the same pace. No one gets separated
from the group this way. Also, if someone develops
a minor injury or illness during the kayak tour, they
can get relief from paddling by being seated in a
tandem kayak. Please note that if you come with a
partner or friend, you can expect to paddle with that
person for the entire trip! The need to change partners
occurs very rarely, and usually only for a brief period
of the trip!
Q. – Do you do any trips shorter than
the 6-7 hours?
A. Yes we do trips that take around
4 hours of time at Presque Isle in Marquette. These
trips are slightly less expensive too at $99. Or we
can do a shortened Pictured Rocks trip which would
take in Miners Castle, Miners Beach, and east along
the rocks down to Shipwreck Point. This can be done
in around 4 hours but because it is a deviation from
our normal schedule we still have to charge normal
Pictured Rocks rates for it.
Q.- Do you do any private paddling trips
where only paddlers from our group go?
A. – Yes, but there is a requirement
of 4 paddlers an additional fee of $150 as we have
to use an additional guide, vehicle, and trailer.
Note: The fee only applies if there are other people
scheduled that day. Also, if you have 10 or more and
qualify as a group then there is no additional fee
either.
Q.- Do you have trips that start at a time
different than 9:30 AM?
A.- This scheduled start time applies
only to our scheduled Pictured Rocks or Grand Island
trips. So if you would like to go to the Pictured
Rocks or Grand Island at a different time and you
have 4 paddlers or more the answer is yes but there
will an additional fee of $150. If over 10 paddlers
then we waive the fee.
Any questions? Please call us at 906-228-5447
