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DC-
A DESTINATION FOR KAYAKERS
With it's warm, calm waters of Green Bay, dotting of islands and
a myriad of environments to paddle in, it's easy to see why Door County has become a prominent Midwest kayaking
destination.
Door County has placid bays on the Green Bay side that are almost always semi-calm.
For that matter, head over to Lake Michigan during a strong West wind, and, voilà, calm waters. The fact that you can almost always find calm, warm water
is a heady reason to paddle in Door County. With minimal common sense, paddling is ultra-safe.
On the other side, if you seek self annhilation, try the dumping waves at Jacksonport in rough seas. It can be
hard to judge exactly where the waves will break, but when they do, expect a 100,00 gallon foaming, dumping rush. WARNING:
You do need to exercise EXTREME caution in Jacksonport. Paddling is extremely dangerous here in large waves!!
From beginner to expert thrill seeker, Door County is THE place to kayak.
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DOOR
COUNTY KAYAK GEAR AND GUIDES
There are a number of sensational
tour companies and guides if you feel inclined. Utilizing a guide, even if you're skilled, is a good
way to learn local kayak knowledge quickly. Choose from private tours and lessons
of any length to overight and week long trips. If on a budget,
try a reasonably priced group tour. There is an excellent choice of boats and gear when in DC. In fact, many
visitors end up heading home with one more friend up top: top of the car, that is- friend being YAK.
KAYAK
ROUTES
Are you an experienced paddler?? Plan your route with help from the guides to the right.
If you have any hesitation about the routes, take a guided tour. Summer conditions are usually on the calm side, however if you're paddling
ax open water you should have the ability to do the paddle in rough seas should conditions rapidly change.
You also MUST know self rescues. ...routes
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Top Ten Reasons to Paddle Lake Michigan By Margaret Carroll
Veteran Door County paddlers have an ongoing debate.
Which offers better paddling, Lake Michigan or Green Bay? What follows is my totally biased, extremely amateur and
essentially flawed logic regarding the virtues of paddling Lake Michigan over Green Bay. I welcome those
of you from the Bay side who question my preferences to respond in kind. Of course, you are wrong.
But I say, bring it on…
1)
Clear, (usually) clean cold water
2) More silent sports enthusiasts
3)
Calm waters
4) Hard-core waves to surf
5)
Safe and well-marked access points
6) Two, count em, two State Parks devoid of
hordes of people
7) More diverse wildlife
8)
Moonlight Bay
9) No jet skis
10) I repeat:
no jet skis
There you have it. Yes, I know there are more State Parks on the Bay side, and yes, I have seen some green gunge in Lake
Michigan recently, and yes, one or two jet skiers might have crossed Highway 57. The water is cold, but
hey, kayaking is not a sport for wimps. Maybe the bathtub is the only place for those who don’t want to get a little
wet and a little cold… Dropping your boat on your toe promotes character, and we are a tough lot. Ever
wonder why the Polar Bear swim is held in Jacksonport and not Ephraim? Because we can take it!
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