THE POWER OF WATER

Your resource for paddling gear, instruction and adventure travel

Explore Trips Shop

Labor Day Sale:

20-30% off all in-stock 2026 boats

Email info@thepowerofwater.net with the boat you want, and we’ll take it from there.

Kayaks for SALE

Upcoming Courses

Mackinac Straits

September. 26th – 27th | register

More Info

Our Story

The idea for The Power of Water was to create a space where the power of water can be shared with as many people as possible.

Water is transforming.

Being on the water with a paddle in hand, is both relaxing and energizing, rewarding and challenging, chaotic and serene, fun and humbling. The quality of your experience is personal. By all of us sharing our skills and adventures, we can really grow the paddling community. That means getting those who would not even think of a paddle through town, out on the water. Once they see and feel the river, their minds cannot help but to be opened to what we already know.

More people experiencing the water in a positive way directly translates into more people making a difference. So come out and share with us, play with us and help us to protect the power of water.

Share Your Story

mixed crafts, canoes and sups from above on lake superior

TPOW Coach - What it Looks Like

TPOW COACHES

TPOW Coach – What it looks like.

You are probably wondering – “what is the ONE thing?” It is US and your embrace of the following:

1. Smile. Breathe. Respect yourself.

2. We will coach ALL the students in front of us they ARE. Not as we want them to be, assumed they would be, what they told us they were, or what they were yesterday. Just as they are NOW.

3. We will model, to the best of our ability, with humility and grace, both paddling skills and humaning skills.

4. We are all just paddlers, so let’s let go of the identity silos.

5. We commit to an Inclusive Welcome, teaching best practices based in curiosity and scalability, and an Intentional Debrief.

6. We will ask for help without hesitation or escape.

7. Feedback from peers and students is welcomed, not defended.

8. Our students will be engaged through joy, challenge, and trust.

9. We will evolve, change, reflect, and grow.

10. Smile. Breathe. Respect the TEAM.

“We are all ALWAYS teaching. What are you teaching right now?”

RESOURCE FOR PADDLING GEAR

Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard

photo showing the power of water kayak shop

The Power of Water, Michigan’s leading multi-discipline paddling school is based out of our retail store in downtown Lansing, MI. We are located on the Grand River with easy access to the river for demoing sea kayaks, whitewater kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards (SUP). We are proud to meet your paddlesport needs. You can find new and used boats and boards, paddle gear, and accessories. We also offer repairs on both boats and gear.

420 E Saginaw St, Lansing, MI 48906

Open Tuesday & Wednesday 12:00 – 6:00 or by appointment

SHOP

RESOURCE FOR PADDLING INSTRUCTION

Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard

Kayaking on the river with The power of Water

Our multi-discipline paddling school is based out of our retail store in downtown Lansing, MI. We offer professional coaching in both private and group settings for kayak, canoe and SUP instruction. Our course progressions help you embrace your learning goals while having fun. As part of our school we offer American Canoe Association (ACA) courses and assessments for both skills and instructors. Join us for our stand-alone classes, pool sessions in the winter or come on a multi-day adventure coached trip.

Instruction

RESOURCE FOR COACHED

ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard

Trips are built around our core philosophy of developing independent paddlers who are responsible to eachother. Build your skills and accelerate your learning in real-life conditions with multiple days of coaching. We offer Sea Kayaking, Whitewater kayaking, and SUP adventure learning trips. Each of the destinations offers a range of paddling environments so we can choose the optimal conditions for the group.

Paddle Adventure Trips

Testimonials

all the TPOW trips amazing

I find all the TPOW trips amazing. I appreciate all the individual coaches & their abilities to teach & share. The organization of each day matches my needs and allows for different challenges. TPOW is a community I enjoy being part of. Which allows me to build my skills & confidence.

-Lisa B

Kayaking has helped me stay healthy and strong, feeling joy.

Sea kayaking has transformed and enhanced my life. I already loved canoeing and canoe tripping; sea kayaking has brought me to exciting and beautiful new venues on the Great Lakes and the oceans!

I’m 76 years old now, happy and fulfilled being on the water. I began sea kayaking 6 years ago. Kayaking has helped me stay healthy and strong, feeling joy. I continue seeking out adventures on the water, hanging out with other paddlers – amazing people – who have become treasured friends

It must be noted that The Power of Water totally facilitated this transformation. TPOW provided guided instruction through a variety of means: weeklong adventure trips that incorporate learning within travel; pool sessions; online materials and instruction. The instructors are very skilled, very supportive, very good at instructing, and fun to be around. I know that TPOW is the reason I have been able to become a much more skilled and confident kayaker.

As well, TPOW facilitated us paddlers getting to know each other – we’ve become a strong community. We paddle and look out for each other, in and outside of TPOW events. Through TPOW, I’ve gained such wonderful friends. Kudos, Trey Rouss!

-Sally

No Better Instruction

“I honestly believe that you couldn’t get better instruction and service from any other kayak shop in the world! Not only has Trey been honored for his abilities, he frequently has guest instructors attend his events that are equally honored and considered the best!

"The coaching is so purposeful and impactful. I've paddled for years but learned so much I never knew I didn't know."

"Love the community"

Trey is a great coach and these events include many other wonderful coaches. I have developed many wonderful friendships and I love the community. Sea kayaking has been a great learning
experience for me and more importantly super fun!

"It's better than everything!"

"Trey creates an environment where we are held by each other. I always feel cared for and the whole group is able to support me by giving advice and encouragement. "

"TPOW will meet you where you are"

I have been to TPOW ocean skills workshops in Georgia and Florida and have enjoyed them thoroughly. When I went to my first such event I was very much a rookie to the world of sea kayaking. Care is taken to match each student to an environment and skills curriculum that is safe for them, that will advance their skills, and which they will enjoy. TPOW will meet you where you are, in terms of your existing skills and equipment, and strive to build you up from there. “Challenge by choice” is always in force – you will not be hustled into any situation you are seriously not happy about. The teaching skills of TPOW staff are high. You will be exposed to effective and innovative techniques, and be encouraged to grow your kayaking abilities at a pace you dictate. You will paddle in a group of paddlers matching your abilities, so you will experience the fun of learning together and supporting each other on the water. The group camaraderie on one of these events is always high, and welcoming of all newcomers. You will make friends.The fun and learning continues in the evening after paddling.

"It’s fun and fulfilling"

We come as we are; we learn something new everyday-challenge by choice. We learn something from watching everyone in the group. The ocean is beautiful. No one is shy if they need a day off. Being on the water seems to magically put peace and laughter into each of us. It’s fun and fulfilling. No one is in it alone. We all pitch in to make mornings and evenings, ie breakfast and dinner, a joy.

I cannot relate to you how positive I felt after the class on the way home. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with me as well as the exercises. Much appreciated.

The staff is amazing. Very knowledgeable. The kayaks are great. Classes are incredible!

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They'll take care of all your paddling needs, give honest advice and recommendations

I can’t stress enough what a wonderful place this is! They will take care of all your paddling needs, give honest advice and recommendations, and point you in the direction of resources and equipment even if they don’t offer it themselves. I bought my kayak from them and will definitely pop back in if I ever need anything else, oh and they also do river trips and lessons!

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One couple in our community approached us with the desire to pay it forward by anonymously donating a TPOW trip. They had experienced transformational change through YOU and TPOW. Now they want to give back in creating a path for others who may not be able to see the line, to encounter not just the sport, but the community and coaching. Guided by their vision to pay it forward, we have set up the Share the Experience Fund. Our goal is to provide access to learning experiences for those who might not take that step on their own.