STRAITS OF MACKINAC

September 23 – 24, 2023 | Mackinaw City, MI

The Straits area offers multiple amazing paddling opportunities. There are options for open-water crossings under the Mackinac Bridge or across to Mackinac Island. Wilderness Point and the nearby Dark Sky Park offer great environments for developing skills.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Our low student-coach ratios allow us to embrace the environment offering challenges that are accessible and fun. Some skills we might focus on include, boat handling in conditions, open-water crossings, core stroke refinement, leadership, and rescues.

September 23 – 24, 2023 | $350

There are several paddling options available in the area of the Straits. In addition to the group goals and desired outcomes, we will determine the plan for the weekend based on the current conditions of wind, waves, and weather. There are options to cross the Straits under the Mackinac Bridge, paddle out to Mackinac Island for circumnavigation, surf, or explore Wilderness Point and the nearby Dark Sky Park.

Lodging and food are on your own.

What to Expect

We provide low-ratio professional coaching and access to demo boats and demo paddles. On this weekend trip, lodging and food are on your own. Camping is available at nearby Wilderness State Park. Multiple hotel options exist on both sides of the bridge. Launch sites will be determined based on wind, waves, and weather forecasts. Be ready to meet Saturday morning. The trip will begin with a group discussion of goals and aspirations and day one on the water is typically a warm-up and skills benchmarking day. The remainder of the trip will take the best advantage of the environment and engage in a collaborative learning experience.

As the trip gets closer keep an eye out for an email with more specifics and a waiver to sign. Any questions can be sent to info@thepowerofwater.net

Check out our Youtube channel for videos from previous years.

ACA Assessment

We can also include an ACA Level 3 or Level 4 Skills Assessment as part of the week.

ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayaking Skills Assessment criteria
ACA Level 4 Coastal Kayaking Skills Assessment criteria

"The coaches knew of great spots to play where the waves all crossed each other creating a cauldron. So many ways were created for fun learning and fun challenges"

"Crossing under the bridge and experiencing open-water crossing was really challenging. I loved playing in the middle with the wind and waves. The coaches were so responsive and made it an amazing learning experience. "