Greetings from the President
Welcome to summer in Michigan! We have many local trips, and some not so local, planned for the summer. Locally we’re paddling our way down the middle section of the Grand River over several one-day trips. One of the not so local trips is paddling on Lake Michigan near Fisherman’s Island State Park in Charlevoix County. Other activities will be posted when trip leaders are available. You can see the entire list on the LOAPC blog. Signup is on Meetup.
On Tuesday June 20 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Jaycee Park in Grand Ledge on the Grand River the Grand Ledge Area District Library is hosting “Paddle On! Intro to Paddle Sports in Mid-Michigan.” LOAPC will present kayak paddling and safety on the water. Presentations will also be made by folks from Michigan Sea Grant and the Lansing Coast Guard Auxiliary. A local kayak rental business will be onsite for those who want to get on the water after the program.
The Michigan Waterways Stewards with Mike Stout are planning clean-ups on the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers. They are working with the City of Lansing and local Rotary Clubs to keep these rivers clean and clear. Clean-ups are planned for June 8, 9, and 10 and September 22. Sign up on the website.
The Friends of the Looking Glass River have posted pictures of their successful May Cleanup on Facebook: Friends of the Looking Glass River | Facebook This year’s summer cleanup float is scheduled for July 16: Summer River Clean Up Float – July 2023. The Fall cleanup float is scheduled for August 27: Fall River Clean Up Float – August 2023.
At the North Lake Lansing Boat Launch rocks for erosion control were installed where paddlers have historically launched their canoes and kayaks. The rocks make it difficult to launch safely at the old location. LOAPC met with Coe Emons, Ingham County Parks Department, to discuss a solution for paddlers launching at the boat launch. The discussion ended with the Parks Department committing to installing flexible matting east of the boat launch for canoes and kayaks to access the water. It’s unknown when the matting will be installed.
– Jay Hanks
Cedar River Trip Report
In May, we went to Leelanau County, to paddle the Cedar River and Cedar Lake. Saturday’s paddle was on the Cedar River. This is a small stream that flows through the town of Cedar and Solon Swamp, out to Lake Leelanau. The club has paddled this bit of water several times in the past and enjoyed it immensely. The land on either side is owned by the Leelanau Conservancy, which is dedicated to protecting pristine and remarkable properties throughout Leelanau County. The paddle was an out-and-back trip. The current on the river is barely negligible, which makes the return trip almost as easy as the downstream part. Along the way we spotted a sandhill crane on her nest. She was very vocal about our intrusion, and we tried to appease her on the way back by paddling single file on the opposite side of the river. After paddling we had a late lunch at the Cedar Tavern. I’m glad to report that nobody walked away hungry.
On Sunday we paddled a lap around Cedar Lake, a small lake just north of Traverse City in the Greilickville neighborhood. This lake is about 1.5 miles long, and about 250 yards wide at the narrowest point. We also paddled down Cedar Creek, through which the lake drains into West Grand Traverse Bay. It’s a narrow stream, just wide enough to thread kayaks through single file, or sometimes 2 abreast. This also has a very slow current. The entire outing was perhaps 2 hours and made for a pleasant time on the water before people headed back to Lansing and the real world.
One special feature of the trip was a chance to see LOAPC member Kathleen. She and her husband moved to the Traverse City area a few years ago. She is active in the Traverse Area Paddle Club and told me about some interesting places to paddle in the area. Yes, that’s a hint about upcoming trips – stay tuned to the LOAPC calendar and newsletter!
Next up – we are paddling the Chain o’ Lakes in Antrim County. The details are in Meetup, and spaces are available. Come out for an enjoyable time!
– Tony Kuhlman, Recreation Committee Co-Chair
(Photo by Cynthia Donovan)
Risk Management – Deciding to Launch
Condensed from “Economics of Decision Making’” by Aras Kriauciunas (Sidebar in “Sea Kayaker More Deep Trouble”)
Do I launch today? That is a question that we all face every time we put a boat in the water. Let’s say that I have carefully hoarded vacation time, saved the money, and have driven 400 miles to the put in. Should that be a part of my decision to head out today? Well, economics would say NO, those are sunk costs and should not affect your decision to launch.
How do I make the decision to launch? Consider the relationship of how much you will enjoy the activity (potential value) to the downsides of paddling today (perceived risk). Then compare this perceived value to what else you might be doing on the trip.
An example: You have planned to paddle the Sleeping Bear shore on Lake Michigan with a small group in August. You have taken a long weekend, paid for a campsite, and arrived at the shore to find the weather is windy and rainy. You wake to 15-20 mph winds from the northwest with gusts to 30 mph, cloudy, air temperatures are 50 degrees rising to 65 degrees with occasional showers. Water temperatures have dropped to the low 50s. Does the group launch?
Consider the value and risk of the trip, and options for the group of paddlers on the trip. The goal is to have a safe and fun trip. Below are two options for the day depending on the experience level of the group.
Very Experienced Group of Paddlers
- Value – The value of a trip in these conditions is high for the group as this is the type of paddle they live for.
- Risk – The risk will be moderate as the winds are on-shore. The group has dry suits and helmets, and they have the skills for the environment.
- What are the options if you don’t paddle this shore. – Find an inland lake that is more protected from the wind, hike local trails, or visit local wineries.
- Decision – Possible launch today after careful consideration of conditions and potential changes in weather.
Less Experienced Group of Paddlers
- Value – The value of the trip for this group is low to moderate as they are more comfortable in calmer and warmer waters.
- Risk – The risk is high even with on-shore winds. Not all the group will be wearing dry suits and helmets, and they do not have the skills for these conditions. The paddlers have not been evaluated by an expert in rolls, rescues, or recoveries in these conditions.
- What are the options if you don’t paddle this shore. – Find an inland lake that is more protected from the wind, hike local trails, or visit local wineries.
- Decision – No launch today. A hike and the wineries sound like a great option.
Remember, Launches are Optional, Safe Landings are Mandatory!
– Rich Bailey
Sea kayaks on big water. Photo by Pamela Beauchamp.
Copyright © 2023 Lansing Oar and Paddle Club, All rights reserved.
LOAPC blog 