Why You Should Take a Guided Pictured Rocks Kayaking Tour
Kayakers enjoying a tour with Pictured Rocks KayakingHundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to take in the beauty of the park every year. Known for its towering cliffs, sea caves, waterfalls and dunes, the park is one of Michigan’s finest gems that’s nestled along Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula.
While the Pictured Rocks is a popular area to kayak, it’s essential to be aware of the risks. Unpredictable weather patterns can arise at any moment and in the event of an emergency on Lake Superior, rescue may take several hours to arrive.
Why You Need to Take a Guided Pictured Rocks Kayak Tour
Can You Kayak Pictured Rocks By Yourself?
Coast Guard helicopter rescuing kayaker from the waters of Lake Superior along the Pictured Rocks NL cliffs. Kayaker survived thanks to his wet suit and life jacket, and the fact that one of the other two swamped kayakers in the group was able to get a call out for help. PC: National Park ServiceThe short answer is no, you should not kayak Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore without a certified guide. With no accessible route off the water for 15-miles, any rise in wind and waves can pose serious challenges for those navigating the steep cliffs. Never underestimate Lake Superior, as even seasoned kayakers have fallen victim to its might.
Only the most experienced kayakers should make the attempt. Such professionals will need a sea kayak specifically for coastal paddling, one 14.5 to 18 feet long. In addition, the National Park Service requires a PFD (Life Jacket) and Whistle or Air Horn. They also recommend a wet suit, spray skirt, paddle float, bilge pump, paddle leash, and Marine Radio.
“When it went bad, it went bad fast” – The Harrowing True Story of a Rescue
However, gliding along the cliffs is an experience like no other. Fortunately, there are guided kayak tours of the Pictured Rocks offered in Munising.
How Do You Kayak Pictured Rocks Safely?
With Pictured Rocks Kayaking, a boat follows close by to ensure the safety of its passengers.With guided Pictured Rocks Kayaking tours. Pictured Rocks Kayaking is the only outfitter offered in Munising that has a kayaking-launching boat that follows guests as they paddle along the park’s magical cliffs and sea caves. Because of this, paddlers will always be within a reasonable distance of restrooms and emergency help if needed.
After exploring the best parts of the park from the water, kayakers get to enjoy a relaxing boat ride back to the mainland while admiring the stunning lakeshore.
Paddle Carefree with Pictured Rocks Kayaking
Launching tandem kayaks from Pictured Rocks ExpressWhen you kayak Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with a guide, you’ll be in experienced hand. For stability reasons, Pictured Rocks Kayaking has gone a step further and exclusively provides tandem kayaks. In the event that you’re joined by an additional group member, they’ll arrange a guide or partner to join you.
Discover the Legends of the Pictured Rocks
Kayakers paddling underneath the popular Lovers Leap archway in the Pictured RocksDuring your tour, your guide will share the history of the Pictured Rocks with you along with old tales passed down from Native Americans that explored the area for thousands of years.
Create memories with Pictured Rocks Kayaking that will last forever. Tours fill up quickly, so book yours today!