Paddle Safety
in
the
Sanctuary of
the Great Lakes
Let’s have fun!
Canoe, kayak, stand up paddleboard.
Are you using the right vessel?
We want to make sure you enjoy your adventures safely. With
the great variety of activities in the Alpena area, there is plenty
to keep you busy. When paddling through the Sanctuary of the
Great Lakes, whether it be on a river, inland lake or the big lake,
make sure you are using the right vessel to ensure the safest
possible experience. In this guide we provide an overview of
the most common types of paddle-powered personal boats
and safety tips to consider before heading out for your next
adventure.
Type of Personal Paddle Craft Most ideal use for paddling in:
River Inland Lake Lake Huron (Great Lakes)
Sea kayak X X X
Sit-on-Top Kayak X X X
Stand Up Paddleboard X X X
Recreational Kayak X X
Canoe X X
Sea Kayaks
Ideal for: Great Lakes, Ocean, large bodies of water
Activities: Viewing shallow shipwrecks in Lake Huron,
paddling long distances
Standard sea kayaks are typically long and narrow with the top being
mostly enclosed except for a small cockpit. They are built to take on big
open water (oceans, Great Lakes, etc). The key feature of a sea kayak is
that the paddler is sealed into the boat by a sprayskirt to prevent water
from splashing into the cockpit. Sea kayaks have bulkheads, or interior
“walls” that separate the bow and stern sections from the cockpit, and
create watertight “floatation” chambers. These chambers keep the
kayak from sinking even if they’re packed with gear. Sea kayaks can
fairly easily be rolled or tipped back upright if capsized (with practice).
Even if a paddler cannot get back in the kayak after dumping, the boat
can be used as a floatation support device.
Sit-on-Top Kayak
Ideal for: Great Lakes, slow moving rivers, inland lakes
Activities: Warm weather water fun, viewing shipwrecks in
Lake Huron, Thunder Bay River
Sit-on-top kayaks are tough, almost unsinkable, and inexpensive. The
maneuverability of an ordinary SOT kayak is slow, hard work and the
open design doesn't keep you warm or dry, but the great thing is if you
dump - you can easily scramble back on or use the SOT as a floatation
support device. One major drawback of the SOT is that the paddler
could be chilled by the wind if significant wave action splashes them.
A sea kayak is a safe way to view Lake Huron shipwrecks. Make your trip enjoyable and safe.
Lake Huron kayak, photo courtesy Gary Irving.
Sit-on-top kayaks are versatile and can serve as a floatation support device if the paddler flips.
PORTLAND shipwreck in Bell Bay, photo courtesy Sue Peterman.