The Northern Michigan Paddling Club is a community collaboration by the paddling enthusiasts of Northern Michigan. Our goals are to help develop quality paddling skills and experiences for the paddling community. Canoeists and Kayakers can find direction and training to help them to have great experiences exploring the hundreds of rivers and lakes that we sit in the middle of. We are located near the confluence of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Besides the social side of Paddling, our members have interests and experience in every aspect of canoeing and kayaking. In our area, paddlers can experience Big Water paddling on the Great Lakes, or the quieter more intimate experiences on our many Inland Lakes. We have many wonderful rivers, ranging from quiet meandering streams, to the thrill and excitement of the new Bear River Valley Whitewater Park with Class III rapids.
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Joining the Northern Michigan Paddling Club will help you:
- Develop your Skills & Safety Training
- Further your Paddling Education
- Explore New Locations to Paddle
- Promote the Outdoor Lifestyle
- Meet Other People with Similar Interests.
- Have More Fun
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Have you Paddled the Bear Yet?
Join Us
It's getting closer!
Last year's Rendezvous was a resounding success, with 18 people paddling, the club created a great "buzz" in the community. Check out the coverage by Kevin Johnston on his news blog Up North News and Sports . He has posted some great photos also. The 2012 edition will be Bigger and Better! The 2012 Rendezvous is scheduled for Saturday May 5th 2012. Late April and Early May should provide higher water levels making the show more spectacular. We are planning various demonstrations and events throughout the day. Check back for more details.
Check out the Great Video of the 2011 Rendezvous
Upcoming events:
We are working on the 2012 calendar. Trip leaders should help us fill it out.
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Thursday - February 9th - Join everyone at 6:15 at the Side Door in Petoskey for dinner and to plan the upcoming year. 7:00
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Thursday nights are Whitewater Night. Join us for fun on the Bear
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July 4th - Demonstration and Demo on the Bear
Check out the calendar for the rest of the schedule. If you have a favorite trip contact us to help plan it.
Naming Rapids
We all know that the naming of rapids and features on a section of whitewater is both a difficult and important job. Important because while we can just call a feature “5th Drop” and just count in our mind until we identify it , it is much easier to call it a name that helps identify it because of certain features or because unique events that have occurred to paddlers it the feature. It’s Official!!! After years of diligent deliberation our Naming committee has finally agreed on the names for the 10 major features in the Bear River Whitewater Park. Having observed these dedicated individual’s sometimes vocal discussions we can assure you that there are sound reasons for the names.
The Official Un-Official names from the first feature you encounter descending thru the park:
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#1. Gatekeeper (enter if you dare)
#2. Butcher Block (The old dam)
#3. Dancin’ Hansen (the Play Wave)
#4. 4 Play
#5. Ex-Wife
#6. Booby Trap
#7. Lucky 7
#8. Staircase
#9. Training Wheels
#10. 911
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Congradulations to Al Hansen and Petoskey Parks and Rec for the awards and recognition that they are receiving for the Bear River Valley Recreation Area. We knew that it is a fantastic facility but it's nice when the Statewide organizations agree.
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Bear River White Water Park
Sheridan Street Gauge
Upcoming Events
Saturday May 5th
Spring Whitewater Rendezvous
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Our Mission Statement
The Northern Michigan Paddling Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and education of safe paddling activity in Northern Michigan. Our goal to achieve this mission is through education and training for whitewater and flat water paddlers; facilitation of social and competitive events; and stewardship and education regarding our bountiful and beautiful water resources.
We seek to promote a healthy, out of doors recreational lifestyle by encouraging active youth and family participation, removing access barriers, and creating an inclusive and vibrant paddling community.
We seek to partner with all community stakeholders, address local issues, and be seen as an active and positive ambassador of all regional paddling activities.
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