Before You Paddle | West Michigan Kayaking Club

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Before You Paddle

https://www.westmichigankayakingclub.online

Paddling with West Michigan Kayaking Club means real adventure on real rivers — 15–30 mile expeditions, wilderness camping,

and winter water. Real adventure demands real preparation. Before you join any club trip, make sure you and your gear are ready.

Required Gear

Bring every item on this list to every trip. If you do not have it, you do not launch.

U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD (life jacket) — worn at all times on the water, not stowed in the hatch.
A seaworthy kayak appropriate for the trip: adequate length with sealed bulkheads or flotation for the water you will be on.
A paddle, plus a paddle float (a spare paddle is smart on longer trips).
Hydration: enough water for the full day, plus a little extra.
Food and snacks matched to the distance and conditions.
Navigation: map, compass, or GPS — and the knowledge to use them. Do not rely on a phone alone.
Weather-appropriate clothing: dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. No cotton in cold conditions; wetsuit or drysuit when the water is cold.
Emergency equipment: whistle, bilge pump or sponge, throw rope where appropriate, first-aid kit, headlamp, and a dry bag for essentials.

Your Responsibility

Every paddler is responsible for themselves. That means:

Your equipment: inspect it before every trip and know how to use it.
Your transportation: arrange your own shuttles unless the trip posting says otherwise.
Your physical preparedness: our trips run long — train for the distance you sign up for.
Your paddling ability: honestly assess whether your skills match the trip's difficulty rating.
Understanding conditions: check the weather, water levels, and forecast before you launch — and be willing to sit a trip out.

Group Adventures, Not Guided Trips

West Michigan Kayaking Club trips are group adventures among fellow paddlers — not guided commercial trips. There is no guide service, no outfitter, and no one hired to keep you safe. Our trips run on a lead/middle/sweep structure built on preparation, communication, and personal responsibility. You are responsible for yourself on the water.

See upcoming trips

Read our Safety Guidelines