West Michigan Kayaking Club was built for people who crave real adventure.

What started with Brad De Young and Tim Postma exploring Michigan’s rivers together quickly grew into a community of outdoor enthusiasts who wanted more than casual floats and crowded liveries. We wanted long miles, wild places, meaningful challenges, and unforgettable experiences on the water.

Based in Grand Rapids, our club brings together kayakers who love endurance paddling, wilderness rivers, camping trips, hiking adventures, and pushing beyond their comfort zones. From peaceful evening paddles close to home to multi-day expeditions deep in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, we believe every river has a story worth exploring.

We are not just a kayaking group — we are a community built around adventure, friendship, and respect for the outdoors.

Our members range from experienced expedition paddlers to newer kayakers looking to grow their skills and confidence. What connects us is a shared passion for rivers, nature, exploration, and the kind of experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends.

Throughout the year, we organize:

• Long-distance river trips
• Wilderness paddling expeditions
• Endurance challenges
• Camping and hiking weekends
• Skill-building paddles
• Community events and group adventures

Michigan has some of the most beautiful waterways in the country, and our mission is to help people experience them in a deeper, more adventurous way.

Whether you’re training for your first 15-mile paddle or planning your next backcountry expedition, there’s a place for you here.

Kayakingd. Community. Adventure.