Remembering a Fellow Paddler: A Lake Michigan Tragedy and a Call for Compassion and Safety

There are days when you launch a kayak expecting nothing more than miles of paddling, quiet water and an adventure in the wilderness.

Cofounder, West Michigan Kayaking ClubPublished September 17, 2026

A West Michigan Kayaking Club / Kayaker’s Journal Guide to Autumn on the Water

There is something different about preparing for a long river expedition.

The Crockery Creek Battle — 

By Brad De Young, Co-Founder of West Michigan Kayaking Club

Dress for Immersion: The Michigan Kayaking Safety Rule Every Kayaker Should Know

Kayaking Safety Starts With One Simple Rule: Wear Your PFD

The Kayaker’s Journal | West Michigan Kayaking Club

Grand Rapids, Michigan’s Adventure Kayaking Community

The Kayaker’s Journal | West Michigan Kayaking Club

By Staff Writer | West Michigan Kayaking Club

:Kayaking in Grand Rapids offers some of the best paddling experiences in Michigan. From the calm stretches of the Grand River flowing right through the city to the scenic tributaries and nearby rivers like the Rogue, Muskegon, and Flat, West Michigan is a true paddler’s paradise. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking for your first peaceful float or an experienced paddler chasing longer expeditions, there’s a river adventure waiting for you here.

The Kayak’s Journal – West Michigan Kayaking Club

On Friday afternoon, August 7, 2026, relief swept across West Michigan when Michigan State Police announced that three people missing since Tuesday had been found alive and safe.

"Some people paddle for a weekend. Verlen Kruger paddled for a lifetime."

By Brad De Young | The Kayakers Journal

By Brad De YoungThe Kayakers JournalWest Michigan Kayaking Club

The Kayakers JournalExploring the people, expeditions, and defining moments that have shaped the history of kayaking, canoeing, and paddle sports around the world.

By Brad De Young | The Kayakers Journal

Triple Crown Hike Challenge 2026: Can You Conquer 60+ Miles in Three Days?

Join the West Michigan Kayaking Club October 23-25 for a three-day Northern Michigan adventure combining one of the region’s most scenic wilderness hikes with a classic Au Sable River paddle.

Top 5 Life Jackets (PFDs) for Beginner Kayakers in 2026

If you’re new to kayaking, chances are you’ve spent hours researching the perfect kayak. But there’s one piece of equipment that can have an even bigger impact on your experience—the paddle.

When people ask me what kayak they should buy when they are getting into the sport, my answer is usually not the cheapest kayak at a big-box store. A beginner kayak should do more than float—it should help someone develop skills, build confidence, and allow them to grow as a paddler.

Grand River Restoration

West Michigan Kayaking Club

Supporting Michigan Water Trails: Adventure, Stewardship, and Community

West Michigan Kayaking Club: How Two Paddlers Built One of Michigan’s Fastest-Growing Adventure Kayaking Communities