The following posts come from the information office of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. They have asked us to share this information with kayakers planning trips to Lake Superior.

Greetings:
I am a public information officer for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Bureau of Law Enforcement. I am writing to you because we are trying to reach as many kayakers who are interested in Lake Superior as possible -- and your publication is respected and definitely interested in safety. (Enjoyed Deep Trouble -- wow!)

We want to reach out to kayakers to emphasize the importance preparation and safety when kayaking Lake Superior. We have a four-part story package that we are politely and gently asking you to consider sharing through Twitter or possibly Facebook or whatever other means you may consider. At your convenience, give it a read. If you don't want to share it, no problem and thanks very much for your time. Maybe only one story is worth you sharing -- that's fine, too.

Your time is GREATLY appreciated.
Joanne

Kayaking Lake Superior: Prepare for the exhilaration

Days after a kayaker died when a group paddle was ambushed by the unpredictable waves of moody Lake Superior, a concerned paddler called the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with this sobering soliloquy: “It seems like Lake Superior is where kayakers go to die.” DNR Conservation Warden Supervisor Dave Oginski of Ashland, a kayaker himself who enjoys Lake Superior paddles, knew exactly what the caller meant. He understood it as a kayaker – and as a law enforcement officer who has responded to boaters in distress or worse. The four stories below are must reading for kayakers drawn to Lake Superior, and those looking for two other great kayaking trips right here in Wisconsin. Enjoy Wisconsin's remarkable resources, but be prepared to stay safe.

Kayak Lake Superior: ‘Think like locals’ to plan safe, fun trip

Lake Superior Lake Superior’s stunning rocks, cliffs and sandstone caves make for some of the most thrilling kayaking in the country.

Days after a kayaker died when a group paddle was ambushed by the unpredictable waves of moody Lake Superior, a concerned paddler called the DNR with this sobering soliloquy: “It seems like Lake Superior is where kayakers go to die.”

DNR Conservation Warden Supervisor Dave Oginski of Ashland, a kayaker himself who enjoys Lake Superior paddles, knew exactly what the caller meant. He understood it as a kayaker – and as a law enforcement officer who has responded to boaters in distress or worse.

So Oginski decided to offer his insight and tips for how he plans his Lake Superior kayaking trips to help other kayakers enjoy this truly great lake as much as he does.

Stunning Lake Superior can surprise you
“Lake Superior is beautiful. Our shorelines and sea caves are awe-inspiring,” he says of the national scenic route that includes the Apostle Islands – a popular site for the increasingly popular sport. “The islands are uninhabited. This is wilderness at its best. You can launch anywhere. It is inexpensive and it is a great thing to do.”

Lake Superior offers exciting and exhilarating boating – no doubt about it. However, for the unprepared paddler, it can turn deadly and unmanageable for even the most experienced paddler in a matter of seconds. Still, Oginski says Lake Superior’s reputation with some as the watery grave for kayakers doesn’t have to be. But it will require preparation before tying the new kayak to the car roof and heading for the great Lake Superior.

“People develop some very good kayaking skills in other lakes and rivers. And they are confident in their abilities. But, it is a whole different world to tackle Lake Superior. You need to think about Lake Superior’s environment – it is different!” Oginski says. “I don’t know how to overemphasize this – you must respect the lake. The locals respect the lake. They understand how quickly the lake can change.”

Ever wonder why it’s uncommon to see a local resident fishing or boating at night, or even leaving their boats on the lake after sunset? “They know how Lake Superior creates its own weather – even split into two a single storm, or have one form right on the water.”

And the sad thing for Oginski, he suspects the pre-paddle steps that could avoid a tragedy may not be on the radar of kayakers drawn to the nationally-known lake.

Here’s the wake-up call
The case of a June kayaker fatality that prompted the call was eerily similar to an October 2010 fatality -- same beach launch site, good equipment, experienced paddlers.

Here’s the wake-up call: the best equipment and hours of kayaking experience on rivers, inlands lakes don’t matter much when it comes to launching into Lake Superior – a stunningly beautiful lake that can unleash squalls without warning fueling winds approaching 50 miles per hour with 6- to 12-foot seas.

“Even with the best training, many people should not be trying to tackle kayaking the sea caves or the distant islands You can keep it close to shore or in the bay and still have a great time,” says Oginski, a longtime canoeist who added kayaking on Lake Superior when he assumed his warden supervisor post in 2007. “And my hunch is a lot of the kayakers are not as knowledgeable about the Lake Superior environment as they should be.”

Oginski practices the steps and mindset he believes a kayaker should adopt as the routine preparation when planning a fun paddle in the nationally known lake. (See: Oginski’s kayaking trip tips: They’re life-savers)

He strongly urges the kayakers coming to Lake Superior to visit the National Park Service Apostle Islands office to talk with the rangers about conditions and grab a water map. Other options would be to check in with the local marinas and bait shops as well as some reliable weather sites.

“Even on the best days on Lake Superior the wind can switch. And if the forecast is for a wind switch, you need to be able to place yourself accordingly to be able to handle it,” Oginski says. “It is so critical. It is life-threatening when you have a wind. Sometimes the wind forecast isn’t exactly what you see. And the waves could come from the tankers. You might be in your kayak and wonder, ‘Where did these huge rollers come from?’”

Oginski enjoys the exercise and viewing the lake from the seat in his kayak. But it’s all about safe outdoor fun. “I won’t ever put myself in a situation where I put my life at risk.”

And that may be the best advice of all.

Want more information? Contact us: www.dnr.state.wi.us/contact/

DNR Warden Oginski's kayaking trip tips: They're life-savers!

DNR Conservation Warden Supervisor Dave Oginski of Ashland is a longtime canoeist who also kayaks in Lake Superior when the conditions are right – and he has prepared for his safe and fun paddle.

Here are some of his tips and websites to make your kayaking trip to one of the nation’s most popular lakes – Lake Superior – an adventure you’ll recall in stories for a long time.

* Check wind conditions and weather forecasts: No kayaker should venture onto Lake Superior without checking the winds and weather first. Here are two websites with trustworthy information:
o tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/ofs/lsofs/fore_wind.shtml – for wind
o www.crh.noaa.gov/greatlakes/?c=obs&l=ls&p=a – for wind, weather

* Know the signs, prevention of hypothermia: This is a medical emergency that can cause death quickly and is a serious threat to kayakers. While hypothermia can happen in various water temperatures, it most often hits in colder conditions. Get smart and get prepared!

* Take a course:You’ll learn stroke techniques and the rescue techniques, as well as other cool stuff about the sport. Ask a reputable outfitter in your area or check out the list of websites below. A great place to check is the American Canoe Association, www.americancanoe.org. Check their list for recommended courses and where you'll find their certified instructors. Also, while not specifically geared for kayaking in Lake Superior, you may consider an introductory, four-hour course, Paddlesports America, which has been approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and it is the official course for the U.S Cast Guard Auxiliary. Then, practice what you’re learned again and again – see #4.[/b]


* www.nasbla.org – The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
* www.americancanoe.org - American Canoe Association
* www.cgaux.org – The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers the online course. Click on boating education.
* www.kayakonline.com – This is an easy-to-maneuver site contains where-to-go pages showing state by state kayak clubs, schools, training centers. Look for the link in the left column.

[b]# Practice life-saving skills: The biggest fear in kayaking is flipping over. Master the skills to get yourself back up, being able to pump out the kayak or helping a buddy out of an emergency situation. Practice in a shallow area or even a pool. Also, get certified in CPR -- it's easy and a priceless skill.

* www.redcross.org – The American Red Cross can teach you CPR, swimming, lifesaving and more.

Use the right kayak and get a bold color: There are different types for swift water, inland lakes, sea kayaks. Go to a reputable outfitter and work with a knowledgeable sales person. Purchase or rent a kayak that will be easy to spot on the water. There will be other water craft and kayaks are low in the water, making them harder to spot.

Kayak skirt will not save you: The kayak skirt is made to prevent water from entering your craft but it’s not fail safe in turbulent seas protect you. However, that offers limited protection. Revisit tip #4.

Paddle with buddies: You’re safer and it’s more fun. Tell someone about your trip plan so they can contact help if you fail to show up when expected. NEVER PADDLE ALONE.

Wear a colorful life-vest: There are comfortable personal flotation vests made specifically for paddlers – meaning you’ll be able to move with ease while wearing it. Do not paddle without wearing one. And go for a bright color or bright pattern that will make you easier to see while on the water – red and yellow are good choices.

Your trip gear bag items: Take a dry bag and pack smart. Here are some valuable items: a cell phone, some dry clothes in the event you do get wet and need to stay warm, a hand pump should you flip and need to empty the craft, water shoes are helpful, and a compass or GPS so you know where you are.
Lake Superior is known for fog. Another valuable item is a portable marine radio, known to have saved a few kayaker lives during the last years. Other good items to include are: towline, waterproof matches, food and water, an extra paddle, first-aid and repair kits, signaling device (flare kit) whistle and maps. Wear a hat and sunscreen, too!

Wet suit and dry suit: Pack one. Lake Superior stays chilly, making the chances of hypothermia great. Again, talk with the reputable outfitter.

Register your kayak: It is mandatory in Minnesota, www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/watercraft/index.html. Wisconsin has voluntary non-motorized registration. Chances of you getting your kayak back should it be lost are better if those who find your kayak can find you. Volunteer registration is $11. Add $3.75 to that if the craft needs to be transferred into the customer's name. You can register online. Go to www.dnr.wi.gov and click on Boat-ATV-Snowmobile Registration. You also can find a registration agent near you by using this link: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/licenseagents/. Or, you may mail a paper application found on this link: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/apps/9400193.pdf.

Ask local experts: Two great sources for kayakers among others:

www.nps.gov/apis/planyourvisit/kayaking.htm – National Park Service – Apostle Islands. Contains a great map!

bayfield.org/lake_superior_activities_kayaking.php - Bayfield Chamber of Commerce

Want more information?
Contact us: www.dnr.state.wi.us/contact/
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Paddle with buddies: You’re safer

To realize that is only a half-truth...and potentially a dangerous mindset, all you need to do is read Sea Kayaker: Deep Trouble. When conditions get ugly, those buddies may very well be unable to help you, except to help authorities find your body. I believe the best advice is that if you don't think you can handle a paddle solo, you shouldn't go. That doesn't mean you should go solo, but you should have sufficient skills and equipment that doing so would be reasonable. Think of your buddies like you do safety equipment: they're backups, which you should never depend on.

Wet suit and dry suit: Pack one.

Packing it will only give you false reassurance. You need to wear it.

I just returned from Lake Superior (Wawa, Ontario) and have to say that while I did pack water, it's one thing that I wouldn't be overly concerned about. Compared to where I usually boat, Lake Superior water is pristine... at least once you get a little ways out

And yeah, that water is cold. However the harden local kayakers considered me over dressed in my dry suit. I didn't care. If for some reason I had to spend some time in that water I would sure be glad I was wearing one.

Hope to return next year.

As i know Lake Superior is a one of the best destination and touring place.Peoples really enjoy on this Lake.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is providing the good services to take care the tourist on Lake Superior.I would try to share the message of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on facebook and Twitter.

I was pursued, attacked 4 times by Objibway and fellow gangsters...twice on my van parked in State Park lots next to SP buildings. reason ? not coughing up money.

Smart money said try Huron.