Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Imagine yourself Paddling Lake Superior, one of the most magnificent lakes in North America, with crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery. As you dip your paddle into the water, you feel the rush of excitement and the thrill of exploring the unknown. But, have you ever wondered what it’s like to paddle in rough waters? How do you navigate through waves and strong currents? And what are the best techniques for paddling in these conditions?
To answer these questions, we spoke with Ken Whiting, a former world champion whitewater kayaker and sea kayaker, who has spent his life exploring the world’s most challenging waters. Ken joined forces with Ray Boucher, a passionate paddler and founder of Naturally Superior Adventures, to explore Lake Superior and share their expertise on paddling in rough waters.
Paddling Lake Superior: Tips and Techniques for Navigating Rough Waters
Ray Boucher, a seasoned paddler and instructor, shares his insights on teaching paddling techniques. “I’m a teacher and a school teacher, and teaching is one of the things that I really enjoy doing. So, because I enjoy paddling so much, teaching paddling is a lot of fun for me.” Ray explains that paddling is not just about navigating through calm waters but also about being prepared for rough conditions. “When you’re a whitewater paddler, sea kayaking, you don’t really get it, but once you do it, once you get into the mindset of having to just push yourself, you can have an incredible time just being outdoors, getting to cool places, and being with great people.”
Understanding the Power of Waves
Ken Whiting emphasizes the importance of understanding the power of waves when paddling in rough waters. “You have to be aware of what’s coming in from the lake. You get these series of waves that are bigger than others, or even the odd single wave that comes in. If you’re not paying attention, it can catch you off guard.” Ken shares his experience of paddling in the ocean and how it relates to paddling on Lake Superior. “Just like in the ocean, when you’re paddling along the coastline that’s getting waves rolling in, you have to be aware of what’s coming in from the lake.”
Tips for Paddling in Rough Waters
Here are some tips for paddling in rough waters:
- Always be aware of your surroundings and the conditions of the water.
- Keep your paddle close to the water and be prepared to react quickly to changing conditions.
- Use your body weight to help stabilize the kayak and maintain balance.
- Practice paddling in calm waters before attempting to paddle in rough waters.
Exploring the Rock Gardens and Playing in Rough Waters
Both Ken and Ray love to paddle and enjoy playing around the rock gardens and rough waters. “When the wind kicked up, and all of a sudden, Ray and I were in our element,” Ken explains. “We were paddling along, and the waves were pounding past this island, and we could sometimes surf them. It was an incredible experience.”
The Joy of Paddling During Sunrise and Sunset
Ray shares his favorite time of day for paddling. “One of my favorite things to do is to paddle during the sunset or the sunrise. It really is an incredible time of day.” Ken agrees, “Paddling during sunrise or sunset is a unique perspective from a sea kayak. The colors change, and it’s a breathtaking experience.”
Why Paddle with Naturally Superior Adventures?
Naturally Superior Adventures offers a unique paddling experience on Lake Superior. With its stunning scenery and breathtaking sunsets, it’s an ideal location for paddlers of all levels. Ray explains, “Naturally Superior Adventures provides arguably the best sunrise and sunset paddling you can experience anywhere.”
Conclusion
Paddling Lake Superior is an adventure of a lifetime. With its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery, it’s a destination that every paddler should experience. By following the tips and techniques shared by Ken and Ray, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the rough waters and enjoy the beauty of Lake Superior.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your paddling adventure on Lake Superior today!
Key Takeaway
Remember to always be aware of your surroundings and the conditions of the water when paddling in rough waters. Practice paddling in calm waters before attempting to paddle in rough waters, and use your body weight to help stabilize the kayak and maintain balance.
Watch the video below to learn more about paddling on Lake Superior:
Visit Body Glove to learn more about their revolutionary three-t barefoot water shoe.
Plan your paddling adventure with Naturally Superior Adventures and experience the best sunrise and sunset paddling on Lake Superior.
