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Apostle Islands - Sea Kayaking Adventure

This program will find you paddling among the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Lake Superior! Participants spend 5 days on the water and 4 nights on islands. Typically 3 days are travel days and two are exploring days. Enjoy perfecting your skills and learning about aquatic life, kayaking in sea caves and enjoying meals from the sea.

Weekly Itinerary

Sunday

1:00 pm - Check in at Tesomas for medical re-checks and swim tests
2:00 pm - Equipment checkout, personal gear check, and van packing
3:00 pm - Depart for Bayfield, Wisconsin
7:00 pm - Setup camp, prepare dinner
8:30 pm - Social campfire

Monday - Friday

8:00 am - Breakfast
9:00 am - Kayaking/exploring (Monday begins with basic kayaking & safety training)
12:30 pm - Lunch on an island
1:00 pm - Continue kayaking/exploring
3:30 pm - Locate an island to camp on for the night, setup camp
6:30 pm - Dinner
7:30 pm - Evening program (GPS, Leave No Trace, Campfires)

Saturday

5:30 am - Break camp after breakfast
6:30 am - Depart for Tesomas
10:00 am - Arrive at Tesomas, unpack the van and check-in equipment, trading post visit
11:30 am - Departure

Provided Equipment

Fiberglass sea kayaks, paddles, & skirts
Sleeveless wetsuits, gloves & life jackets
Rescue pumps & tow ropes
Dry bags - for all food, personal and crew gear
VHF radio/cell phone - for emergencies
Tents & dining fly

Unit first aid kit
Backpacking stoves
Cook kits & chef kits
Collapsible water jugs
Water purifiers & iodine tablets
Sleeping bag

What to Bring

1-2 sets of stay-dry clothes
1-2 sets of get-wet clothes
Underwear (sport appropriate)
Socks (including a pair of wool)
Loose, comfortable pants & shorts
Sweatshirt or Jacket & Rain gear
Hiking Boots & Walking shoes
Swimsuit (one-piece for females)
Personal Hygiene items & towel

First Aid Kit, pocket Knife, flashlight
Mess kit (plate, silverware, cup)
Insect Repellent (non aerosol)
Sunscreen, Hat and/or Sunglasses
Medical form (class 3)
Medication (original container)
Water bottle (1 liter)
Camera/Film (optional)
Fishing Gear (optional)

Additional Details

You must be a strong swimmer, and kayaking experience is helpful. Participants must pass the BSA swimmers test on Sunday to participate.
Participants will have the opportunity to earn the Kayaking BSA activity patch.
A Class 3 medical examination is required for all participants because of the higher level of activities. This involves a physician’s visit within one year.
Participants should purchase a set of wetshoes/booties to protect their feet and ankles.
Remember, it can be colder on the water and conditions can change quickly so it is important that you bring everything on the list. Cotton clothing is highly discouraged. Wool or synthetic fabrics will keep you warmer, dryer and more comfortable.