The Empire Experience
2026-08-15 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Empire, MI
If you’ve ever been on the Sleeping Bear Dunes overlook watching kayakers in the water below and wondering what that was like, here’s your chance to find out.
The day starts with a safety discussion and paddling skills review. Leaving from Empire, we will follow the shoreline with views of the dunes and the Manitou Islands in the distance.
Bring your kayak (must have two sealed bulkheads), paddle, and life jacket, or rent from our quality fleet, paddle and properly fitted life jacket included ($35).
Registration available through Northwestern Michigan College

Camp Rutabaga
2026-08-27 - 2026-08-30 | Camp Manito-wish, Boulder Junction, United States
Join me at Camp Rutabaga in Boulder Junction, WI.
This one’s all about community. Whether you paddle a recreational kayak, canoe, sea kayak, or river kayak, this is where you will want to be, where you will make memories with new and old friends.
Good fun.
Good food.
Days on the water and evenings by the fire.
Come join the fun!

ACA L1/2 Coastal Kayak Instructor Update
2026-09-12 08:00 - 16:00 | Traverse City, Traverse City, MI, United States
Get together with your fellow instructors to sharpen your skills and meet your four-year requirement to keep your ACA certification current.
Topics include:

On-water skills and maneuvers
Risk management and safety
Assessment techniques
Self and assisted rescue techniques
Teach back opportunities
On-land safety presentations
Administrative support

The program will involve a full day on the water preceded by a 1.5 hour virtual session to cover administrative topics.
Date: September 12, 2026
Venue: Traverse City, MI

Review course policies

Practical Coastal Kayak Navigation
2026-09-12 09:00 - 13:00 | Bowers Harbor-Traverse City, Neahtawanta Rd, Traverse City, MI, 49684, United States
Navigational knowledge and proficiency is important in order to be a safe, effective, efficient paddler, paddlecraft leader, and paddlecraft instructor. The purpose of this skills course document is to develop venue-appropriate navigational knowledge and skills.
During this class, participants will plan a short day trip as a group and have an opportunity to share navigation responsibilities on the trip.
Areas of focus include:

Learn to effectively read a navigational chart
Identify direction, buoys, day marks, lights, channels, and other significant features and their importance
Measure distance and depth from the chart
Develop a fundamental understanding of tides and current and their importance to paddlers
Understand and learn to file a float plan
Using a VHF radio for information and emergency calling
Recognizing risk of collision using bow angle and movement with respect to land
features
Maintain approximate estimate of position through use of piloting and handrailing

A kayak with sealed bulkheads will be required. Rentals are available.
Venue: Traverse City, MI
Date: September 12, 2026

Review course policies

Community Paddlesports Leader Certification - PRIVATE PROGRAM
2026-10-09 08:00 - 2026-10-12 17:00 | Traverse City, Traverse City, MI, United States
The ACA’s Community Paddlesports Leader offering is the entry point to leading on the water.
This program focuses on developing the confidence to safely and effectively lead day excursions on calm waters. This four-day dynamic learning experience covers paddling technique, decision-making, communication, planning, risk management, and rescue solutions – all while having fun.
Ideal for:

Camps and outdoor nonprofit staff
Club, meetup, university, and park leaders
Casual paddlers who want to safely take their friends and peers on outings

This is a private program. If you are interested in a private program for your group, please contact John.
Course venue: Traverse City, MI
