Paddle Boarding Essentials | June 17
2025-06-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Arbutus Lake #5, 506 E. Arbutus Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI, 49696, United States
Paddle Boarding Essentials Class | June 17 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Arbutus Lake No. 5 Park | Address: 506 E Arbutus Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49696
Register Today!
This class teaches paddlers the basics for paddle boarding in a fun and safe way. You’ll learn about different paddling board features and types. Learn how to make the paddle board go where you want it to go and basic safety skills needed on the water. You will have the opportunity to learn what to do when (not if) you end up in the water. This class is great for beginners but anyone who has never received formal instruction will benefit.
Bring:

Paddle Board (whatever you use is ok)
Paddle
Vest-style PFD (life jacket – inherently bouyant, no inflatables)
Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if cool weather)
Water shoes preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen’

All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 5:1
Ages: 14 and up
$35/person
REQUIREMENTS:
– Participants must wear life jackets while on the water.
– Waivers are required. View and sign the waiver digitally here.
– Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements here.
If you are unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class.

Kids Kayaking Class | June 21| 10:00 – 12:00 PM
2025-06-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Ellsworth River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49279, United States
Kids Kayaking Class | June 21| 10:00 – 12:00 PM
Location: River Park in Ellsworth (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
Register Today!
Our kids’ class is a great way to introduce your child to the sport of kayaking. Designed with fun and water safety as primary goals, we teach students through a variety of games and exploration. Our experienced, certified instructors teach basic skills with a goal to empower kids to be comfortable while out on the water. Classes are taught in traditional youth sized sea kayaks.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 4:1
Ages: 7-13
Class includes instruction and all necessary equipment. Limited partial scholarships are available, please contact us prior to registration for more information. If unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class. Participant’s parent/adult is welcome to participate with onshore activities.
REQUIREMENTS:

Kids must be comfortable in the water and being submerged. They will have a life jacket on at all times.
Parent/guardian must complete a waiver. It may be viewed and signed digitally here.
Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements.

What to Bring

Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if it is cool)
Water shoes, preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen

Kayaking Essentials Class | June 21 | 12:30 – 3:30 PM
2025-06-21 12:30 - 15:30 | Ellsworth River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49279, United States
Kayaking Essentials Class | June 21 | 12:30 – 3:30 PM
Location: River Park in Ellsworth (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
Register Today!
This class teaches paddlers the basics for paddling all types of kayaks in a fun and safe way. You’ll learn about what kayaks work best for what conditions and other paddling best practices. Learn how to make the kayak go where you want it to go and basic safety skills needed on the water. You will have the opportunity to learn what to do when (not if) you end in the water, out of your boat. This class is great for beginners but anyone who has never received formal instruction will benefit.
Bring:

Kayak (whatever you use is ok)
Paddle
Vest-style PFD (life jacket – inherently buoyant, no inflatables)
Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if cool weather)
Water shoes preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen

If you do not have a kayak, please contact us prior to registration and we may be able to accommodate. Life jackets must be worn at all times when out on the water.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 5:1
Ages: 14 and up
$50/person
REQUIREMENTS:
– Participants must wear life jackets while on the water.
– Waivers are required. View and sign the waiver digitally here.
– Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements here.
If you are unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class.

Kayaking Next Steps | July 8
2025-07-08 10:00 - 16:00 | River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States
Class will be held at River Park (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
Register Today!
This all-day class is for those who may have taken one of our Kayaking Essentials (or another class) and want to continue to work on their skills and learn new skills. We will go over basic stroke techniques including bracing and edging. We will work on rescue techniques including self rescues and t-rescues.
Because a portion of the day will be spent on rescues, a kayak with bulkheads in the bow and stern is necessary. Please contact us if you are in need of a kayak to use for the class prior to registering and we may be able to accommodate.
Bring:

Sea Kayak (one with a bow and stern bulkhead)
Paddle
Vest-style PFD (life jacket – inherently bouyant, no inflatables)
Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if cool weather)
Water shoes preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Pack lunch

Life jackets must be worn at all times when out on the water. Paddlers should dress to be in the water.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 5:1
Ages: 14 and up
$75/person
REQUIREMENTS:
– Participants must wear life jackets while on the water.
– Waivers are required. View and sign the waiver digitally here.
– Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements here.
Note: If you are unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class.

Kayaking Essentials | July 10 | 9:00 – 12:00 PM
2025-07-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Ellsworth River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49279, United States
Kayaking Essentials | July 10 | 9:00AM – 12:00 PM
Location: River Park in Ellsworth (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
Register Today!
This class teaches paddlers the basics for paddling all types of kayaks in a fun and safe way. You’ll learn about what kayaks work best for what conditions and other paddling best practices. Learn how to make the kayak go where you want it to go and basic safety skills needed on the water. You will have the opportunity to learn what to do when (not if) you end in the water, out of your boat. This class is great for beginners but anyone who has never received formal instruction will benefit.
Bring:

Kayak (whatever you use is ok)
Paddle
Vest-style PFD (life jacket – inherently buoyant, no inflatables)
Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if cool weather)
Water shoes preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen

If you do not have a kayak, please contact us prior to registration and we may be able to accommodate. Life jackets must be worn at all times when out on the water.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 5:1
Ages: 14 and up
$50/person
REQUIREMENTS:
– Participants must wear life jackets while on the water.
– Waivers are required. View and sign the waiver digitally here.
– Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements here.
If you are unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class.

Kids Kayaking Class | July 10 | 12:30 – 2:30 PM
2025-07-10 12:30 - 14:30 | Ellsworth River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49279, United States
Kids Kayaking Class | July 10 | 12:30 – 2:30 PM
Location: River Park in Ellsworth (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
Register Today!
Our kids’ class is a great way to introduce your child to the sport of kayaking. Designed with fun and water safety as primary goals, we teach students through a variety of games and exploration. Our experienced, certified instructors teach basic skills with a goal to empower kids to be comfortable while out on the water. Classes are taught in traditional youth sized sea kayaks.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 4:1
Ages: 7-13
Class includes instruction and all necessary equipment. Limited partial scholarships are available, please contact us prior to registration for more information. If unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class. Participant’s parent/adult is welcome to participate with onshore activities.
REQUIREMENTS:

Kids must be comfortable in the water and being submerged. They will have a life jacket on at all times.
Parent/guardian must complete a waiver. It may be viewed and signed digitally here.
Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements.

What to Bring

Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if it is cool)
Water shoes, preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen

Kids Kayaking Class | July 21| 10:00 – 12:00 PM
2025-07-21 10:00 - 12:00
Kids Kayaking Class | July 21| 10:00AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Elk Rapids: This class will take place at either Milton Township Waterfront Park or Birch Lake Public Access, depending on weather conditions. We’ll notify all registrants of the exact location before the event.
Register Today!
Our kids’ class is a great way to introduce your child to the sport of kayaking. Designed with fun and water safety as primary goals, we teach students through a variety of games and exploration. Our experienced, certified instructors teach basic skills with a goal to empower kids to be comfortable while out on the water. Classes are taught in traditional youth sized sea kayaks.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 4:1
Ages: 7-13
Class includes instruction and all necessary equipment. Limited partial scholarships are available, please contact us prior to registration for more information. If unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class. Participant’s parent/adult is welcome to participate with onshore activities.
REQUIREMENTS:

Kids must be comfortable in the water and being submerged. They will have a life jacket on at all times.
Parent/guardian must complete a waiver. It may be viewed and signed digitally here.
Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements.

What to Bring

Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if it is cool)
Water shoes, preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen

Kids Kayaking Class | July 21 | 12:30 – 2:30 PM
2025-07-21 12:30 - 14:30
Location: Elk Rapids: This class will take place at either Milton Township Waterfront Park or Birch Lake Public Access, depending on weather conditions. We’ll notify all registrants of the exact location before the event.
Register Today!
Our kids’ class is a great way to introduce your child to the sport of kayaking. Designed with fun and water safety as primary goals, we teach students through a variety of games and exploration. Our experienced, certified instructors teach basic skills with a goal to empower kids to be comfortable while out on the water. Classes are taught in traditional youth sized sea kayaks.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 4:1
Ages: 7-13
Class includes instruction and all necessary equipment. Limited partial scholarships are available, please contact us prior to registration for more information. If unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class. Participant’s parent/adult is welcome to participate with onshore activities.
REQUIREMENTS:

Kids must be comfortable in the water and being submerged. They will have a life jacket on at all times.
Parent/guardian must complete a waiver. It may be viewed and signed digitally here.
Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements.

What to Bring

Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if it is cool)
Water shoes, preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen

Kids Kayaking Class | August 2 | 10:00AM – 12:00 PM
2025-08-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Ellsworth River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49279, United States
Kids Kayaking Class | August 2 | 10:00AM – 12:00 PM
Location: River Park in Ellsworth (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
Register Today!
Our kids’ class is a great way to introduce your child to the sport of kayaking. Designed with fun and water safety as primary goals, we teach students through a variety of games and exploration. Our experienced, certified instructors teach basic skills with a goal to empower kids to be comfortable while out on the water. Classes are taught in traditional youth sized sea kayaks.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 4:1
Ages: 7-13
Class includes instruction and all necessary equipment. Limited partial scholarships are available, please contact us prior to registration for more information. If unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class. Participant’s parent/adult is welcome to participate with onshore activities.
REQUIREMENTS:

Kids must be comfortable in the water and being submerged. They will have a life jacket on at all times.
Parent/guardian must complete a waiver. It may be viewed and signed digitally here.
Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements.

What to Bring

Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if it is cool)
Water shoes, preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen

Kids Kayaking Class | August 9 | 10:00 – 12:00 PM
2025-08-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Ellsworth River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49279, United States
Kids Kayaking Class | August 9 | 10:00AM – 12:00 PM
Location: River Park in Ellsworth (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
Register Today!
Our kids’ class is a great way to introduce your child to the sport of kayaking. Designed with fun and water safety as primary goals, we teach students through a variety of games and exploration. Our experienced, certified instructors teach basic skills with a goal to empower kids to be comfortable while out on the water. Classes are taught in traditional youth sized sea kayaks.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 4:1
Ages: 7-13
Class includes instruction and all necessary equipment. Limited partial scholarships are available, please contact us prior to registration for more information. If unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class. Participant’s parent/adult is welcome to participate with onshore activities.
REQUIREMENTS:

Kids must be comfortable in the water and being submerged. They will have a life jacket on at all times.
Parent/guardian must complete a waiver. It may be viewed and signed digitally here.
Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements.

What to Bring

Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if it is cool)
Water shoes, preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen

Kayaking Essentials Class | August 9 | 12:30 – 3:30 PM
2025-08-09 12:30 - 15:30
Kayaking Essentials Class | August 9 | 12:30 – 3:30 PM
Location: River Park in Ellsworth (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
Register Today!
This class teaches paddlers the basics for paddling all types of kayaks in a fun and safe way. You’ll learn about what kayaks work best for what conditions and other paddling best practices. Learn how to make the kayak go where you want it to go and basic safety skills needed on the water. You will have the opportunity to learn what to do when (not if) you end in the water, out of your boat. This class is great for beginners but anyone who has never received formal instruction will benefit.
Bring:

Kayak (whatever you use is ok)
Paddle
Vest-style PFD (life jacket – inherently buoyant, no inflatables)
Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if cool weather)
Water shoes preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen

If you do not have a kayak, please contact us prior to registration and we may be able to accommodate. Life jackets must be worn at all times when out on the water.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 5:1
Ages: 14 and up
$50/person
REQUIREMENTS:
– Participants must wear life jackets while on the water.
– Waivers are required. View and sign the waiver digitally here.
– Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements here.
If you are unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class.

Community Paddlesport Leader Training - Aug 12 - 13 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
2025-08-12 09:00 - 2025-08-13 17:00 | Ellsworth River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49279, United States
Community Paddlesport Leader Training – Aug 12 – 13 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Class will be held at River Park (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
REGISTER TODAY!
This two day workshop is designed to give leaders who engage with the broader paddling community training to provide safe, fun, paddling experiences at the entry level, that are not craft specific. Targeted applications could include community outreach programs, local clubs, parks, scouting programs, etc. In this course, you will be trained and assessed for Community Paddlesport Leader (CPL) certification.
Please come prepared with lunch, drinking water and appropriate clothing for immersion: quick dry layers (no cotton), a wetsuit if you have it and any kayaking gear of your own. Learn more about the CPL Curriculum:

Community Paddlesport Leader

Course Prerequisites

All participants must acknowledge personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) available at https://americancanoe.org/essential-eligibility-criteria/
Be a current American Canoe Association (ACA) Member
Hold a current ACA Level 1 Skills Assessment

Bring:

Kayak (whatever you use is ok)
Paddle
Vest-style PFD (life jacket – inherently buoyant, no inflatables)
Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if cool weather)
Water shoes preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Snacks/Dinner

If you do not have a kayak, please contact us prior to registration and we may be able to accommodate. Life jackets must be worn at all times when out on the water.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 5:1
Ages: 18 and up
Cost: $250
REQUIREMENTS:
– Participants must wear life jackets while on the water.
– Waivers are required. View and sign the waiver digitally here.
– Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements here.
If you are unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class.
