Great Lakes Adventure Journal
A blog written by a guide, instructor and year-round sea kayaker on the upper Great Lakes.
Welcome, everyone! Thanks for being here. I’m excited to share a bit about why I became a sea kayaker—and no, it’s not because its a super popular sport. Let’s be real: sea kayaking isn’t exactly the kind of thing that draws big crowds or social media fan clubs. You won’t find many teenagers raving about a “totally sick” paddle reel on Instagram, and most people’s experience with kayaks doesn’t go much beyond those plastic rafts used for mainstream tours.
For me, sea kayaking is much deeper than just a sport; it's an ancient art that dates back thousands of years to the Inuit, who mastered paddling not for likes, but for survival. It’s about becoming part of the water, a human-powered vessel in a challenging, icy world.
Sea kayaking isn't just paddling; it’s a discipline that calls for constant humility and growth.
Now, my mission is to get more people paddling. We’re facing a disconnect from nature, too much screen time, and a sedentary lifestyle that’s got us all feeling a bit stuck. Sea kayaking can be a cure, a way to break away, rediscover our strength, and take in some of the most breathtaking sights Earth has to offer. Whether you’re out to find peace, push your limits, or simply try something new, sea kayaking offers a sense of freedom unlike anything else. I’ll be sharing a lot about my journey here, and hopefully, something in these stories inspires you to grab a paddle and get started. So, here’s to more adventures on the water—let’s get going!