July 17 - 21, 2024
"This place will change your life"
I’m a novice paddler. Will I be able to participate in this symposium?
YES! We have courses for all levels. The protected waters of Grand Marais Harbor provide
excellent conditions even when the lake is kickin’ and our low instructor to student ratio
allows for some customizable learning opportunities.
What if I need gear?
The Power of Water is the organizing sponsor and they are an excellent resource for all gear and boat needs. If you want to purchase items prior to the symposium they can bring it up to Grand Marais or drop in their shop in Lansing, MI. They have everything from boats, paddlers, PFDs, and spray decks to nose plugs, racks, water shoes and drysuits.
TPOW will also provide gear for participants to borrow.
My family doesn’t paddle, but they want to come. Are there things to do locally?
YES! Bring your non-paddling family and friends and make a vacation out of it! Grand Marais
is the gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, home to 15 miles of towering
sandstone cliffs, more than 12 miles of pristine beaches and 5 miles of sand dunes. Hiking,
waterfalls, flora and fauna! Use Grand Marais as a basecamp for some fantastic daytrips:
Tahquamenon Falls, The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Grand Island, the Fox River and
Hemingway’s Big Two Hearted. Tour boats and scuba diving are both available in nearby
Munising.
Where is the nearest medical attention?
The nearest full-service medical clinic is in Munising, MI (approximately 50 miles west of
Grand Marais)
Superior Walk-In and Family Health
906-387-4220
Munising Memorial Hospital
906-387-4110
What food options are there in town?
There are a limited number of restaurants in Grand Marais. Across from the community center where we meet is an awesome little cafe. Great spot for smoothies, coffee, and pasties.
Should I bring my lunch?
YES! If you are participating in any full-day courses you will want to bring your lunch, snacks
and plenty of water.
There are some grocery and restaurant options in Grand Marais but if you have dietary
restrictions you might consider bringing in your supplies.
How does dinner work?
We have three fantastic dinners provided. Typically that’s street tacos on Wednesday after check-in. Dinner is on your own on Thursday night. Friday night we have white fish fry and Saturday we wrap with pasties.
If you selected the veg option at registration there will be a veg option at each meal for you. We do not provide drinks so bring your water bottles or other beverages to dinners.
We eat together at the community center under a large tent.
What kind of weather should I expect?
ALL of it! Expect any and ALL weather conditions. It could be sunny and 90 degrees and it
could sleet…all in the same weekend. Bring a variety of paddling clothes and you’ll be a
happy paddler.
Will there be guided trips to Pictured Rocks?
Our goal is not to guide you around Pictured Rocks (I think Uncle Ducky’s has that cornered), we want to provide you with the skills and humility…which is the power of self-knowledge… to do that yourself. Having said that, we may as well learn and discover those things paddling around Pictured Rocks!
Typically groups will take one full day to go to Grand Island or paddle along Pictured Rocks the other full-day adventure will be done around Grand Marais. These trips are still distinctly different from the guided trip. Your pods are committed to learning and being responsible to each other. We’re all about using the environment to support our development as paddlers.
Covid-19?
COVID-19 RESPONSE AND PLAN
This document will continue to be updated and evolve as conditions and
guidance warrants.
Our objective is to operate in an open, transparent manner that respects our
Staff, Clients and Community while still functioning as a business where
possible.
- Follow CDC, State and local guidance
- Each participant will maintain an accountability to themselves and to others
- All activities are outside
- No vaccine mandate