Grand Marais was picked as the location for the symposium for its protected harbor with easy access to the open waters of Lake Superior and it’s proximity to Pictured Rocks. The town also has an amazing beach in the harbor and on the exposed Superior shore. The historic village of Grand Marais is at the eastern gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore.  Within walking distance of the symposium central, there are several restaurants, a brew pub, a grocery store, a hardware store and directly across from the community center where we meet is a great coffee shop. There are also numerous places to stay. There are lots of hiking and biking opportunities for those not paddling.

Motels and BNBs

Grand Marais has several motels and a variety of rental homes and B&Bs. For a current list of options, visit grandmaraismichigan.com. You may also find rentals on HomeAway and Airbnb. While there are many options they do book quickly so don’t wait!

Camping

We are taking early campsite requests for 2026. The Woodland Campground will be 100% reservable in 2026, so it is important to have a site booked. By requesting a site through GLSKS, you will be added to the site block and can avoid the February 1 reservation rush. Sites are not guaranteed after February 1. Once you register, you’ll get more information. 

Meals

Included in your registration are three community dinners (we offer a vegetarian or meat option).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.  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. Breakfasts and lunch are your responsibility. Plan to pack your lunch to have with you in your boat. 

Loaners

Boats and gear are made possible by our sponsors. Their support helps remove barriers so more paddlers can learn. If you have your own kit, please bring it so loaners remain available for those who need them.

If you need a boat or gear, complete the gear request form. The form will be shared on April 1. Requests are first come, first served, and sizes are not guaranteed. The request form is due by June 1.

See below for more information on what to bring

Lists

The most important item to bring is adaptability. Stay mentally and physically pliable with whatever the day gives us. Bring gear that works, can be rescued, and is appropriate for the environments where we will paddle.

The Connected Paddler

100% Online Paddling Course

Take your paddling to the next level with The Connected Paddler’s Kayak, Canoe, SUP, and YOU course! This self-guided, completely virtual course is designed to help you mentally and physically prepare for paddling, offering foundational concepts and techniques that you can apply right away.

What the course offers:

• Fun and interactive learning experience

• Foundational concepts of paddling and mindset to become a better paddler

• Learn with award-winning, ACA Level 5 instructor, Trey Rouss, and other expert instructors

• Completely self-guided – take it at your own pace

• Access to an extensive resource library to deepen your knowledge

• Content does not expire, so you can revisit and continue your learning anytime

This course is perfect for building confidence, improving technique, and ensuring you’re ready for a successful GLSKS. Start today and get the preparation you need!
Check out Kayak, Canoe, SUP, and YOU

The Power of Water

Grand Island Camping & Instructor – Discovery Learning Training

July 12th & 13th – Grand Marais, MI

The Power of Water is hosting TWO pre-symposium courses this year. A kayak camping program Sunday and Monday. Paddle across and camp on Grand Island. This is a learning experience where you will be an active part of the planning process, loading boats and setting up camp. You’ll have the opportuntiy for paddling skill development and leadership skill development as well. 

Register – Grand Island Camping

Magic or the Three-Headed Monster: Unlocking the Power of Discovery Learning in Your Teaching. Join The Power of Water for a very hands-on 2 days (Sunday & Monday) to develop strategies and implement effective discovery learning in your teaching sessions.  When to apply it, how ot grame those all-important questions and challenges, and using self-reflection to improve our next session. 

Register – Discovery Learning | Instructor Course

Signing Your ACA Waiver for GLSKS 2026

Everyone attending the Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium must have a current ACA waiver on file. Which steps apply to you depends on whether you’re already an ACA member.

If you’re a current ACA member

Your annual membership waiver covers you. You don’t need to do anything else, just make sure your membership hasn’t expired. You can check this by logging in at aca.sport80.com and checking your profile.

If you’re not an ACA member

You’ll create a free Sport80 account with the ACA and sign the digital event waiver. This is not a membership. It’s a one-time, no-cost waiver specific to this event.

Step 1: Go to the waiver link Use the free non-member event waiver link provided in your registration materials.

Step 2: Verify your email Enter your email address. You’ll receive a verification code by email. Enter it on the next screen to continue.

Step 3: Create your account If this is your first time using the ACA’s system, follow the prompts to create your account.

Step 4: Enter event info

• Event Name: Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium
• Start Date of Activity: the event start date
• Sponsoring Club/Organization: The Power of Water

Step 5: Select the club When prompted to select a club, search “the power” and choose The Power of Water (MI) from the dropdown.

Step 6: Fill in the rest Continue through participant address, emergency contact, and certification sections as prompted.

Step 7: Read and sign Review the release and liability terms, check the box confirming you’ve read and agree, and click Add to submit.

Once submitted, your waiver will show as Current and you’re all set for the event.

Not an ACA member? Here’s why and how to join

Signing the free waiver gets you covered for this event, but it’s not the same as ACA membership. Individual annual membership is $40/year, and it directly supports paddlesports education, safety, and access across the country, the same mission behind events like GLSKS.

If you’d like to join, you can do so at americancanoe.org/join-the-aca. Membership isn’t required to attend, but it’s a great way to support the broader paddling community if you’re already here and paddling with us.