July 15 - 19, 2026

"This place will change your life"

Sally Van Cise

Paddling Bio

Since an early age, I’ve been in and on the water. I fished in a rowboat with my father, I swam in lakes, I canoed with my family in northern Minnesota.

In my 60’s, I certified as both a river and touring ACA Canoe L2 Instructor, and began a small business, Canoe Reflections – Canoe Camping for Women. I wanted to share my joy of being on the water with women, so they could enjoy themselves paddling and camping. As well, I knew that without “the guys” to depend on, women would acquire the skills and insight needed to successfully and safely go on paddle trips.

In my early 70’s, I was introduced to sea kayaking by friends who were planning a trip to the North Channel Islands. I loved it!! Since then, I have learned sea kayaking through the Power of Water’s symposiums and adventure trips on the Great Lakes, Florida, Ireland and Scotland. I have also taken several guided trips with Naturally Superior Adventures on Lake Superior along the Canadian coast.

Certs

ACA L1 Coastal Kayaking Instructor; Paddle Canada L1 Kayak Instructor, ACA L2 Canoe River Instructor, ACA L2 Canoe Touring Instructor.

Who am I?

I love being on the water, I love being outdoors, and I love travel/adventure. I’ve also found I really enjoy coaching, originally with nutrition, and then with canoeing and kayaking.

I was born in Princeton, NJ., but grew up in both St Paul, MN, and Hamburg, NY. College was in Syracuse, and then Boulder CO, where I earned my BA in English. After graduating college, I was in the Peace Corps, Afghanistan, traveling during breaks. Got home realizing the need for a steady income. Back to school at UofM Ann Arbor, and earned an MPH in Nutrition . Moved to the Detroit area and worked full time as a dietitian. I earned an MEd in Exercise Science. In 1999, I moved to Mt Pleasant, Mi to work with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe as a community nutritionist.
Vacation time? I continued to hike, camp and paddle in Michigan, Minnesota, and Ontario. I certified in both river and lake canoeing, and opened a canoe/camping business that focused on getting women on the water, gaining skills, confidence and joy.
I’m now retired, and enjoying sleeping in, as well as, time on the water!

I shifted from canoeing to Sea Kayaking when I was 70. Now in my mid-70’s, I have become quite aware of the “surprises” that the aging body throws out. As I’ve struggled with those challenges in order to continue paddling, I realized there needs to be a focus on those who are dealing with such issues. In class, therefore, I make space and time for paddlers to openly address the challenges, together. I bring a relaxed approach, with humor and support as skill-building is adapted. Learning becomes emotionally safe, paddling becomes fun

My GLSKS Story

I’ve come to GLSKS for several years, learning about kayaking and loving being on Lake Superior. Grand Marais is a special place: it IS Lake Superior. The community is very welcoming. Plus there is awesome ice cream!! I’ve made true friends here – people who “know” the beauty of being on the water.

I’m excited to come up this year as a coach and share my love of paddling on the lake.