Because nobody wants to become a human buoy.
Ahoy, fellow paddle warriors! Captain Mike Nowak here—your friendly neighborhood boat boss and self-appointed lifeguard of common sense. Today, we’re talkin’ about the do’s and don’ts for kayaking in Grand Traverse Bay—a stunning slice of freshwater heaven where beauty meets boneheadedness if you’re not careful. So let’s keep it beautiful and avoid the boneheaded.
DO: Check the Weather, Not Just the Vibes
Before you jump in your kayak and start living your best Instagram life, take 60 seconds to check the weather and wind direction. Grand Traverse Bay may look like a giant placid puddle, but when the wind kicks up, she turns sassier than a cat in a bathtub.
Pro Tip from Captain Mike:
If you see whitecaps, you’re not “extreme kayaking”—you’re just asking for a free swim. Visit SavvySkipper.com for some solid captain’s training on reading marine forecasts and wind patterns.
DON’T: Bring a River Kayak to a Lake Party
Let’s talk boats, folks.
There’s a big ol’ difference between your stubby, rudderless river kayak and an open water kayak. One is made for floating lazily down a tree-lined stream. The other is made for slicing through waves like a freshwater ninja. Guess which one belongs on Grand Traverse Bay?
River Kayaks (aka: “pool noodles with seating”)
- Short, flat, and designed for maneuverability
- No skeg or rudder, which means you’re at the mercy of the wind
- Great for gentle rivers, but about as stable in waves as a squirrel on roller skates
Open Water or Touring Kayaks (aka: “the grown-ups’ kayak”)
- Longer hull = tracks straight even in wind
- Often has a skeg or rudder to help steer
- Built for distance, speed, and—this is key—stability in choppy water
Captain Mike’s No-Nonsense Rule:
If your kayak spins in circles every time the wind sneezes, it doesn’t belong in Grand Traverse Bay. Period.
People get in trouble out there because they bring the wrong boat for the job. A river yak on open water can get blown offshore before you can say “uh-oh.” Rescue crews don’t love it when you’re bobbing in the middle of the bay clutching a paddle like a pool noodle.
So—choose wisely. Rent a proper open water kayak if you don’t own one.
DON’T: Paddle Out Without a Life Jacket
Look, I don’t care if you “never fall in.” That’s exactly what everyone says right before they do a backflip out of their yak like a cartoon seal.
The law requires a life jacket, and your mom agrees. Just wear the darn thing.
Bonus Don’t: Tying your PFD to your kayak doesn’t count. That’s called “cargo,” not “safety.”
DO: Hug the Shore Like It Owes You Money
The further you paddle from shore, the more likely you are to end up starring in your own coast guard rescue story. The coastline of Grand Traverse Bay is beautiful—Old Mission, Power Island, Clinch Park—and it’s safer too. Stay within a reasonable swim of shore, especially if you’re new to the area.
Need a guided paddle or safe launch tip? The folks at AmbitiousCharters.com know the waters better than a seagull knows french fries. Ask ’em.
DON’T: Kayak While Tipsy
I shouldn’t have to say this. And yet, here we are.
Kayaking in Grand Traverse Bay is a thrill, but it’s not a floating bar stool. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and reaction time. Save the drinks for when your boat is on land and your stories have grown twice as big.
Captain Mike Wisdom Nugget:
If your cooler’s heavier than your kayak, you’re doing it wrong.
DO: Bring a Dry Bag with Essentials
Your phone, keys, sunscreen, snacks—keep ’em dry and keep ’em handy. Grand Traverse Bay doesn’t care how expensive your phone is. One flip, and it’s fish food.
Captain Mike Checklist:
- Dry bag
- Sunscreen
- Whistle (for signaling, not attracting dolphins—wrong body of water)
- Water bottle (hydration: not just for plants)
DON’T: Underestimate the Open Water
Look, I get it. You’re feeling confident. You just watched some YouTuber paddle across an ocean. But this is not the day to play expedition leader if you’ve never paddled beyond your pond.
Especially north of Power Island, currents can get spicy and weather changes fast. Always know your limits and respect the lake.
DO: Know the Launch Sites and Legal Stuff
The Bay has loads of great kayak launches—Clinch Park, Bowers Harbor, Haserot Beach. Make sure you’re launching legally and parking your vehicle in a designated spot. The DNR has zero sense of humor.
Also: Michigan law requires a light if you’re paddling before sunrise or after sunset. You are not Batman. Use a flashlight or kayak light to avoid becoming a speed bump for boats.
DON’T: Forget to Tell Someone Your Float Plan
Sounds dramatic? It’s not. Just text someone where you’re paddling and when you expect to be back. If something goes sideways, it might be the difference between rescue and… “found three days later wrapped around a buoy.”
Final Word from Captain Mike
So repeat after me:
The Bay is not your backyard creek. Respect it.
Kayaking in Grand Traverse Bay is one of the purest pleasures of freshwater living. But remember—it’s only fun if you come back dry, safe, and full of bad jokes.
Suit up, paddle smart, and for heaven’s sake, keep your TikToks to under 30 seconds unless you’re being chased by a swan—then film the whole thing. You’ll go viral.
For more safety tips, smarter boating, or a charter that won’t end in tears, check out AmbitiousCharters.com and SavvySkipper.com. And if you see me out there—yes, I do accept bribes in the form of sandwiches.
Stay floatin’,
Captain Mike Nowak
Ambitious Charters | Chief Kayak Heckler | Official Distributor of Free Advice