By Captain Mike Nowak, the guy who’s yelled “Paddle smarter, not harder!” more times than he’s paddled sober.
If you’re planning to stand on a floating piece of fiberglass and cruise around Grand Traverse Bay like some kind of Lake Michigan warrior yogi, congratulations—you’re about to experience Michigan at its finest. But before you throw on your board shorts and pretend you’re in a REI catalog, let’s talk SUP safety. That’s right. SUP safety. It’s not just for the rule-following crowd anymore.
Whether you’re renting from a beach hut or lugging your own 12-foot plank out of your Subaru, here’s how not to die, drift to Canada, or make me come get you.
1. Know Before You Go: Wind, Waves & Weather
Here’s the deal: Grand Traverse Bay looks calm and friendly. It also looks like it’s not 45-degree water just below the surface. Know what’s even more deceptive than your ex’s apology texts? Offshore winds. They will blow you halfway to Charlevoix before you realize you’re paddling backwards.
Before heading out, check:
- Wind direction & speed (Offshore = bad news. Onshore = slightly better news.)
- Wave height (Anything over 1 foot and you’re basically surfing.)
- Water temps (Spoiler alert: hypothermia kills your vibes fast.)
Use reliable forecasts. I’m partial to Windy.com, but AmbitiousCharters.com usually posts solid local insights, especially during peak boating season.
2. Wear Your Leash and PFD (Stop Arguing)
You wouldn’t drive without a seatbelt, right? OK, bad example—I’ve seen your driving. But on a SUP, your leash keeps you tethered to your one piece of flotation. Without it, that board can blow away faster than a politician’s promise.
And yes, legally in Michigan, the Coast Guard requires you to have a PFD (personal flotation device). If you’re over 12, it can be strapped to the board, but guess what? You can’t strap yourself to the board unless you’re duct tape and dreams.
Pro tip from SavvySkipper.com: Wear an inflatable belt PFD. It’s comfy, legal, and won’t make you look like a lost toddler at the beach.
3. Know the Local Traffic
Grand Traverse Bay isn’t just your personal zen garden. You’re sharing water with boats, jet skis, and tourists in rented pontoons who don’t understand things like “right of way” or “awareness of other humans.”
Stick to:
- Nearshore zones (but not too near if there are waves breaking)
- Out of the channels (they’re boat highways, not SUP playgrounds)
- Early mornings (fewer boats, less chop, more peace)
If you’re unsure where to go, AmbitiousCharters.com has some great tips on SUP-friendly launch points, and yours truly—Captain Mike Nowak—has been known to holler out a few pointers from the helm between charters. Holler back if you need a tow. (Just kidding. Kind of.)
4. Don’t SUP Like a Tourist (Unless You Are One, in Which Case: Learn Fast)
Here’s a checklist so you don’t become a statistic (or a story I tell at the dock bar):
- Bring water & sunscreen (You’re paddling. You’re sweating. And that sun? Ruthless.)
- Tell someone your plan (Or better yet, bring a buddy who can actually paddle.)
- Carry a waterproof phone case (No one wants your paddleboard selfie that ends in a GoFundMe for a search party.)
And for the love of all things Traverse, don’t try to bring your dog, cooler, yoga mat, and Bluetooth speaker on your first paddle. Baby steps, champ.
5. Take a Class, Not a Swim
If you’re new to SUP or want to level up your skills, a proper lesson goes a long way. And no, watching two YouTube videos from a shirtless bro in California doesn’t count.
Check out SavvySkipper.com for actual captain-certified instruction—because when the water gets rough, you’ll be glad someone taught you how to turn like a pro instead of spinning in panic like a confused duck.
Wrapping It Up: SUP Smart or SUP Sorry
Look, I love seeing folks out on the Bay enjoying the water. But I also love not calling the Coast Guard because someone thought they could paddle across West Bay during a gale warning in crocs and swim trunks.
So remember: SUP safety isn’t a buzzkill—it’s what keeps your adventure epic without a side of rescue.
And if you see a charter boat with a salty-looking guy yelling helpful advice at paddlers, that’s probably me. Smile, wave, and for Pete’s sake, face the wind.
See you on the water. Or don’t—if you’re doing it right.
—Captain Mike Nowak
(Charter skipper, safety nag, and paddleboard heckler-in-chief)
AmbitiousCharters.com | SavvySkipper.com