Paddling with Sara

By Sara Olejniczak

I’ve always been drawn to the water and consider myself fortunate to have grown up near Lake

Michigan. Much of my free time is spent at our cottage on the bay and on a calm day you will likely find

me paddling around in my kayak. I love being on the water and there is no better way to enjoy the

beauty of the bay or lake than by kayak.

This past winter and spring, with the unusually warm weather we had, the paddling season was

extended and I was able to kayak on December 30 (imagine open water on the bay in December) and

then again March 4.

In addition to our fleet of rigid kayaks we also have a vintage German made Klepper which is a wooden

double boat with a skin and bladder that you assemble. After disassembling it the pieces store in 3 bags

making for easy transporting and stowing in your trunk. My husband Marty is a wiz at putting it together

and we’ve taken this on several trips making it possible to not only get on Lake Michigan, the Ahnapee

River and Bay of Green Bay but also the Mississippi River, Lake Superior, Kewaunee River, Kangaroo Lake

and Mink River. We’ve especially had fun putting it together on the sand at Crescent Beach to launch it

there into the lake. Often we’ve drawn a crowd and fielded questions about the Klepper from

people at the beach. 

Crescent Beach is a great place to hop into a kayak and tool around the shoreline. I’ve shared my enthusiasm for paddling on the bay by taking my kids and Grandkids along with me. My Grandson Owen also likes to take his favorite kayak out to fish. Our dogs have even been brought onboard and, yes, they do have doggy life vests. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

● Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD)

● Check the weather forecast and water conditions; only go out when the water is calm

● Kayak with a buddy when you can

● Stay close to shore

● Carry your cellphone in a waterproof carrier

So, the next time the water is calm, get out there and give it a try! Don’t have a vessel? Venture over to

The River by Bayshore, 87 2nd St in Algoma. They are open daily during the season from 10 – 5 with

kayaks, SUPs, canoes and paddle boat swans available to rent. Bayshore Outfitters also sells kayaks and

SUPs at their Sturgeon Bay store along with some pretty cool water-friendly clothing in Algoma as well.

Be sure to also stop by Olson Park, Route 42 North of Algoma to check out the free-to-use float-style

kayak launch which allows users of all abilities and experience levels access to the Ahnapee River. You

can avoid getting your feet wet as you effortlessly push or pull onto the port.

Happy Paddling!