SOUTHERN LAKE ASSESSMENT

SOUTHERN RECREATION PROFILE LAKE Kayaking: OPPORTUNITIES FOR LAKE HURON ASSESSMENT PORTAUSTIN KAYAK

The southern Lake Huron coast is a fantastic setting for outdoor exploration. Promoting the region’s natural assets can help build vibrant communities and support local economies. This series of fact sheets profiles different outdoor activities that could appeal to residents and visitors of Michigan’s Thumb. We hope this information will help guide regional planning, business development and marketing throughout the region. Here we provide an overview of kayaking – including details on what is involved in the sport, who participates, and what is unique about kayaking on Lake Huron.

WHY KAYAK ON LAKE HURON? Southern Lake Huron offers a diverse and beautiful shoreline for kayaking with opportunities to paddle along sandy beaches, unusual rock formations, historic lighthouses, and quiet rivers and wetlands. A 122-mile water trail has been developed along the coast between Quanicasee and Lexington, with 44 boat access points. Kayakers can paddle close to shore the whole route, enjoying open water views and safe access to land. Michigan’s Thumb Area is also well suited for kayak camping trips, kayak fishing and surf kayaking, all within an easy drive of southeast Michigan.

How Popular is Kayaking? n Geography: 14.1% live in Michigan, Industry Outlook Illinois, Indiana, Ohio or Wisconsin. In the U.S.: Nearly half of all Americans participated n Ethnicity: 82% are white. n 7.8 million Americans went kayaking in some type of outdoor recreation in at least once in 2008. Economic Impact 2009, and 82% of this group planned n 2.8% of Americans age 6 or older were to spend more time outdoors in 2010. involved in kayaking. The Outdoor Foundation estimated the Participation in kayaking has grown over annual economic impact of all paddlers the last few years, and now more Americans In Michigan: (river and lake kayakers, canoeists and paddle (kayak, canoe, raft) than play soccer. n 28% of households participated in rafters) in all of Michigan, Wisconsin, Kayaking has a variety of positive aspects, kayaking or canoeing in 2007. Illinois, Ohio and Indiana. They found: including: n n 7% of those who participated consid- Participants 4.6 million Kayaking is a “lifetime sport.” It is accessible to people of all ages and ability ered kayaking to be one of their three Trip-related Spending $1.78 billion most important outdoor activities. levels, making it a great family activity. Gear-related Spending $433 million n 20% of households own a canoe n Participation is possible in urban, Total Tax Revenue $396 million or kayak. suburban and rural areas. Jobs Supported 34,999 n Little instruction is required, and Who Kayaks? Source: Outdoor Industry Foundation, 2006 beginners can be successful. n A snapshot of U.S. kayakers: Why do People Kayak? Kayaking can be combined with other activities, such as photography, bird n Participation: Kayakers made an A recent survey reported the following watching, fishing, hunting, camping, average of 10 outings each in 2008. motives for canoeing, kayaking and rafting: hiking or biking. 47% of kayakers made 1 to 3 outings. n It’s relaxing. n The sport has minimal impact on n Gender: 56% are male. n It’s a great way to get exercise. the environment. n Age: 36% are between 25 – 44; n It’s fun. n Kayaking can be enjoyed alone or 30% are over 45. n To enjoy discovery and exploration. in groups. n Income: 57% earn over $75,000/year. n To get away from usual routine. n It is a form of boating that does not n Education: 51% have a college degree require gasoline. or higher.

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KAYAK OPPORTUNITIES ON LAKE HURON SOUTHERN LAKE HURON WATER TRAILS A blueway or water trail is an established route for kayakers and canoeist that includes boat launch areas, camping locations and points of interest. Water trail organizations work to inventory and enhance coastal public access points, bolster environmental protection and promote recreational opportunities. In the Thumb, there are two active water trail organizations: the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail, and the Blueways of St. Clair. Both provide excellent maps and route suggestions for paddlers. KAYAK EVENTS IN MICHIGAN Kayak events, such as festivals, competi- tions, workshops and group paddles can build a strong kayak community and help an area become known as a kayak destination. Here are a few examples from Michigan: n A kayak shop in southeast Michigan has been leading local kayak tours, some- n In 2010, Port Austin began hosting an times in conjunction with other festivals. annual sea kayak symposium, with What other Activities do A recent survey showed that these tours speakers, field trips and skills training. Kayakers Enjoy? The 2011 symposium will overlap with attracted new people to the sport. A 2009 report by the Outdoor Founda- n the Harbor Festival in June. 76% of tour participants did not tion found that many paddlers enjoy n Kayak fishing is attracting new people own kayaks. other outdoor activities. The most to both kayaking and fishing. Michigan n 46% had just started kayaking. common activities were: has an active club that organizes kayak n 60% kayaked only a few times a year. fishing tournaments in Lake St. Clair n Fitness walking ...... 54% n 64% were over 40 years old. and events for veterans called Heroes on n Backyard and car camping ...... 45% n 76% thought they would participate the Water. n Hiking ...... 43% in another kayak event. n Freshwater fishing...... 40% n Adventure triathalons that include kaya- n king have become popular. Clarkston Road/paved surface bicycling ...... 37% and Manistique currently host adventure n Wildlife viewing ...... 27% races with a kayaking component.

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What makes a Community Types of Kayaking SOURCES Kayak-Friendly? There are three main types of kayaks: recreational, Vogt, C., L. Knollenberg, M. Kim & T. Groth (2011). n Water trails with maps, websites, sea/touring and whitewater. The majority of U.S. Developing, marketing and programming water trails in Michigan. brochures and signs on roads and water. kayakers (67%) use recreational kayaks, but more n Scenic, clean and accessible waterways. specialized styles of kayaking are becoming more Outdoor Industry Association & Outdoor Foundation (2009). A special report on paddlesports. n Kayak rental opportunities. common. On Lake Huron, most people use recreational or sea kayaks that allow paddlers to Outdoor Industry Foundation (2006). The active n Boat launch sites with amenities such as: sit below the deck, protected by a spray skirt or outdoor recreation economy. launch areas that are safe for kayaks and cover. “Sit on top” style kayaks likely wouldn’t motor boats, safe parking, stores, picnic Outdoor Foundation (2010). Outdoor recreation offer enough stability or protection from waves participation report. areas, restrooms. on Lake Huron. Beedle, J. (2008). Paddle tourism study: n Information about interesting natural, North Carolina state trails program. historical and cultural features of the area. n Recreational Kayaking uses mid-length boats n that are designed to be stable, comfortable and Michigan DNR (2008). Michigan statewide Updates about water and weather comprehensive outdoor recreation plan (SCORP). conditions online or through mobile apps. maneuverable on lakes, ponds or rivers. Michigan Kayak Organizations, including: n n Touring or Sea Kayaking uses long, narrow Shuttle service for paddlers. Port Austin Kayak, Michigan Kayak Fishing, n Storage area or place to lock boats so kayaks that can move quickly on large water Riverside Kayak Connections, Bluewaters of kayakers can walk into town. bodies and carry camping equipment. In the St. Clair, Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail. n Links between water and land-based trails Thumb, sea kayakers could paddle between state (kayak one way, hike or bike return). and county parks and camp close to the beach. n Whitewater Kayaking n Camping areas.  uses short, wide boats Contact on fast-flowing rivers. n Waterways that have designated areas for Dan McCole, Ph.D n Surf Kayaking allows kayakers to ride the motorized or non-motorized boats. Professor of Tourism and Recreation waves like surfers or just play in the surf with n Collaboration with local, state and Michigan State University whitewater boats or specially designed kayaks. nationwide kayaking organizations and [email protected] n Kayak Fishing tourism agencies.  lets anglers quietly access good fishing spots. Kayak fishing boats are now made Mary Bohling n Marketing that promotes kayaking with adjustable holders for fishing poles. Extension Educator experiences and services. n Kayak Sailing allows kayakers to use a small sail Michigan Sea Grant to make long paddles easier. [email protected]

The Southern Lake Huron Assessment is The project is sponsored by Michigan Sea SOUTHERN evaluating potential opportunities for the Grant College Program, M/PD-44, under: LAKE coastal region of Michigan’s Thumb. NA10OAR4170071 from National Sea Grant, ASSESSMENT NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce, with This profile was researched and written by funds from the State of Michigan. SOUTHERN Cathleen Zuzelski and Dan McCole from MSU, LAKE with assistance from Lynn Vaccaro. ASSESSMENT

www.miseagrant.umich.edu/research/projects/huron

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