Basic Safety Course in Bayfield, Wisconsin

Duration and meet-up

3 hours split between the classroom and on-water Meets at 8:15 at our shop in Bayfield

About

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. Having demonstrated calamitous capacities, this body of water has been deemed an inland sea. It is vital that we equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to keep yourself safe out on the big lake, in the Apostle Islands, and beyond.

Successful completion of the safety course is required to rent equipment for unguided rentals. The safety course is not required for guided tours.

More info

• Safety Course participants must be at least 14 years old.
• One adult (18+) must be present on all trips involving minors.

What is included

• Single or Tandem sea kayaks and paddling/rescue equipment
• Wetsuits for every paddler
• The classroom portion of this course will provide participants with basic navigation skills, route-specific tips, introductory VHF radio communication skills, advice on when to/not to launch, insight into wildlife activity on the islands, and more.
• On the water, participants will sharpen their paddling skills by practicing basic paddle strokes, learning how to wet exit, performing paddle float self-rescues, and completing the partner t-rescue.

What to bring

• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Pen/notebook
• Thin, quick-drying layers for under wetsuit (swimsuit, shorts, leggings, shirt)
• Windbreaker or rain jacket for cool, windy or rainy days
• Footwear that can get wet (sandals, flip-flops, old tennis shoes)
• A towel and change of clothes for after the course