Sea Kayaking (Summer) | Recreational Sports Outdoor Program

Sea Kayak Training Courses

Intro to Flatwater Kayaking

So you bought a kayak? Or maybe you just want to have fun learning something new? This half-day course is a safe and fun introduction to kayaking in primarily flatwater environments. Get oriented with boat and body position, efficient stroke technique to reduce fatigue, strategies for keeping your boat upright and what to do if you tip. Includes instruction, boats, paddles, kayaking and safety equipment. You provide swimsuits, towels, water bottle, snacks or bag lunches, and adult chaperones if minors are present. Ages 12 and older. Youth under 12 may paddle with an adult chaperone in the boat with them.
Meets at the UMD Boat Shed, 1401 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth (on Park Point)
Date: June 21, 2022, 12-4pm
Cost: 2-3 people: $50/person
4-6 people: $45/person
Register Here

Basic Strokes and Rescues for Sea Kayaking
(Full! Check back spring 2023)

This is a safe and fun introduction to the sport of coastal kayaking. The course will prepare paddlers to comfortably and safely paddle on protected flatwater environments with conditions not to exceed 1-foot seas, 10-knot winds, and be no more than ½ mile from shore. You will be actively involved and learning about sea kayak equipment, paddling techniques, navigation, on-water safety and rescues. Condensed 1-day format, and more relaxed 2-day formats available!
Cost: 1-day format: (2-5 people for 8 hours) $680
Cost: 2-day format: (2-5 people for 12 hours) $1020
*Don't have 5 people to share costs? Contact us to set a date and we'll advertise for you to help you reach 5 participants!
**Groups larger than 5, please inquire!

Regional Day Trips for Families, Camps and Groups

Trips are available June 9 through mid-August unless otherwise noted. Includes instruction, boats, paddles, kayaking and safety equipment. You provide your own transportation, swim suits, towels, snacks or bag lunches, and adult chaperones when minors are present. Ages 12 and older. Youth under 12 may paddle with an adult chaperone in the boat with them

Duluth Harbor Sea Kayak Tour

Experience the activity of Duluth's working Harbor with its expansive skyline and bird sanctuary island. See freighters visiting from around the world, and weather dependent: glide alongside the William A. Irvin, a docked 611 foot iron ore ship! Meets at the UMD Boat Shed on Park Point, 1401 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth, MN 55802
Cost: 1-5 people: $85/hour (minimum of 3 hours)
6-10 people: $125/hour (minimum of 3 hours)
Groups larger than 10: Please inquire!

Lester River and North Shore Sea Kayak Tour

Available July 1 - mid-August
Paddle under a historic stone arch bridge at the mouth of the Lester River, and explore the North Shore with unique views of the Duluth skyline, aerial lift bridge, rugged rocks and cobble beaches while paddling on Lake Superior's crystalline blue waters. Meets at the UMD Surf Shack, 6008 MN HWY 61, Duluth, MN 55804
Cost: 1-5 people: $85/hour (minimum of 3 hours)
6-10 people: $125/hour (minimum of 3 hours)
Groups larger than 10: Please inquire!

Dwight’s Point Sea Kayak Tour & Picnic
(Full! Check back spring 2023)

Explore the newly designated National Water Trail! Towering white pines on steep clay embankments stand sentinel on your paddle, and lily pads bloom. Get ready to see the flora and fauna who make this place home! Meets at the UMD Boat Shed on Park Point, 1401 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth, MN 55802, and we’ll caravan to Woodstock Bay Landing. (Bring your own picnic).
Cost: 1-5 people: $210/hour (minimum of 4 hours)
6-10 people: $250/hour (minimum of 4 hours)
Groups larger than 10: Please inquire!

Full Moon Sea Kayak Tour

Close out the day with a little bit of magic! Join us on Lake Superior to watch the Sun set, and the Moon rise from a sea kayak! Headlamps required.
July 12, 2022, 6:30 - 10:00pm
August 10, 2022, 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Cost: $20 UMD Student Members / $50 Others
Minimum 3 people
Register Here

Add Sea Kayaking to your Family Camping Trip this Summer!
(Full! Check back spring 2023)

We’ll bring the kayaks, paddling equipment, and expertise! Each 4-hour outing provides basic instruction, a kayak tour, with an option for on-water skill-building games! We can meet you at a variety of locations including: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Light House State Park, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.