Sea Kayak Training Courses
Sea Kayak Skills: Essentials of Kayak Touring
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. Ages 12 and older.
Saturday, June 21st, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Register By 4:00pm on June 18th
We Provide: All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear, instruction.
You Provide: Swim suit, towel, 2 full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, bag lunch and snacks, notebook and pencil, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen, change of dry clothes for after the course.
Meet:UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth (on Park Point)
Cost: $40 UMD Student Members
$135 Non-Student Members / Community
REGISTER HERE
Regional Day Trips for Families, Camps and Groups
Trips are available mid-June 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
Sea Kayak Camping Apostle Islands
We will travel from island to island, camping overnight beside sandy beaches, hearing the haunting call of loons at dawn, and if it’s clear, seeing the Milky Way unobstructed by city lights at night. You might paddle over shipwrecks visible just beneath the surface of the water, play croquet on a lighthouse lawn, or experience the wonder of paddling through sea caves. The first day includes a basic strokes and rescues course to prepare you to maneuver safely and confidently in a sea kayak. Personal gear, group gear, and food get packed inside dry bags in our kayaks for the journey.
July 14-17, 2025
You Provide: Personal clothing and camping equipment (sleeping bag, sleeping mat, headlamp, rain gear, cup, bowl, spoon, etc). Full packing list available here. (Don’t have it? Reserve it from the UMD Rental Center. Inquire about discounts for RSOP program participants).
We Provide: All sea kayaks, paddles, personal floatation devices, safety gear, cold-water immersion wear, dry bags for your belongings, instruction, transportation from UMD, food, and group camping gear (tents, rain fly, camp stove and cooking supplies, water filter).
Cost: $500 UMD Student Members, $700 Non-UMD Student Members/Community
Prices are for a minimum of 4 people, up to 5 people. 10% discount available on per-person price for each UMD faculty/staff participant.
REGISTER HERE
Sea Kayak Tour: Duluth Harbor
Available July 1 - mid-August
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!
We Provide: All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear, instruction.
You Provide: Swim suit, towel, full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen, change of dry clothes for after the course.
Meet:UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth (on Park Point)
Cost: $30 UMD-Student Members / $71 Non-UMD Student Members (Community)
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
To Schedule: Call 218-726-7128, or email [email protected]
We Provide: All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear, instruction.
You Provide: Swim suit, towel, full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen, change of dry clothes for after the course.
Meet: UMD Surf Shack, Limnology Building, 6008 MN HWY 61, Duluth, MN
Cost: $71 / person for 3 hours, minimum 4 people
Canoeing
Canoe with the turtles and ducks of Rock Pond in Bagley Nature Area, right on the campus of UMD! Your session accommodates a blend of basic skills instruction, social interaction, environmental awareness and on water games to facilitate learning! Ages 12+. Youth under 12 may canoe with an adult chaperone in the boat with them. Includes instruction, canoes, paddles, and safety equipment. You provide adult chaperones, swimsuits and towels.
To Schedule: Call 218-726-7128, or email [email protected]
We Provide: Canoes, paddles, PFDs, instructor(s)
You Provide: Full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen,.
Meet: Rock Pond in Bagley Nature Area
Dwight’s Point Sea Kayak Tour & Picnic
Explore the recently 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! (Bring your own picnic).
To Schedule: Call 218-726-7128, or email [email protected]
We Provide: All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear as needed, instruction.
You Provide: Swim suit and paddling clothes, towel, full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen, change of dry clothes for after the course.
Meet:UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth (on Park Point)
Cost: 1-5 people: $620 for 5 hours
6-10 people: $845 for 5 hours
Groups larger than 10, or non-profit 501(c)3 rate: Please inquire!
Add Sea Kayaking to your Family Camping Trip this Summer!
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.
To Schedule: Call 218-726-7128, or email [email protected]
We Provide: All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear, instruction.
You Provide: Swim suit, towel, full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen, change of dry clothes for after the course.
Meet: UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth (on Park Point)
Cost: Groups of 1-8 people: $640 (Apostles), $589 (Split Rock Lighthouse State Park or Gooseberry State Park)