Inland Sea Kayakers

Events
To sign up for trips or request more information, visit the new Sign Up and More Info page!

See the full year schedule!

For "private" trips, check out the ISK message board here

Wednesday Night Rendezvous Begins Wednesday, May 7
Starting May 7, we'll meet on Wednesday nights at Lake Calhoun's Thomas Beach (on the south side) to paddle and play. We launch around 6:30 p.m. and paddle until dusk. We only cancel for thunderstorms. Bring your boat, paddle, PFD, sprayskirt and whatever warm clothes you need.

May 10 St. Croix River Paddle

Join Liza, our club expert on wildflowers (as well as other things!) on the St. Croix River. This is a beautiful stretch of federal Wild and Scenic River an hour from the Twin Cities. Our paddle will take us from the Osceola Landing to Marine on St. Croix. We'll pass through the sloughs and backwaters of the river and hopefully see some late spring wildflowers and the many waterfowl, wading birds, and migratory songbirds that nest along the river. Along the main channel, we'll paddle by 10' vertical rock banks with swallow nests and deep pools, and a number of attractive views. We have the option of ending the day with a burger under the apple blossoms at The Brookside, and/or ice cream cone from The Scoop. Depending on how high and fast the river is and how quickly (or leisurely) we paddle, anticipate 3.5-4.5 hours on the water, with breaks for lunch and as needed. Spray skirts and pfds are required. Sign up here.

May 17th Trip Participant and Leadership Clinic

Have you ever wondered how to deal with challenging situations on a kayaking trip? The ISK Trip Participant and Leadership Clinic is designed to foster and develop those skills in new ISK members, as well as hone the talents of experienced kayak trippers. Topics include trip participants roles both before and during trips, determining necessary group skills, choosing appropriate routes and what type of personal and group equipment to bring, logistics and planning, adjustment and flexibility on trail, group dynamics and decision making, communications, as well as health and safety issues. This program follows the ISK Trip Planning Guidelines, which has proven to be a successful and timeless model that future ISK trip leaders and participants should consider when planning trips. This clinic will combine informal classroom instruction group exercises in the morning with an afternoon on-water practicum.
Instructors: Dana Dickson, Jeff Forseth Sign up here

May 19th Program Meeting: Traditional Kayak and Baidarka Replicas

St. Paul native Jim Rutzik builds replicas of baidarkas and Aleutian kayaks using specifications taken from museum pieces. Then he paddles them and reports back to anthropologists and historians on the performance characteristics. Jim's presentation will address the history, methods and regional variations that contribute to the distinctiveness of these beautiful boats. He will have several replicas on hand. REI Bloomington Community Room, 7 p.m. All are welcome.

May 23-26 Third Annual Memorial Day Rendezvous, Friday-Monday

Mark your calendar for ISK's Memorial Day Rendezvous at the Apostle Islands. Members are invited to gather for paddling there over the Memorial Day weekend for informal day paddles along the shore and to nearby islands, camping, and just hanging out. Stay for the weekend, or drop in for a night or two. There'll be plenty of opportunity to share meals, work up plans for day paddles, and hang around campfires at night. Saturday night will be a pot-luck dinner, so bring something to share! Check back here for additional details.

June 5th ISK Board Meeting
Join ISK for the monthly board meeting (first Thursday every month) which takes place in the REI Bloomington Community Room at 7:00 p.m. All club members are welcome!! See how the club makes decisions and get involved!

Apostle Islands Outer Island Circumnavigation Expedition, June 18-22
This is an advanced skill-level trip covering approximately 60 miles. Lake Superior is a challenging lake and it is possible that you will be paddling in 2-4 foot seas with open water crossings. Appropriate cold water protective gear is required (dry suit preferred). Members will meet for skills assessment before the trip where wet exits and rescues must be demonstrated. Expect at least 2 planning meetings to discuss details. Gear and trip details will be covered well in advance of the departure date. Estimated route can be seen here Planned itinerary is departure from Buffalo Bay on 6/19 for camp on Outer Island. Circumnavigation of Outer on 6/20. Paddle to Oak Island on 6/21. Depart for Bufffalo Bay on 6/22. If you have any questions about your skill level, appropriate gear, or any other issues, please contact the trip leader, Ron Steinwall.

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