Paddle Plan - Michiana Sunset Coast
Lake Michigan - New Buffalo to Michigan City – Sat, July 1, 2017

This plan may be modified because of weather, water or group dynamics

A. Paddle Route - Lake Michigan A sea kayak paddle of 10 miles along the Lake Michigan Water Trail requiring an appropriate sea kayak and reliable Big Lake kayaking skills plus 5 miles of river paddling on gentle streams. This is a team paddle, as a participant you are expected to adjust to the pace of your team and to Keep in Sight of Each Other till All are back on land. Paddle Break Mm 3 New Buffalo Beach and Mm 9 Long Beach. FYI – Washington Park Beach Mm13.
Link to Paddle Route www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=480854
Launch - Galien River - DNR Public Access Site (PAS) – On Red Arrow Hwy north of I-94 Exit 4 - New Buffalo MI
Take Out - Trail Creek - Hansen Park PAS 240 East Street - Michigan City IN    
Two Paddle Teams - Lancers launch 1st, paddle at 4 mph. Voyageurs launch 2nd, paddle at 3 mph.

B. Paddle Time Line (Times EDS / CDS)
   10:00 / 09:00 am - Meet for Shuttle @ Red Arrow PAS
   10:15 / 09:15 - Caravan to Stage Vehicles at Take Outs, return to launch site
   10:55 / 09:55 - Safety Review at launch
   11:00 / 10:00 - Start Paddle
    03:00 / 02:00 – ETA – Voyageurs at Long Beach
    05:00 / 04:00 - ETA - Lancers at Hansen Park

C. Paddle Plan Contacts
   Coordinator - Kyak Kenneth   TillWeDance@acd.net   269.330.1040
   HCC Coordinator – Jim Sprandel merlin-3d@sbcglobal.net

D. Paddle Planning Comments
1. Shuttle  Participants are responsible for transporting themselves and their boats. Car pooling & shuttling help alleviate parking limitations. Joining the caravan prior to the paddle facilitates staging vehicles at take out & shuttling drivers back to put in. After the paddle, drivers will be shuttled back to the put in to obtain their vehicles.
2. There May be Parking & Access Fees at some public access sites
3. BBL - Bring Your Own Brown Bag Lunch, Snacks & Drinking Water as desired.
4. Please Notify a Coordinator, if you plan to participate.

E. Sunday Paddle
1. For those that wish to participate there will be a shorter loop paddle Sunday July 2 out of Dunbar Beach. Sea kayaks with adequate flotation required, as well as PFDs.
2. Schedule and route tbd by those present.

Paddle SAFE
1. Risk Assessment - Your “GoNoGo Decision” should be based on the weather, the water, your skills, your training and your experience with the understanding that:
     a. You are engaging in an activity with inherent dangers,
     b. You accept & acknowledge you are participating at your own risk, and
     c. You are responsible for your own safety and to use your own judgment.
2. Always Wear a Fully Secured Pfd while on the water, for your safety and safety of the group.
3. Avoid Conditions & Situations Beyond Your Abilities or physical & emotional strength.
4. Dress for Water Temp & Immersion. Cold Water – wear wet/dry suit.
5. Paddle with Others  –  Each participant is responsible that we Stay Together  -  
Using either a Team Paddle or a Group Paddle Format. Be Trained to help each other
6. Big Lake Paddles require a reliable self rescue, the ability to paddle in 2-4 ft waves, using a sea worthy kayak 15 ft or longer with deck lines & watertight bulkheads, carry appropriate safety equipment and be able to paddle at a rate of 3 mph