The annual spring paddle at Summit Lake is fast approaching.

Please come and join this group of hearty paddlers celebrating SPRING!

Sponsor:  Jim Eckerty  rentbsu@comcast.net  

Schedule:  Launch time: 11:00 AM     From Main Boat Ramp (read on)    Length: 2-3 hours, 6-8 miles   

Go / No-Go decision will be made & posted 24 hours prior to launch.

Registration:  Please register on the club web site or email if necessary.

Equipment Requirement:   ≥14’ Boat recommended.  Wet or Dry suit and spray skirt STRONGLY recommended.  Appropriate clothing plus Dry clothing in water tight bag.

Sit on top boats, SUP’s are not appropriate for this trip. 

Skill Requirement:  Experience with Cold Weather paddling.  Please review Hypothermia Charts, getting wet could be lethal (see chart below).  Many past trips have seen the ice dissipate just days before our arrival and sometimes we have encountered “HARD” water.

Hypothermia Concens
Water Temp           Index     Unconsciousness          Survival Time
32.5 - 40 degrees  Severe    15-30 minutes             30-90 minutes

GENERAL:  Rest rooms at the dock/put-it have been open for this trip in the past and we assume they will be available again this year.  Since we are meeting at the main boat ramp (pass the gate house and turn right at the first “T”) you will be able to launch your ship from the concrete ramp or shoreline. This early in the season there should be no gate fee but you will need a 2019 State Park Boat Permit, sometimes available at the park office but I would not depend on that.   We will probably stop about half way a brief lunch.   So dust off your gear and hope for a good day.  

SUMMIT LAKE:  Summit Lake is the major feature of Indiana's 19th state park. Established in 1988, 800 acre Summit Lake was formed by damming Big Blue River and other smaller tributaries.  Summit Lake is very near the highest point in the state (hence the name Summit) so please be aware that wind and waves can be moderate...1-2 ft depending on the weather so a spray skirt is required.

Directions:  Summit Lake State park is located northeast of New Castle and southeast of Muncie. From Mt Summit, IN (Highway 3 and 36 intersect here) travel 4 miles east on Highway 36 to Messick Road and then north 1 mile to the park. 

Getting There:  GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 40.02097, -85.30126 40°1'15"N, 85°18'5"W

Mailing Address:    Summit Lake State Park   5993 N Messick  Road  New Castle, IN 47362