Beaver Island Archipelago – Lake Michigan

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Beaver Island Archipelago – Lake Michigan
Beaver Island Archipelago – Lake Michigan

Dates: July 20, 2025 – July 26, 2025
Trip Organizer(s): John Fitzsimons – Fitzj13@gmail.com
Trip Type: Wilderness Camping
Group Size: 8 participants maximum
GLSKA trip classification: C-3

Trip Description:

It is recommended the group camp overnight on July 20 th at Petoskey State Park (231-347-2311) in Petoskey, Michigan before meeting the ferry on July 21. On July 21 the group will catch the 2:30PM ferry from Charlevoix, Michigan to St. James on Beaver Island. The distance to the ferry dock from Petoskey State Park is approximately 30 km. The ferry can be booked with the Beaver Island Boat Company at 231-547-2311 with the cost of a return trip $210.00USD. Upon arrival at St. James, the group will unload from the ferry and drive a short distance to Jewell Gillespie Park where kayaks will be loaded. Cars will be left at the park for the duration of the trip. The first night we will paddle to the Bill Wagner Campground located approximately 10 km from St. James on the east side of Beaver Island. On the second day on the island (July 22) the group will paddle to Iron Ore Bay, a distance of approximately 16 km, and camp for the night. On the third day (July 23) the group will paddle to Bonners Landing, a distance of approximately 16 km, and camp for the night. On the fourth day (July 24) the group will paddle out to High Island, a distance of approximately 7 km, and locate a camp site for the night. On the fifth day (July 25) the group will paddle on to Garden Island, a distance of approximately 13 km, and locate a camp site for the night. On the sixth day (July 26) the group will paddle back to St. James, a distance of approximately 7 km, unload the kayaks, and travel back to Charlevoix on the 2:20PM ferry. The schedule is dependent on wind and waves and may have to be altered accordingly but in any event the group will be back in St. James on July 26 for the ferry departure. The group can arrange for a campsite at Petoskey State Park but booking ferry passage will be the responsibility of each participant.

Notes:

There is no rain date. Only those serious about participating should apply. Participants will be expected to be able to maintain a speed of 6 km/hr in up to a 5 kt headwind. The trip involves open water crossings during which you may encounter winds up to 15 kt (28 km/h) and 1 m waves. If a Small Craft Warning (winds of 20 to 33 kt; 37 to 61 km/h) is issued, the group will remain on shore if required. Depending on wind direction, water temperatures can vary by up to 10°C so participants need to bring adequate protection.

Meeting Location: Petoskey State Park, Michigan
Meeting Time: July 20, time tbd
Trip Maps/Charts: NOAA Nautical Chart 149110G Waugoshance Point to Seul Choix Point, including Beaver Island Group; Port Inland; Beaver Harbour. Also see the Beaver Island Water Trail Paddling Guide.

Interested? Contact Trip Organizer by email (above)
Participants must be GLSKA members in good standing.

GLSKA Waiver

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

DEFINITION

In this Release Agreement, the term Sea Kayaking Activities shall include but is not limited to: all activities, events or services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Releasees and shall including moving water, still water, lake and ocean kayaking; loan or rental of kayaks (hereinafter "the boats") and other equipment; orientational and instructional courses, seminars and sessions; all travel, transportation, and accommodation; food, beverage including water supply, use of equipment, and multi-day camping or overnight stays in the outdoors.

In this Release Agreement, the term "Negligence" includes the failure by the Releasees to use such care as a reasonably prudent and careful guide, instructor, trip organizer or sea kayaking operator would use under similar circumstances, or breach of any other duty of care imposed by law.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

Participation in Sea Kayaking Activities involves various risks, dangers and hazards including the risk of serious injury, paralysis or death. Sea Kayaking Activities often take place in remote wilderness locations, where assistance, medical and first aid services and evacuation may not be readily available, and communication may be difficult or not possible. The risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered include, but are not limited to: accidents which occur during transportation or travel to and from the departure point; slips and falls while getting into or out of the boats; overturning of the boats; loss of balance; impact or collision with objects; cold water immersion; repetitive strain injuries; dislocated shoulders; hypothermia; drowning; changing and inclement weather conditions including storms, high wind, high waves, and lightning; encounters with domestic or wild animals; infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact; negligence on the part of other participants; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES.

Please refer to the GLSKA Risk Management Strategy section of their website for further information regarding the risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered during Sea Kayaking Activities.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

In consideration of the Releasees allowing me to participate in Sea Kayaking Activities as defined in this Release Agreement, I hereby agree as follows:

  1. TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may in the future have against the Releasees and TO RELEASE THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expenseor injury including death that I may suffer, or that my next of kin may suffer as a result of my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities, DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES REFERRED TO ABOVE;
  1. TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any property damage or personal injury to any third party resulting from my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities;
  2. This Release Agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives, in the event of my death or incapacity;
  3. This Release Agreement and any rights, duties and obligations as between the parties to this Release Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted solely in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and no other jurisdiction; and
  4. Any litigation involving the parties to this Release Agreement shall be brought solely within the Province of Ontario and shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.

In entering into this Release Agreement I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by the Releasees with respect to the safety of Sea Kayaking Activities, other than what is set forth in this Release Agreement.

I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT, AND I AM AWARE THAT BY ACCEPTING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH I OR MY HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNS AND REPRESENTATIVES MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES.