Rossport to Silver Islet – Lake Superior: 22-30 July, 2022

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Paddling through the many island chains of western Lake Superior’s National Marine Conservation area is a trip not to be missed.  Secluded and remote, you will be self-sufficient for gear, food and supplies, yet get the company of a few like minded paddlers to explore this rare bit of wilderness tranquility.  Having paddled this section a number of times before, we’ll keep the daily linear distance capped at 35 km in order to provide ample time for exploring the towering islands, cliffs, beaches, saunas, waterfalls, active fishing villas and abandoned alike.  As this is Lake Superior at it’s best, wetsuits and/or dry suits are required and you should expect to see some wind and waves. The focus of our explorations will be on the area south of St. Ignace Island, along Black Bay Peninsula.

Please note:
Participants must be capable of self and assisted rescues, paddling distances up to 35 km, and be comfortable with waves and open water crossings of up to 5 km.
Participants must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Proof must be provided on request. Covid protocols must be followed on all public property.
Every participant is responsible for taking along all gear, food, fuel, and a water filter.
Participants will split a pre-arranged shuttle fee from Silver Islet back to Rossport after the trip.
Fees for camping permits apply on Porphyry Island.

Good Reading about the area:
“The Greatest Lake”, Conor Mihell, 2012; “The Superior Way, 2nd Edition”, Bonnie Dahl, 1992;
“Wild Shore, Exploring Lake Superior By Kayak”, Greg Briening, 2000;
“A Paddler’s Guide To the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area”,
Zak Kruzins, 2012; “Light Keeper’s Daughter”, Jean Pendziwol, 2017

GLSKA trip classification: C-3  (GLSKA Trip Classification)

C = Strenuous: Daily paddling typically more than 5 hours, with distances of 20 kilometers or more.
3 = Experienced: Requires advanced paddling, seamanship and rescue skills. Ability to handle waves greater than 1 meter. Expect exposed waters, open crossings, large waves and moderate to strong winds, surf, fog, and potentially difficult landings. Sheltered resting and landing spots could be few.

Trip Organizer: Melissa Hachkowski & her sidekick Mica  (somewhere_out_here@hotmail.com)
Trip Type: Wilderness camping
Group Size: 4-6 participants
Paddling Distances: Daily distances are planned for 17-32 km. Total: 180linear kilometers plus personal exploring.

Meeting Location: Rossport
Launch Time: 9:00 am, 22-July-2022
At the boat launch, please unload promptly and remove your vehicle from the launch area as soon as possible.
Trip Maps/Charts: Canadian Topographic Grebe Point 42 D/12; Thunder Cape 52 A/7; Shesheeb Bay 52 A/9; Shaganash Island 52 A/8; Rossport 42 D/13

Interested? Contact Trip Organizer by email (above)

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.