COPPER HARBOR KAYAK TOURS & RENTALS

SHOP INFORMATION

Specializing in epic world-class Lake Superior sea kayaking and Copper Harbor mountain biking, Keweenaw Adventure Company is the hub for human-powered recreation in Keweenaw County. They provide the gear and adventures that connect people with awe and respect to the Keweenaw Peninsula. Keweenaw Adventure Company contributes to the region’s well-being through education, stewardship, conservation and sustainable tourism.

Established in 1994, Keweenaw Adventure Company offers a variety of adventure gear rentals, guided day and multi-day trips and tours on Keweenaw Peninsula, Lake Superior and Isle Royale National Park. They operate a small retail shop, bicycle, canoe & SUP rentals, bike service, interpretive guided eco-tours, lodging and a shuttle service.

More than just a shop, they have also built their reputation as advocates, trail builders, community organizers and folks who like to have a good time.

TOUR INFORMATION

Keweenaw Adventure Company specializes in Lake Superior sea kayak adventures. The company offers guided 1/2 day, full day and multi-day kayak tours on Lake Superior and Isle Royale National Park. Explore a chain of barrier islands, finger bays, sea caves, cliffs and spiny ridgelines that parallel the peninsula. Discover Keweenaw Peninsula’s rugged beauty, historic lighthouses, and hidden waterfalls. Keweenaw offers both single and tandem kayak options for tours!

RENTAL INFORMATION

SIT ON TOP KAYAKS, SUPS & CANOES

Keweenaw Adventure Company rents single and tandem sit-on-top kayaks, SUPs, and canoes perfect for paddling the many inland lakes of the peninsula. They will even deliver and pick up the kayak rental to the lake for a small fee!

SEA KAYAK RENTALS

Keweenaw Adventure Co provides outfitting services and kayak rentals for anyone who wants a self-guided adventure. Rentals include:

Sea kayak (Boreal Design) equipped with a rudder, deck-lines and two hatches with bulk heads
Paddle, spray skirt, life vest (PFD), wetsuit, bilge pump, paddle float, a whistle and at least 2 dry bags per person
VHF / Weather Radios capable of two-way communications with the NPS and/or other boaters may be rented for an additional $5/day

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR SEA KAYAK RENTALS (NOT APPLICABLE TO TOURS):

Prior to renting sea kayaks (not sit-on-top kayaks) for self-guided adventures, ALL participants must meet one of the following requirements (and must be 16 or older to rent a single kayak):

Successfully complete our Fundamental Water Safety Course
“Test-out” by successfully demonstrating a “wet exit”, assisted “T-Rescue” and self-rescue “Paddle-Float re-entry” (a $10/person fee)
Provide documentation (signed by an ACA Certified Instructor) of having completed a water safety course meeting the same curriculum as ours within the past 3 years

FAQs

DO I NEED TO MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR TOURS AND RENTALS?

All tours and rentals require a reservation at least 24 hours in advance to guarantee availability. Walk-ins are welcome but we can't guarantee availability. NOTE: The shop always try to accommodate reservations made less than 24 hours in advance, depending on availability of equipment and guides, if applicable.

CAN I CANCEL/ RESCHEDULE MY TOUR OR LESSON?

CANCELLATION POLICY: Payments are refundable, minus a 15% cancellation fee, with notice any time prior to ONE WEEK of scheduled activity — otherwise non-refundable unless the optional Trip Protection has been purchased. WEATHER POLICY: All tours are subject to rescheduling, alternate destinations or possible cancellations due to wind, wave or other UNSAFE weather conditions. Light to moderate rains, fog or cool weather do not necessarily cancel a tour, though. Customers often find paddling in the rain more enjoyable than they thought, since they are well protected from the elements by the kayak, spray skirt, wetsuit, lifejacket, personal rain jacket and hat, and generate body heat as they paddle. That all said, we will certainly not venture out in a heavy downpour or if thunderstorms are present — and full payments will be refunded if staff determines a weather cancellation. TRIP PROTECTION (OPTIONAL): This in-house trip cancellation insurance covers rentals, tours and shuttles (not lodging) and is optional to purchase ($15/booking). If you subscribe to this option, you understand that it allows you to cancel your rentals, tours and/or shuttles up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled reservation and receive a refund minus a 15% cancellation fee. You understand that Trip Protection is void in cases where a 24 hour notice of cancellation is not provided AND DAY OF CANCELLATIONS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?

SEA KAYAKING: All tours are subject to rescheduling, alternate destinations or possible cancellations due to wind, wave or other UNSAFE weather conditions. Light to moderate rains, fog or cool weather do not necessarily cancel a tour, though. Customers often find paddling in the rain more enjoyable than they thought, since they are well protected from the elements by the kayak, spray skirt, wetsuit, lifejacket, personal rain jacket and hat, and generate body heat as they paddle. That all said, we will certainly not venture out in a heavy downpour or if thunderstorms are present — and full payments will be refunded if staff determines a weather cancellation. BIKING: Full payments will be refunded in the event of UNSAFE weather conditions, such as heavy downpours and thunderstorms & lightning. Please note, though, light to moderate rain, fog, or cool weather does not cancel a rental. NOTE: The trails can be ridden in the rain, as they have been built with excellent drainage and erosion control.

WHAT TYPE OF CERTIFICATIONS DO THE STAFF HAVE?

Your safety is always our number one priority, and we have an excellent safety record. KCA's Sea Kayak guides have taken the Instructional Development Workshop through the American Canoe Association for coastal sea kayaking. Senior kayak guides and overnight trip leaders have completed the Instructional Certification Exam for coastal sea kayaking. KAC staff members have certification in CPR. Some KAC staff have degrees in Outdoor Recreation and Management. At the beginning of each season, employees undergo company staff training, 1-3 days in duration depending on their position, to prepare for the season.

IS THERE AN AGE AND WEIGHT REQUIREMENT FOR SEA KAYAKING?

Age Limits: For our 2.5 hour, Porter’s Island/Sunset Paddle, there is no age limit, but participants must meet minimum weight limit of 80lbs and a maximum of 280lbs. For our Half-Day Tours, Full-Day Tours and Overnight Trips youth must be a minimum of 12 years old. Additionally, youth 15 years and younger are required to paddle in a tandem kayak for all our tours. NOTE: Youth rates are priced to reflect this requirement. Weight/Size Limits: There is a minimum of ~80lbs and a maximum of ~280lbs. Kayaks can be size discriminate and having a safe fit is largely dependent upon height and body shape, too. Large cockpits are 17 x 33 inches in size and elongated, so one must be able to comfortably fit into this space to have the freedom to get in and out of the cockpit.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING SEA KAYAKING?

To ensure your sea kayak adventure is a good experience, KAC suggests that you bring the items listed below with you. NOTE: Wet suits will be provided, and use is mandatory because of Lake Superior’s cold water and KAC provides them for all clients. A synthetic top such as polyester, polypropylene or capaline. Fleece is great for cooler days or evenings. These materials are highly recommended to wear underneath your wetsuit as they dry quickly and have an insulating value even if they get wet. Cotton should be avoided. Shorts or a swimsuit that a wetsuit can be slipped over. Water shoes or sandals. Participants can go barefoot if they do not have the appropriate footwear. Shoes with laces are not allowed! Hat – for shade when it’s sunny. Cap – for warmth if it’s cool, especially in the Spring & Fall. Sunglasses and Sunscreen Drinking Water – at least 1 quart or more on ½ day & full day trips per person. A pint is sufficient for most people on the Porter’s Island Paddle. Camera – take advantage of the many photo opportunities while on ‘da Big Lake! KAC guides have drybags available for your use, however, participants assume their own risk for damaged or lost cameras.

Copper Harbor Outdoor Adventures