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  • Best Kayaks for Beginners (by a kayak guide!)

    June 16, 2024

    Looking for the best kayaks for a beginner kayaker? Here’s the ultimate guide to buying your first kayak:

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  • image of wilderness systems pungo at sunset in Big Island Lakes Wilderness

    Ultimate Kayaking Packing List (by a Kayak Guide!)

    April 2, 2024

    Planning a kayaking trip? For what to pack for kayaking, how to pack, and more, read this article!

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  • Winter Kayaking: Best Gear & How to Layer

    November 1, 2023

    For the best gear and how to layer for winter kayaking, read this article!

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  • image of wilderness systems pungo at sunset in Big Island Lakes Wilderness

    Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 Review

    May 4, 2022

    Sponsored by Wilderness Systems This summer, I’ll be sea kayaking from Washington to Alaska 1300 miles along the Inside Passage, and my weapon of choice is a Wilderness Systems Tempest 165. The first sea kayak I…

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  • kayaker explores the sea caves of sand island in the apostle islands national lakeshore, a four hour drive from Minneapolis

    30 Inspiring Great Lakes Kayaking Photos

    April 17, 2022

    come explore and sea kayak some the 30 most beautiful kayaking locations on the great lakes!

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  • image of a Yellow Sea kayak at the Pictured Rocks Cliffs on Lake Superior

    Seven Secrets for Stunning Kayak Photos

    September 23, 2021

    Want to learn how to take great kayak photos? From paddling technique, to locations, to composing the perfect paddling photos, here is a complete guide on how to take great photos from a canoe or…

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  • A windsurfer on Lake Superior by Artists Point Grand Marais MN

    8 Tips for Fall Kayaking: What to Wear & How to Layer

    September 5, 2021

    Looking for the best clothes for fall kayaking? Wondering what to wear kayaking in the shoulder season? Check out what to wear fall kayaking

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  • A loon on a small quiet lake near Traverse City, Michigan

    7 Beautiful Places to Kayak in Traverse City, MI

    September 1, 2021

    Looking for the best kayaking near Traverse City? Read this article for the best places to kayak near Traverse City, Michigan

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  • Kayaking Sand Island Sea Caves in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

    Five Best Places to Kayak on Lake Superior

    July 11, 2021

    Looking for the best kayaking spots on Lake Superior? Read this article to find Lake Superior sea caves, sea arches, and the best spots to kayak!

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  • A yellow kayak on Lake Superior by the red and orange Pictured Rocks Cliffs

    8 Best Hiking Trails & Adventures in the Pictured Rocks

    February 19, 2021

    Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has sandstone cliffs, great swimming spots, sea kayaking and more! Here are some of the best hiking trails in the Pictured Rocks:

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maddymarq

guide & writer exploring the midwest🏕
📍Northwoods & Lake Superior
inquiries: hello@madelinemarquardt.com
↓ FREE trail guides ↓

“Isn’t it just a lake?!” Me: ITS AN INLAND SEA!!!💫 “Isn’t it just a lake?!” Me: ITS AN INLAND SEA!!!💫❄️🌊🌈🏕️🥾Quick note on winter paddling/kayaking Lake Superior:All kayaking on lake superior year-round should be done in a sea kayak with deep water self and assisted rescue skills and/or a qualified guide. VHF marine radio and full safety kit also recommended.Winter paddling should also have a drysuit in the mix+ local knowledge of ice patterns.I don’t offer winter kayaking tours, nor do I know of anyone who does right now!!! I’m very lucky to be able to winter kayak, but it’s the culmination of six plus years of coastal kayaking and gear acquisition. There’s a LOT of additional risk involved with winter kayaking!!!Plus, it’s all pretty frozen right now :)
February in Bayfield, Wisconsin💫🌅 1- a sea stack February in Bayfield, Wisconsin💫🌅1- a sea stack on the bay (shot with @rachel_moon__ )2- frozen falls (shot with @rachel_moon__ )3- an ice cave (*this is on the bay side! Not part of the Apostle Islands Sea Caves/ ice caves which have to be officially opened by the park to visit)4- sunset drive5- subzero docks6- @seagullbaymotel (hosted)7- ice 8- more blue ice 9- as far as the eye can see10- behind frozen falls
Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula❄️⬇️ 1- check out a Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula❄️⬇️1- check out a waterfall (canyon falls, O-kun-Dee-kun, Eagle River2- sauna with @takkasaunas 3- sea kayak with @keweenawadventure Videos from a project with @visit_keweenaw Come say hi @maddymarq for more Great Lakes adventure spam!
But right now…❄️☃️🌅 Come say hi at @maddymarq for But right now…❄️☃️🌅Come say hi at @maddymarq for more Lake Superior winter spam, because it’s actually great here, always :)
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