Washington Island Canoe and Kayak Event Returns

The fourth annual Washington Island Canoe and Kayak Event is set for June 15 – 17 on Washington Island. The event includes a marathon race, a half marathon race, guided eco-tour, sea kayak symposium, an expedition to Rock Island and a crossing of Death’s Door.

On June 15 the event begins with an on-water expedition departing from Jackson Harbor, crossing to Rock Island. Valerie Fons, paddler from the Arctic Ocean to Cape Horn, will lead this expedition.

Marathon racers will depart from Gislason Beach on June 16 at 8:30 am where they will challenge Lake Michigan waters to circumnavigate Washington Island. Half-marathon paddlers will take off at the starting line with the marathon racers.

On June 16 there will also be a guided, educational eco-tour for beginner and novice paddlers and at 7 pm, a keynote presentation by Ralph Frese from the Chicagoland Canoe Base. The presentation will provide a maritime perspective of the War of 1812; Frese will highlight the significance of Lake Michigan in this piece of American history.

On June 17, the grand finale of the canoe and kayak event is a guided crossing of Death’s Door and a celebration lunch at the Northport Welcome Center.

For more information, visit http://www.washingtonislandcanoeandkayakevent.com.