2024 Bayfield Gathering - Inaugural Event!
Dates: August 11-15, 2024
Miles: Variable each day, typically between six and fourteen
Challenges: Wind, wave and sun conditions; inclement weather; possible long paddle days. Daily paddle distances may range from 8 to 12 miles.
Fee: NO participation fee will be charged for this Gathering. Group launch and parking fees will be covered by NEWP.
Register: You MUST be a current member of NEWP and ACA to participate in this gathering. To join, see the membership page.
Registration and payment options will be coming soon. Please check back later.
Pay for the event (if you have not already).
SAFETY FIRST
- All participants must wear a personal flotation device (PFD or lifejacket) at all times while on the water.
- No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the paddle or during lunch stops.
Current Participant List:
(Please confirm your club membership status and complete the trip forms above.)
Gathering: Sunday 8/11 – Thursday 8/15
- Jeff Mazanec
- Sandy Oliver
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NEWP is coordinating its first ever Bayfield Gathering from Sunday August 11 through Thursday August 15. It will be based at the Little Sand Bay Campground in the Town of Russell, as a land-based event with daily paddle outings selected to best match a paddle route or venue with wind and wave conditions and participant interests. As a “gathering,” participants are welcome to participate whichever days and activities best fit their schedule and interests. Prospective day trips are listed below, as examples.
Tent and RV camping is available at the Little Sand Bay Campground and can be reserved now. NEWP has reserved a group campsite with capacity limited to ten individuals, on a first-come, first-served basis. Other camping or lodging accommodations will be on your own or to be coordinated by participants in small groups.
Although participants must meet the stated experience, boat and equipment criteria outlined on this page, our goal is to mix experienced paddlers with “first-timers” for each day’s outing. We anticipate all paddle venues will be on Lake Superior, or in Chequamegon Bay.
NEWP club trips provide an opportunity for experienced paddlers together with newer paddlers to safely enjoy a few days of great paddling and camping in the beautiful Apostle Islands. For many participants over the years, our club trip has been a “first” experience paddling extensively in the Great Lakes, and often also for camping with only the equipment and supplies that can be packed into a kayak.
We select destinations and campsite locations to offer a variety of paddle destinations, hiking and other activity options based on weather and paddle conditions. Ken Braband’s short video clip from our 2019 trip to Sand Island, or his long version with participant interviews provides a good trip overview. For more information check out the Apostle Islands website.
Timeline
- Travel to Bayfield, WI on (or before) 8/11. Overnight at Little Sand Bay Campground or individual accommodations.
- EARLY TRAVELER PADDLE OPTION – Meet at Meyers Beach launch @ ___ to tour the mainland sea caves (parking fee) if paddle conditions are favorable.
- DINNER OPTION TBD in Cornucopia or Bayfield.
- Paddle Days: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – Daily trips to be scheduled based on conditions and participant interest.
- Return day Thursday 8/15 – Break camp and drive home.
- LATE TRAVELER PADDLE OPTION
Daytrip Destinations
Daily paddle trips will be determined by a combination of wind and wave conditions, paddler interest and group goals. Some paddle trips may begin and end at Little Sand Bay. For others, the group will carpool to launch locations ranging from Meyers Beach near Cornucopia to beyond Washburn on Chequamegon Bay. In addition, we’ll identify a couple inland paddle destinations, hiking or other land-based activities to consider in the event of inclement weather.
Here are some prospective day-trips:
- Little Sand Bay to Sand Island sea caves and lighthouse, 10 mi. RT (round trip)
- Little Sand Bay to York Island beach, 5 mi. RT (circumnavigate York Island, 8 mi. RT)
- Little Sand Bay to Raspberry Island lighthouse, 11 mi. RT
- Little Sand Bay shoreline tour, RT
- Meyers Beach to mainland sea caves, 6 mi. RT
- Meyers Beach to Little Sand Bay, 8 mi. one-way
- Bono Creek to Washburn in Chequamegon Bay, 6 mi. RT
- Bono Creek to Onion River public access, 11 mi. one-way
- Washington Avenue Beach in Bayfield to Madline Island, RT
- Washington Avenue Beach in Bayfield to Basswood Island dock, RT
- TBD
Apostle Islands Group Campsite Information for Stockton Island Group Campsite B
This site is located in Quarry Bay, 600 feet from the Stockton Island dock, situated on a wooden platform. Vault toilet facilities are nearby. Two picnic tables, a fire ring and two food lockers are on the site, also on a raised wooden platform. Well water is not available at this site so we will filter Lake Superior water for cooking and drinking.
Apostle Island Group Campsite Information for Oak Island Group Campsite B
This site is 50 yards west of the dock and adjacent to the volunteer cabin. 2 picnic tables, a fire ring, food locker and vault toilet are nearby. We will filter our own water supply for cooking and drinking.
Participant Qualifications and Preparation
To ensure participants meet fitness qualifications and equipment requirements, all participants must complete at least one two-hour group paddle. This will:
- Expose the participant to the physical requirements of an extended crossing. We will be prepared to stay in the kayaks for the full trip.
- Confirm each participant’s ability to make the trip.
- Verify that the kayak and equipment are suitable for a Lake Superior trip.
- Practice/test paddles are listed on the Practice Paddles page.
- Other opportunities to paddle in “big water” conditions:
- Others TBD
Trip Leaders
Trip Leaders for each trip will be identified during the pre-trip briefing.
- Trip leaders will have authority over all participants on water trips or activities.
- If the trip leaders believe that due to weather or water conditions it is unsafe to proceed with a trip or activity, they may restrict or cancel that trip or activity. (NPS adopted stricter “no paddle” rules in 2021 that may apply in certain situations.)
- If conditions present excessive risk for paddling activities, the group will discuss alternative land-based options for group consideration.
Safety Considerations
- Water Crossings, Trips and Activities:
- No solo on-water crossings, trips or activities will be allowed.
- All on water activities will be done in groups with designated lead paddlers. Groups must be three or greater paddlers.
- Equipment
- Trip leaders have final approval of all participating kayaks and equipment.
- All kayaks, equipment and clothing must be suitable for Lake Superior paddling.
- Kayaks must have flotation or bulkheads, deck-lines and be fitted with spray skirts. If the kayak does not have bulkheads the use of and knowledge of how to use sea socks is required.
- Inflatable PFDs are not acceptable for this trip.
- Participants are encouraged to acquire and become familiar with safety equipment such as paddle floats, radios, tow ropes, spare paddle etc.
- Night paddling is not planned, however paddlers should be prepared in case a night paddle becomes necessary. Coast Guard rules require everyone to have a visual light source such as a laser flare or three traditional flares, a sound source (whistle) and a white light source (head lamp) to display in the presence of moving boat traffic.
- Paddle Clothing – Lake Superior is COLD!
- Practice self and group rescues; review the video Cold Water Boot Camp.
- Bring suitable cold water paddling gear, wetsuit, dry suit, splash jacket, gloves, etc.
- Dress to confidently function in cold weather and in case of cold-water immersion.
- Alcohol and Drugs
- NO ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION WILL BE ALLOWED WHILE PADDLING.
- NO ILLEGAL DRUGS WILL BE ALLOWED.
Meals and Camping
Participants are responsible for their own camping and cooking. However, we will coordinate “group cook” dinners for those that wish to participate. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are on your own. Group dinner meal leaders:
- Sunday 8/11 – Team name and food item TBD
- Monday 8/12 – Team name and food item TBD
- Tuesday 8/13 – Team name and food item TBD
- Wednesday 8/14 – Team name and food item TBD
Black bears are active in the Apostle Islands and occasionally present a problem, as can raccoon and other wildlife. For base camping at the public campground, we strongly suggest locking all food items in a car or trailer to prevent damage to tents or other equipment.
Trip Goal
The trip goal is to have a fun, safe outing. Because of the nature of Lake Superior, safety will be the primary factor. Due to possible weather and wind conditions on Lake Superior, there is no guarantee that events or activities will happen as planned. Participants must be flexible and be prepared for changes in events and timing.
Park Rules
All Apostle Island National Lakeshore rules must be followed. All participants will be expected to follow the “Leave No Trace” practices. Burning of garbage, cigarette butts or other waste is not allowed in the fire area. Questions? Contact Jeff M. at [email protected].Participants Must
- Be a current ACA and NEWP member.
- Have taken a NEWP class or be known by one of the lead paddlers to have the requisite skills and training for the planned trip.
- Complete the event form, ACA waiver and submit the event fee.
- The fee will cover event expenses and purchase of trip safety equipment.
- In the event a participant cannot make the outing and a qualified replacement is willing to take their place, the fee will be refunded.
- If the event is cancelled due to conditions beyond our control, any remaining funds after paying expenses will be refunded proportionately. The participant can choose to donate their refund to the club for the purchase of safety equipment.