The oldest kayaking symposium on the Great Lakes! Est. 1985
Grand Marais Michigan, has a protected harbor that is ideal for class sessions and skills practice while offering a perfect starting point for unforgettable trips along the scenic Pictured Rocks.
08/05/2026
Another great learning opportunity!
Chasing Water Downeast - REGISTRATION OPEN! — pinniped kayak 2026 Registration is Now Open! Join Nate Hanson, Josh Hall, and we Todd Johnstone-Wright for a weekend of sheltered water through advanced open-water development. We aim to have fun playing in a dynamic and aesthetically striking environment, developing performance, building community, and breaking
08/05/2026
This is why we do this.
"We had a great experience as first timers, clicked right in with all of you like-minded people, learned ALOT from excellent instructors. I came to learn and definitely achieved that goal." — Mari
Reading feedback like this from Mari after her first GLSKS is just... it's the whole point. You show up not knowing anyone, a little unsure, and by the end you've got a pod full of people who feel like your paddling family. That's not an accident; that's what our coaches and this community build every single year on Lake Superior.
If you've been thinking about your first symposium, this is your sign. We'd love to have you in Grand Marais next year.
08/03/2026
There were so many amazing moments this year!
Share an ah ha moment, a moment that made you smile, or something you just keep thinking about.
We heard some amazing stories on Saturday night during our raffle.
If you joined us this year, we'd love to hear from you.
Share your reflections here
07/22/2026
Register Now for 2027!
We just wrapped a truly impactful week together in Grand Marais and can't wait to get back there next summer. Here's what just a few people are saying. If you were there - share a highlight below.
"My pod was 100% positive energy. Excellent coaching." - Emily
"The confidence I gained during that time cannot be measured. And the friendship, trust, and camaraderie that developed among our pod members was something I didn't expect. I look forward to attending another symposium." - Geoff
"Many thanks for an excellent symposium! The format allowed a lot more teamwork development than what I recall from 10+ years ago. The on water instruction format was also a significant plus." - Ed
"Shout out to all the coaches, they are so knowledgeable and are able to teach at any level!" - Linda
Join us in 2027 for an incredible week of learning, adventure, and community!
Registration for the Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium is now open. We tend to sell out quickly, so don't wait too long to grab your spot.
Grand Marais, MI
July 14–18, 2027
https://www.greatlakesseakayaksymposium.net/
Thank you P&H Sea Kayaks for being one of our presenting sponsors and making it possible for so many paddlers to experience Lake Superior and the magic of paddling.
People went from never having formal insurrection to standing one boats, doing rescues in conditions and paddling across to Grand Island.
Paddlers of all levels experienced new conditions and developed new skills and confidence.
07/21/2026
2026!
An unbelievable year together at GLSKS!
Huge shout out to our sponsors for making it possible!
P&H Sea Kayaks
NRS
The Power of Water
Werner Paddles
The Connected Paddler
Kokatat
Aqua Bound
07/21/2026