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Paddling

Woman paddling on river with lifejacket

Paddling

Whether you're kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding, Michigan offers thousands of miles of paddling opportunities on the Great Lakes and on Michigan's inland lakes and rivers. Don't forget your life jacket and to let someone know where you're going and when you will be back!

Grab your life jacket

A vessel that is less than 16 feet long, or is a canoe or kayak, must have either a wearable PFD (Type I, II, or III) or a throwable PFD (Type IV) for each person on board.

Prepare a float plan

Let someone know where you're going and when you will be back.

Check closures

Know before you go - check our closures page for updated information on boating access sites (or launches) and more.

Boating access sites

Find 1,300 Michigan public boating access sites from where you can launch.

Accessible kayak launches

Find easy-to-use transfer bench and transfer systems that allow users to simply sit, slide over and drop down into a kayak or canoe.

State parks and state forest campgrounds

Find state parks and recreation areas with boat launches.

Rentals in state parks

Many state parks offer boat rentals, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, paddle boats, row boats and more.

Find rentals
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