Michael Gray
About me
Guides & Staff
Our guides and workshop leaders possess excellent training and first aid skills to help ensure a safe outdoor experience, but that’s only part of the story. They’re chosen because of their outstanding skills and their ability to convey that knowledge.
Michael Gray
Michael Gray founded Uncommon Adventures in 1984 a couple of years after getting a degree in Environmental Interpretation at MSU. With nearly 30 years in the business, Michael is one of the most experienced instructors and guides in the country. He’s led trips all over the world including Alaska, New Zealand, Greenland, Iceland and Central America. He is an ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor Trainer and a Level 4 instructor. He also holds certifications in Canoe and SUP instruction.
Of particular note is Michael’s reputation as a phenomenal backcountry cook. Our guests often say they don’t eat as well at home as they do on Uncommon Adventures trips. Michael’s cooking presentations/demonstrations are among the most popular sessions at the country’s leading kayak symposiums, and his articles appear in major kayak publications, websites, and his cookbook!
Having taught outdoor skills and environmental workshops all of his adult life, Michael interprets wild places with warmth and respect. Email him at uamichaelgray@gmail.com.
“Who says we have to let the kids have all the fun on this planet? I’d like to thank those who have shared stories, great meals and wild places with me over the last three decades. I’ve enjoyed exploring the outdoors in many ways and in many place, but I still favor the solitude and clear crisp waters of the Northern Great Lakes for a pure wilderness experience. Whether with a paddle or a fly rod in hand, this life, full of rich experience has been a gift. Come out to play with us this year… we’ve got a whole new menu of great experiences for you to choose from.”
—Michael
Certifications
No certifications added yet.
Reviews
Trip: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Trip
With Michael G. on April 05, 2025
Company: Uncommon Adventures
Another wonderful international adventure orchestrated by Michael Gray! We enjoyed surfing lessons, whitewater rafting, scuba diving, touring a spice farm, sampling delicious local cuisine (ceviche was DIVINE), and taking in Pacific views from the porch of our oceanfront cabana. A lot of logistics went into this experience and the Uncommon Adventures/Costa Rica Explorer partnership didn't miss a beat. Top notch activity guides and instructors in their skills, nature ethics, and joy for what they do--superb role models of pura vida!
By Jill L. on April 14, 2025
Trip: Baja Rock Gardening Trip at La Bufadora
With Michael G. on February 15, 2025
Company: Uncommon Adventures
Fantastic trip on several levels: learning paddling trchnique in open ocean waters, the amount of wildlife, the people in the group, the food and overall fun. Highly organised.
By Marcos G. on March 02, 2025
Trip: Baja Rock Gardening Trip at La Bufadora
With Michael G. on February 15, 2025
Company: Uncommon Adventures
The Bufadora coastline is a paddlers playground! This was such a fun and educational week in a breathtaking location with superb coaches. I stretched my comfort level and paddling skills in bouncy waters, surf, and rock gardening surrounded by dolphins, seals, and sea lions. Oceanside accommodations were comfortable (that view!), meals were delicious, and coaches and fellow paddlers were a joy to be around. The soundtrack of surf lapping the shoreline a few feet from where I slept is still echoing through my mind. I will cherish my memories of this very special place!
By Jill L. on February 25, 2025
Trip: Baja Rock Gardening Trip at La Bufadora
With Michael G. on February 15, 2025
Company: Uncommon Adventures
Simply the BEST, as always!!!
By Cynthia F. on February 24, 2025
Trip: Baja Rock Gardening Trip at La Bufadora
With Michael G. on February 15, 2025
Company: Uncommon Adventures
Another great trip with Uncommon Adventures! Excellent venue, coaches, and challenges to improve my paddling. And, of course, great food!!
By Carol A. on February 24, 2025
Trip: Baja Rock Gardening Trip at La Bufadora
With Michael G. on February 15, 2025
Company: Uncommon Adventures
Great trip! great food/drinks and lots of new experiences and learning along an amazing coast.
By Scott D. on February 24, 2025
Trip: Tybee Island Ocean Skills (Manhattan Kayak)
With Michael G., Lisa D., Tim Gallaway on November 10, 2024
Company: Uncommon Adventures
I recently attended the Ocean Kayaking Skills course with Uncommon Adventures in Tybee Island, Georgia, and it was an incredible experience. Michael and Lisa are exceptional instructors—Michael’s infectious enthusiasm and Lisa’s thoughtful, no-judgment approach made learning both enjoyable and approachable. As a beginner, I felt comfortable sharing what I didn’t know, and they tailored a checklist of skills for me to work on. I felt their ability to meet everyone where they were and respond thoughtfully to their individual goals was impressive. They also fostered a fantastic group dynamic. Sharing meals, laughing, and supporting one another made the experience even more meaningful. Michael’s cooking (he’s a chef!) was another highlight, as my scale can attest to. I also learned a lot about caring for kayaks and equipment, as well as the fascinating history of the kayak (or qajaq), which Tim (another remarkable instructor) shared with the group. Michael and Lisa are well-respected in both the kayaking community and the regions where they run trips. This reputation enables them to craft unique, thoughtful experiences that go far beyond cookie-cutter itineraries. Their attention to detail was amazing—when I forgot my wetsuit, they even had a spare in my size ready to lend. This trip was unforgettable, and I look forward to more adventures with Uncommon Adventures. I can’t recommend them highly enough!
By Kimberly S. on December 30, 2024
Trip: Ocean Skills Week (Tybee Island) w/ Optional Assessment
With Michael G., Lisa D., Kathryn Lapolla on November 03, 2024
Company: Uncommon Adventures
By Mandy H. on November 10, 2024
Trip: Ocean Skills Week (Tybee Island) w/ Optional Assessment
With Michael G., Lisa D., Kathryn Lapolla on November 03, 2024
Company: Uncommon Adventures
Our trip exceeded expectations - quality accommodations; delicious food; camaraderie; superb mentoring to develop paddling skills.
By Tim K. on November 10, 2024
Trip: Ocean Skills Week (Tybee Island) w/ Optional Assessment
With Michael G., Lisa D., Kathryn Lapolla on November 03, 2024
Company: Uncommon Adventures
An amazing week paddling off of Tybee Island. Great guides, great food, great connections with other paddlers. I did not want to go home!
By Lori S. on November 10, 2024
Trip: ACA Coastal Kayaking: L3 IDW OR ICE OR Update
With Michael G. on October 17, 2024
Company: Uncommon Adventures
By Devin F. on October 24, 2024