Uncommon Adventures
About Us
We specialize in guided paddling adventures - both expedition style kayaking and lodge-based paddling retreats - in the Great Lakes, Greenland, Iceland, Alaska and more. We also offer kayak skills training, outdoor cooking programs and ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor Training. Our focus is small groups for trips (3-6) and friendly student/instructor ratios for classes (4:1 max)
Since 1984 we have been known for professional, ACA certified instructors, outstanding cuisine, and top quality equipment that helps create an enjoyable learning environment for everyone at all experience levels. No matter what shape or size you may be, we will work hard to help you blaze a pathway to your own paddling adventure.
Contact Us
6721 Grace Road
Reviews
Trip: Learn to Kayak Retreat Weekend: Upscale Kayak Boot Camp
Guide: Lisa D.
Some of the best kayak instruction I have experienced.
By Roger A. on July 06, 2023
Trip: Sleeping Bear Sampler Remix: Learn to Kayak Boot Camp
Guide: Lisa D.
The Sleeping Bear Sampler weekend was great fun! We enjoyed the wonderful food, lodging and beautiful lakes (Lower Herring, Crystal Lake, and Lake Michigan). More importantly, Lisa and Michael helped us work on a number of key kayaking skills - tighter turns , stern rudders, draw strokes, sculling for support, self-rescue techniques, and paddle-float re-entries to name a few. I would highly recommend similar trips with Uncommon Adventures. Lisa and Michael are extremely knowledgeable and are excellent teachers. We look forward to going on more Uncommon Adventures trips in the future!
By Anne H. on July 04, 2023
Trip: Sleeping Bear Sampler Remix: Learn to Kayak Boot Camp
Guide: Lisa D.
We had a great time with Michael and Lisa! We learned a great deal and had a very enjoyable experience. The food and accommodations were top notch. We would definitely recommend this trip to those looking to improve their kayaking skills.
By Curtis W. on July 04, 2023
Trip: Sleeping Bear Sampler Remix: Learn to Kayak Boot Camp
Guide: Lisa D.
Great 3 night program. Lisa (who we often broke off with) provided detailed instructions to us as absolute sea kayaking beginners. She made sure to challenge us, and also gave lots of positive feedback. I am now very confident in my knowledge of basic strokes, my ability to get myself back into a kayak after a fall, and my ability to assist other kayakers in rescue situations. The food was good, healthy, and my gluten free diet was well accommodated. The scenery was very nice and the over night accommodations were clean and comfortable.
By Mckensie W. on July 04, 2023
Trip: Sleeping Bear Sampler Remix: Learn to Kayak Boot Camp
Guide: Michael G.
I really enjoyed the Sleeping Bear sampler weekend. Michael and Lisa did an excellent job getting me familiar with the fundamentals of having a safe and enjoyable time in the kayak. The equipment was top notch and Michael’s cooking was amazing!
By David P. on June 27, 2023
Trip: ACA Coastal Kayaking: L2 Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW)
Guide: Michael G.
Thankyou Michael & Lisa for the excellent food, hospitality, and instruction during the June ACA L2 IDW. I learned a lot about providing instruction. Some of those ideas I will be testing this evening (June 20, 2023) at an intro to kayaking event hosted by the Delta Township (Eaton County Michigan) Library. A special thanks to Becca, an outstanding practice student, and to Ty & Jacqui my fellow students. I can highly recommend Uncommon Adventures if you are looking towards learning how to properly introduce and train folks who want to be safe and adventurous kayakers.
By Richard B. on June 20, 2023
Trip: ACA Coastal Kayaking: L2 Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW)
Guide: Michael G.
The class was very helpful! Michael and Lisa, the instructors, gave great knowledge and helped us improve our skills. There was a great mix of on-land instruction / discussion and on-water practice. The lake we used was close to the place we stayed so it wasn't a huge drive each day. The accommodations were beautiful. The food was phenomenal. They helped us dry our clothes each day so we didn't have to use the outdoor or indoor space as drying racks like other multi-day class situations. Maybe make it a little more clear that we needed to bring our own lunches - i had some extra food with me so that was ok and they did let us know where the grocery was, but I had missed that part of the preparation email. The instructors did a great job of handling the different skillsets presented by the students and there was ample opportunity for peer review and individual instruction/assistance. I like how we used some of our meal times to discuss further plans or even topics so we weren't wasting a minute. And the evening downtime was helpful for recharging.
By Becca E. on June 19, 2023
Trip: ACA Coastal Kayaking: L3 IDW OR ICE OR Update
Guide: Michael G.
Outstanding training experience with great accommodations & food.
By Janice K. on June 13, 2023
Trip: ACA Coastal Kayaking: L2 Skills Training Day
Guide: Lisa D.
I loved the focus on the fundamentals. Although I was there to have fun and learn, I came away knowing exactly what strokes I focused on and the proper way to do them. The small class size allowed for a lot of individualized attention. Lisa didn't seem to tire of my incessant and random questions. She reinforced good stuff and gave constructive feedback on ways to improve.
By Becca E. on June 13, 2023
Trip: ACA Coastal Kayaking: L2 Skills Training Day
Guide: Lisa D.
Had a great day of lessons and practice. Michael and Lisa are great teachers. I have been kayaking for years but I got a great new perspective on how to have fun and be efficient on the water.
By Jim O. on June 08, 2023
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