Trip: Isle Royale Explorer

Guide: Michael G., Jacob W.

5+ experience. Starting with magical beauty of Isle Royale, everything about the trip was outstanding. We were fortunate to have not one, but two EXTRAORDINARY guides. Any paddler would be fortunate to have either of them, much less both. They are experienced paddlers who kept us secure and coached us up constantly. Both have wide experience in backcountry camping. Their knowledge of the island, its history, geology, flora, fauna is exceptional. We visited hidden gems (lakes, coves, berry patches, lookouts) that we'd never have found on our own. To top it off, Michael is an amazing cook. No qualifiers -- not an "amazing backcountry cook". An amazing cook under any circumstances, with menus carefully prepared to meet special dietary needs or preferences. Pancakes with freshly picked wild strawberries. Jambalaya. Freshly caught perch and lake trout. My mouth waters as I write this. I think Isle Royale is a special place, and any trip out there is memorable. But going with Michael/Jake/Uncommon Adventures was the trip of a lifetime.

By Kevin M. on July 20, 2025

Trip: Mackinac Straits Lighthouse Trip

Guide: Marcos G.

As always, simply the best in every way!!!

By Cynthia F. on July 06, 2025

Trip: Mackinac Straits Lighthouse Trip

Guide: Marcos G.

Such a wonderful way to spend the Fourth of July!

By Lori S. on July 06, 2025

Trip: Mackinac Straits Lighthouse Trip

Guide: Marcos G.

Such fun!! The kayaking was great, and the variety of things to do was a lot of fun. Being lighthouse keepers is a boatload of work!!

By Carol A. on July 06, 2025

Trip: ACA Coastal Kayaking: L2 Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW)

Guide: Michael G.

By Kim S. on June 02, 2025

Trip: ACA Coastal Kayaking: L2 Skills Training Day

Guide: Lisa D.

By Laurence A. on May 30, 2025

Trip: Sleeping Bear Sampler Remix: Learn to Kayak Boot Camp

Guide: Michael G.

The Sleeping Bear Sampler/Learn to Kayak Boot Camp was an incredible learning opportunity and an overall excellent weekend both on and off the water. Michael and Lisa are seasoned, expert kayakers and highly effective instructors. The members of our group varied significantly in their paddling experience and Michael and Lisa worked with each member to determine their existing skill level, learning goals, and learning style to develop a tailored weekend curriculum that ensured all members were able to receive training and participate in activities that aligned with their kayaking goals. Michael and Lisa were extremely supportive and encouraging with all members and were able to deftly switch between group and individual instruction to ensure that all group members were learning effectively and equally. Despite being very new to using sea and touring kayaks, I felt confident and safe working with the two hosts, and I can confidently say that I am a better, more competent kayaker than I was before arriving to camp. Off the water, the weekend is a great opportunity for fun, food, and friendship. Michael is a spectacular cook, and we were fed very well for breakfasts and dinners. The property is lovely and the campsite quite comfortable. Although we were perfect strangers on night 1, by the end of the weekend, there was a strong sense of camaraderie and friendship among the group members (and I anticipate future group paddle meetups in the future).

By Sean D. on May 29, 2025

Trip: ACA: L3 Skills Training/Instructor Update

Guide: Michael G.

It was good. Learned much. Applied it to Bonnie's class, much improved. Still going to keep working on the gaps. Thanks so much.

By Joseph C. on May 26, 2025

Trip: ACA: L3 Skills Training/Instructor Update

Guide: Michael G.

I could not have asked for better instruction than I received from Michael and Lisa. Their complementary teaching styles helped me to improve my paddling strokes and rescue approaches. I did not ask them to formally assess me as my goal was to improve my skills and feel more comfortable in challenging conditions. They helped me meet those goals and gave me suggestions for additional practice. The cherries on top were their hospitality and Michael’s delicious cooking!

By Lee ann R. on May 22, 2025

Trip: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Trip

Guide: Jacob W.

Overall a very good trip. Lots of variety in activities, nicely balanced with self-directed down time. Jake and his crew were fantastic! Clearly experts in terms of technical skills in the various activities, but I think even more important in a trip like this they were broadly informed in the nature and culture around us. Sharing their local view of the environment around us made every aspect of our travels with them more interesting and inviting.

By Chris R. on May 19, 2025