In many locations finding a place to go winter paddling can be very difficult without a significant drive. The two major locations for winter paddling in Wisconsin are Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. There are also some rivers which do not freeze over, which we'll talk about shortly.
When you are looking to go winter paddling there are several things that you have to take into consideration before you depart. Whether you are paddling on a lake or on a river it is essential to consider the ice. In many cases the ice will make it much more difficult for you to get to shore in the case of an emergency. Ice chunks also pose a threat to the paddler because they can easily break equipment, capsize your boat, or surround you. If you are able to find a river that you would like to paddle you must also consider that if the river is open at the put-in/take-out it may be frozen in between. This could pose a serious risk to you if you were to capsize and get pulled under the ice.
Also, when going winter paddling, make sure that you have a place to safely park your vehicle. Many boat landings are not plowed out during the winter months, especially on rivers. The winter months can also make your shuttle significantly more difficult if you do not have two vehicles (which is advisable). Along the Red Cedar River in Menomonie we are fortunate enough to have a cross-country ski trail which follows the river so you can paddle down and ski back up.
The bottom line when winter paddling is that only experienced paddlers should do it under the proper conditions and with the proper equipment. Here is a summary of what you should be looking for when finding a venue for winter paddling:
- Ice (Will it block shore?, Could it damage my equipment?, Is it blocking the river?)
- Parking (Where will I park?, Is my vehicle capable of parking there?)
- Shuttle (How will we run it?, Should we have a vehicle at each end?)
- Other hazards (strainers, dams, etc.)
- Location of emergency services
Don't forget to leave a float plan with a trusted friend!
As always feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
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