Jenison, Michigan · Since 2019
West Michigan Kayaking Club
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
A community of active paddlers exploring Michigan's rivers, lakes and backcountry together — from beginner paddles to multi-day kayak camping and hiking adventures.
Mileage Log
Every mile counts. Log your paddling miles after each trip and see where you stack up against the rest of the club.
Log Your MilesBookmark this log for quick access: Mileage Log
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Leaderboard
Total river miles by member. Seasons run January 1 to December 31.
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Recent Paddles
The latest miles logged by members.
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How It Works
Club trips and your own paddles both count.
- Get off the water and tap Log Your Miles.
- Enter your name, the river, the date and how many miles you paddled.
- Your miles land on the leaderboard. Hit 100, 250 and 500 miles to earn a badge.
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
What We Do
Adventures for Every Kind of Paddler
We paddle year-round across both peninsulas — and when the river ends, we keep going on foot.
River Paddling
Day trips on Michigan's best rivers, from mellow currents to challenging runs.
Kayak Camping
Multi-day trips where we pack the boats, paddle all day and camp riverside.
Hiking & Backcountry
Trail days and paddle-hike combos on the North Country Trail and beyond.
Community Events
Club get-togethers plus group trips to paddling races, marathons and festivals around the state.
Every Week
The Weekly Paddle Series
Our weekly paddle runs from June 1 until September 7. It's the easiest way to meet the club, stay in paddling shape and explore rivers close to home.
- Rain or shine, all season long
- Rotating West Michigan rivers and put-ins
- Times and meeting spots posted on the club calendar
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Adventures
What's coming up next. New trips are added all season long.
Countdown to the Second Annual Manistee River Kayak & Hiking Adventure
Second Annual Manistee River Kayak & Hiking Adventure
Hike the Manistee River Trail, then paddle back down the Manistee — the club tradition that started in 2026.
Details →Nordhouse Dunes Kayaking, Hiking & Biking Adventure
Four days of kayaking, hiking and biking in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness on Lake Michigan, June 3–6.
Details →Second Annual NCT Kayaking & Hiking Adventure
Three days of hiking, paddling and camping in Northern Michigan, with Saturday Manistee and Sunday Boardman paddles.
Details →Live Conditions
Paddling Weather — Jenison
Current conditions and the next three days. Always check the forecast and water levels for your river before you launch.
Weather data by Open-Meteo.com. Updates automatically.
Explore
Plan Your Next Paddle
River guides, trip stories and everything you need before you launch.
All Trip Reports
Relive past club adventures and get ideas for your next trip.
Browse reports →The Kayakers Journal
Stories, features and news from the club and Michigan's paddling world.
Read the Journal →Photo Gallery
See the club in action on rivers, trails and campsites across Michigan.
View photos →Getting Started
Join in Three Easy Steps
Membership and all club events are free.
Sign the Membership Agreement
Every participant completes it before their first event. Agreements renew each January 1.
Sign the AgreementJoin Our Facebook Group
Trip announcements, the Question of the Week and photos from every adventure.
Join on FacebookPick a Trip & Paddle
Choose a trip on the calendar that fits your experience and show up ready to go.
Browse TripsQuestions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the club?
Paddlers of every skill level. Our trips range from beginner paddles to multi-day kayak camping and hiking adventures, so there's a place to start no matter your experience.
Where do club trips go?
All over Michigan — rivers and lakes in both the Lower and Upper Peninsula, plus hiking trails like the North Country Trail. Many trips start within easy reach of Grand Rapids.
Are trip leaders professional guides?
No. We're a club, not a commercial outfitter. Trips are led by fellow members, and every paddler is responsible for their own gear, skills and safety. Please read our Code of Conduct before your first trip.
Do I need to renew my membership?
Yes. The membership agreement runs January 1 to January 1, so every member renews once a year.
Are you part of another West Michigan paddling group?
No. West Michigan Kayaking Club is a fully independent club, founded in 2019 in Grand Rapids. Our trips are posted only on our club calendar and our official channels listed at the bottom of this page. Read our club affiliation notice.
How do I find out about new trips?
Check the club calendar and join our Facebook group — that's where new trips, updates and changes are posted first.
Come Paddle With Us
Your next adventure starts on the water. We'd love to see you at the put-in.