Kayaking Caves in the Midwest, Closer and Safer than you Think

Sea Caves, thought to be found only in Lake Superior's Apostle Islands and which require wet suits, dry suits and a considerable effort to navigate large waves, can be explored far easier, safer and closer. The Door County peninsula has its share of picturesque sea caves located at a place called Cave Point State Park.

While many visiting Door County have been to the the park, most have not seen the caves, nor think they can safely. Presumably, most people do not know why it is called Cave Point, as there is no real way of seeing the caves without looking from out on Lake Michigan towards land. Peering over one of the many sides of the rock ledges is adventuresome and gives the average tourist a few photos to take back home, but there is more to be seen.

Often times, visitors will catch a mesmerizing spectacle or wall of water, as the waves break against the caves and throw up a whiplash of whitewater. Most visitors dare not venture out in the waves and wind to catch a sight of the caves as it is near impossible with any amount of south wind. But there are many days when the wind subsides and offers calm and safe conditions to venture into the rugged catacombs of moss.

Wading along the slippery and rocky shore is one way of seeing the caves that not many elect to take and one I would not suggest. Trolling via motorboat would also let you see the caves from the water, however the shallow area would not allow a very scenic view or the ability to enter them! My favorite way of seeing the caves is via kayak on a calm day.

Picking a safe day is mainly dependent on the wind and temperature of the water and air. With the wind blowing W or NW off shore, minimal or no waves are created. Even small waves can offer a problem for most inexperienced paddlers because of the current and instability created from refracting waves(multi-directional waves ricocheting off of the walls of the caves and traveling out towards the waves coming in). Adequate temperature in the area is highly variable year to year, but a safe time frame to experience the area is from June to September. Before and after those months, I highly suggest avoiding kayaking in cold weather. A common saying is cold water kills.

Don't let these precautions impede your desire to see one of the most picturesque spots in Door County. Just remember some simple kayaking basics.

1. Paddle with a partner.
   
   

2. Do not paddle (not even if you are 5 feet from shore) without knowing rescue techniques, get a refresher lesson every other year, or practice with a partner in variable conditions.
   
   

3. Preparedness is everything.
   
   

4. If in doubt, don't go out or go guided.
   
   

5. Know the conditions and be realistic about your abilities!!!
   
   

The quiet sport of kayaking gives us the ability to hear. This is especially evident when one enters the caves and listens to the echo of the water slowly eroding the rock. It is a soothing reminder to fully experience our short time here on earth.

David Rack has been a kayak guide for 10 years in places such as Maui, Door County and abroad. He is currently ACA, CPR, and First Aid certified.

Join him on a Kayak Tour of Door County at http://www.DoorCountyKayakTours.com

To find more kayaking locations visit http://www.DoorCountyKayakTours.com/destinations.htm

In the winter take a snowboard or snowkite lesson with him at http://www.Fantasysnowboarder.com