Ways to the Water
Liquid Intelligence
Tall ship schooner? Twelve-foot paddle board? Something in between? Choose the craft for your crew, set them on the water and watch the good times, bonding and great ideas flow.
TODD ZAWISTOWSKI
Paddleboarding Give the growing sport of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) a try as a group, on an inland lake, one of the arms of Grand Traverse Bay, or if you’re up for a bigger challenge and bigger waves, Lake Michigan. Rentals are available at most canoe and kayak outfitters in the area. In Traverse City, try The River, which houses its fleet of paddleboards at Clinch Park Beach. therivertraversecity.com, 231.883.1413. Lake Michigan more your style? Stop by Empire’s Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak for rental information. 231.326.9283, sbsurfandkayak.com.
group gatherings. Cruises, which take place on Traverse City’s West Grand Traverse Bay several times a day and seven days a week, range from 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours long, depending upon time of day. Expected for the 2014 season: six to nine Michigan microbrew beer selections on board. Nauti-Cat also can host live music and often features local musicians performing throughout cruise trips. 231.947.1730, nauti-cat.com.
Ferry Cruises
Nauti-Cat
Many of the same ferries that keep us connected to our Great Lakes islands offer shoreline cruises and private party cruises for groups. Generally catering and beverages can be arranged. Consider these:
With a passenger capacity of 60, the Nauti-Cat—the largest commercial sailing catamaran on the Great Lakes—can accommodate a variety of
From Leland: Manitou Island Transit’s Mishe Mokwa leaves Leland and meetingsnorth.net
• 2014
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