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| Skills |
| I was only willing to make a Lake Michigan trip when I had the following skills: |
| n eskimo roll |
| n self rescue |
| n experience paddling in surf and a good brace |
| n the ability to have a wave unexpectedly break over my boat and only be scared a little |
| n a willingness to wear a wet suit no matter how hot the weather |
| n the ability to paddle with a friend who had the same skills |
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| When to go |
| When planning a Lake Michigan paddling trip, the first step is to plan when to go. A good place to start is by reviewing monthly average wind speeds, wave heights, and water temperatures National Weather Service data is available from 9ft diameter c-man weather buoys that are anchored in Lake Michigan and continuously transmit weather data via satellites. You can get current weather information by double clicking on c-man buoy 45002 |
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| The wind speeds and waves are favorable during May, June and July. I prefer the month of July because the water temperatures are the best. |
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| Check the weather forecast from home |
| Since I live (4) hours away from my usual launch sites, I like to check the NOAA offshore marine weather synopsis from home the night before I leave for a trip. If the forecast is poor, I can always delay the trip a day or so. |
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| Check the weather forecast from the launch site |
| Lastly, I always use a hand-held weather radio to check the forecast right before I launch. I never launch unless the predicted waves are a foot or two smaller than I know I can handle. A crossing is no time to learn new skills. |
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