Uncommon Adventures

Uncommon Adventures Getting people to play in the water since 1982! ...For details visit https://www.mi-paddleadventure.c *The Uncommon Philosophy*

Life is short.

We want to help you make the most of it. We depend on the wild places of this planet for water, air, and a good dose of sanity. Positive wilderness experiences lead to a personal investment in their survival. Uncommon Adventures wants to help you realize your dreams while cultivating the preservation of that big, beautiful world out there. We apply their craft through activities that are fun, self

-propelled, and offer various degrees of physical challenge, from mild to wild. All experience levels are encouraged to join these trips — we enjoy sharing skills taught by the very best instructors available.

*Paddling Instruction*

Uncommon Adventures specializes in kayak tours, certified kayak instruction, corporate retreats and backcountry fly fishing in fresh and saltwater environments. Since 1984, expert guides and professional workshop leaders have made Uncommon Adventures a good find for individuals, small groups and corporations. We do not strive to be a large tour company offering "cookie cutter" experience to all corners of the world. Our focus is to offer excellence in a few very special locations that we know well, or we partner with local guides for the best local knowledge couple with our own high standards. Uncommon Adventures does not offer "seen that done that" kinds of experiences, but rather programs that are instructional in nature. You'll walk away with new skills, feeling more of an intimacy with the waterscapes traveled within.

*Mission Statement*

"We live in a highly developed nation, with very specialized jobs, packed schedules and to-do lists that rival the roll in the bathroom. It is the beginning of the 21st century and we have never been more divorced from the planet that gives us life. I've developed these programs to address a screaming need for us all to get our hands dirty, our feet wet and breathe the musky aroma of earth back into our lungs. Put down that cell phone, go off-line, get out of the race...come outside and play."
- Michael Gray, Director

Interested in small group instruction and/or travel? From kayak boot camp to instructor workshops; from paddling in amaz...
02/18/2026

Interested in small group instruction and/or travel? From kayak boot camp to instructor workshops; from paddling in amazing places including Isle Royale, the Florida Keys, Alaska, Tybee Island and beyond, small group learning is our specialty! Take a look at our schedule and join us as we learn in and explore from our kayaks with lots of individual attention! https://mi-paddleadventure.com/trips/

Check out our most recent newsletter here with information on upcoming kayak trips, instruction, kayak sales, and more!
02/06/2026

Check out our most recent newsletter here with information on upcoming kayak trips, instruction, kayak sales, and more!

Check out our latest newsletter
02/05/2026

Check out our latest newsletter

10/30/2025

Thinking about joining us on an Isle Royale Trip? Here’s a sample of recent reviews:
“The level of organization, the quality of the provisions, and the variety of experiences on water and on land made for a fantastic experience.”
“As magical as I hoped for.”
“The food was wonderful and coffee: ever coming! We were kept safe and enjoyed our journeys into this vast space of nature that few ever get to see. I would certainly say that it is a trip that cannot be compared closely to anything else I had experienced!”
“5+ experience. Starting with magical beauty of Isle Royale, everything about the trip was outstanding.”

Want to read more reviews about any of our trips? Here’s the link: https://www.mi-paddleadventure.com/testimonials/

And here’s a link to our schedule: https://www.mi-paddleadventure.com/trips/

10/09/2025

Read our Fall 2025 Newsletter here! Lots of info about upcoming trips and courses! Looking forward to seeing you on the water!

Fall 2025 News - New Programs, new year
10/08/2025

Fall 2025 News -
New Programs, new year

Experience coastal kayaking on Tybee Island, GA. Improve your surf, rescue & navigation skills in a small-group ocean sk...
08/04/2025

Experience coastal kayaking on Tybee Island, GA. Improve your surf, rescue & navigation skills in a small-group ocean skills retreat. Space is limited!

Spend a week with us kayaking Tybee Island, one of Georgia’s premier coastal venues, focusing on mastering surf skills, tidal current navigation, bracing, and rough-water rescues—all under the guidance of ACA‑certified instructors. Daily activities are customized around your skill level and local conditions.

You’ll enjoy:
• Small group coaching: maximum 6 participants with 2–3 skilled instructors, including local expert Dale Williams. Participants will be divided by experience level.
• Personalized instruction: tailor your week to your goals—bracing, rescues, navigation, surfing, or ACA Level 3-4 assessment preparation
• Comfortable coastal lodging with shared meals (cooked by Michael Gray, renowned backcountry chef) included and a few meals at local Tybee restaurants

For more information and registration: https://www.mi-paddleadventure.com/trip/ocean-skills-week-tybee-island-with-optional-skills-assessments/

August 17 - August 23 Isle Royale Kayaking Sampler Isle Royale Isle Royale National Park, Isle Royale, MI, United States 7 days including two travel days. Isle Royale is the jewel of Lake Superior. This Sampler trip is appropriate for beginners. This trip is slightly shorter (and less expensive) tha...

Still trying to firm up your late summer paddling plans? We have two spots now available on the August 1st Isle Royale E...
07/05/2025

Still trying to firm up your late summer paddling plans? We have two spots now available on the August 1st Isle Royale Explorer trip. It’s a magical place and one you want to paddle if you haven’t already (and even if you have)!
For more information: https://shorturl.at/EizDV

This is a magical place wrapped up in ancient rock, thimbleberries and the unforgiving waters of Lake Superior. This unique island park with its moose and wolves is a popular destination for backpackers, but since it is an island we thought that it would make more sense to explore it by kayak! 9 day...

Just completed an ACA Community Paddlesports Leader program with GR Outside and a group of talented paddlers. Had a grea...
06/09/2025

Just completed an ACA Community Paddlesports Leader program with GR Outside and a group of talented paddlers. Had a great time working with them discovering creative ways to execute multi-craft rescues and watching their progression through scenarios and leadership challenges. Congratulations to the newest ACA Community Paddlesports Leaders!!

Address

6721 Grace Road
Benzonia, MI
49616

Telephone

+12318825525

Website

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