Downwinds | Glen Haven to Leland

Glen Haven to Leland

A 25km downwind on Lake Michigan from Glen Haven beach in Glen Arbor to Van's beach in Leland. Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is the second-largest of the Great Lakes by volume and the third-largest by surface area, after Lake Superior and Lake Huron.


  • Glen Arbor Township, MI 49636, United States

    Distance in KM
    25
    Estimated Time to complete
    2 Hrs 30 Mins
  • Wind Direction
    SW
    WSW
    Best months
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
  • Average Rating
    0.0

    No of Followers:
    0
  • Created
    over 2 years ago
    Last updated
    over 2 years ago
    Kindly shared by:
    nick



  • You can launch right in town in Glen Arbor, or in Glen Haven right off the beach.   To shorten the paddle, there are also launch point at Pyramid Point and even in Good Harbor Bay.





    Pyramid point is the first big landmark, and from there it is 8 miles across Good Harbor Bay to Whaleback Point.   

    This is a video on YouTube from Nick Murray showing the finishing part of the downwind.


    Once you come around Whaleback Point there is a stretch of private homes/beach, with a few public sections interspersed.   When you get to the Harbor entrance, the beach on your right is Vans Beach which is public, but you may also paddle into the Harbor. 



      Right at the harbor in Fishtown there are several food options including the iconic Cheese Shanty that serves up massive sandwiches to replenish your calories.



    In the summer months of July, August, and September there should be light boat traffic along this route.   A VHF radio can be useful.  Cell phone coverage is decent but not guaranteed.    There is a USCG Air Station in Traverse City about 15 minutes flight time away.   There should typically be a rescue capable boat in the Leland Harbor, but not always guaranteed.   The shoreline should all be accessible. 


    Have fun and please stay safe!
    Some Basic Safety Guidelines

    - It is very difficult to spot someone in the water especially in strong wind conditions, so please make sure you can be seen - use bright colour clothing. Wear a brightly coloured PFD Wear a brightly coloured rash vest ( luminous green or orange is best)

    - Use a buddy system - doing a downwind with someone else is always safer than on your own.

    - Have a VHF Radio, mobile/cell phone in a waterproof bag ( test that you can use this in all conditions)

    - Know who to call for help and be sure that your family know who to call. Be sure that someone knows where you are and when you should return. And that they will call for help if this time is exceeded.

    - Other useful tips - Use a leash from the craft to your body. Have a signal flare (hand held are best) or pencil flares. Carry a reflector / mirror. Have a whistle that works when wet. Have your name and landline number on your craft. Leave a card with your name and phone number (mobile/cell and landline) on your vehicle dashboard.


    If there is any decent wind over 10 mph, you are certain to find runs on this route.   Being far offshore ensures there is typically something to chase, but it also means this is a route for experienced paddlers.   On smaller days, it is doable by intermediates, but they need to be in great physical condition and should only go with an experienced paddler.  When the wind is really howling it can get very big and technical going around Pyramid Point, and especially crossing Good Harbor Bay.  If the wind is SW you will have offshore conditions as you cross the bay.


    0 reviews

  • Back to Downwinds