Fun

What Lake St. Clair lacks in big sandy beaches it makes up for with its shallow, flat water. With a little precaution while launching and landing, the conditions on LSC can be very forgiving for those just learning to kiteboard. Strawberry Island, Harsens Island, and Gull Island offer some of the best kiteboarding around. Kiters have been frequenting these spots via boat for years. Depending on wind direction and forecast, we shuttle around Lake St. Clair to find the best spot.

Read more: Learning to Kitboard on Lake St.Clair

Kiting is a combination of wakeboarding, skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding all rolled up in one. Essentially we have a giant kite that is pulling us on a kiteboard/surfboard. Kiters can jump as high as 40' and can gain speeds of over 45 miles an hour. We can ride giant waves and also ride on snow with a snowboard which allows us to kite on Lake St.Clair all year round. The age of Kiteboarders range from 7 to 70 and attracts a diverse crowd from doctors and lawyers to factory workers and stay home moms. You don't need to be big, strong or athletic to kiteboard... since we are hooked into a harness we use our body weight to counter balance against the pull of the kite. With today's advancements in kites it is now easier and safer then ever to learn how to kiteboard. With a 2 day camp/lesson you too can be ripping across Lake St. Clair safly with confidence.     

Metro beach on Lake St. Clair was one of the first kite spots in the Metro area. Spring southerlies work the best. Warm air being pushed up by the cold water produces some of the best hangtimes I have ever experienced. Anotherr great location is Harsens Island.  This is one of my favorite spots.  We were blown away when we found this place. It's located on Muskamoot Bay and is 4 feet deep almost all the way across.  This place works best on SW and W winds, very steady and a straight shot across the bay.  Once you get past the point you will be in the middle of Lake St.Clair with nothing blocking the wind, heading directly toward Metro Beach.

Consider this your personal invitation to come join us experience kiteboarding on Lake St. Clair!

GLK offer 2 day camps, private lessons and advance lessons for ages 7-70. We supply all the gear needed for the training. For more info please check out www.glkite.com

Brian LeFeve,  Great Lakes Kiteboarding,  586 822 6511,  www.glkite.com

Hop in your car and head to Harsens Island.

About 40 minute’s from the intersection of I-75 & I-696 (Royal Oak) you will find a ferry boat that will escort you from Algonac, the main land, to one of the best kept secrets in South East Michigan. Harsens Island.

Located in between the North & South Channel, where Lake St. Clair meets the St. Clair River, visitors and residents alike are drawn to the Island to soak up the beauty of the freshwater deltas, wildlife, freighter watching, and a host of other sights. Sportsmen are attracted to the abundance of hunting and fishing offered on the Island.

While you’re visiting Harsens Island, stop & check out Browns Restaurant.

Browns  is located on Harsens Island on the Middle Channel, a local landmark since 1946. Tucked away down a creek, it caters to not only the gas guzzling motor trade, but also those arriving by water from their holiday homes. Take in the view while watching the local boaters pull their boat up to the dock after a long day on the water.  Everyone is welcome to enjoy a “family friendly” hang out, with a menu that  includes burgers, wraps, salads and fish & chips. Dinner specials and drink discounts daily.

For more information or pictures on Harsens Island please visit: HarsensIsland.com

Have you visited Harsens Island?  Do you have a story or recommendation to share? Log into our Forums & share the beauty of Harsens Island with others!

Many dogs love the water, but not all dogs are naturally designed for water activities. Whether she's a swimmer or a watcher, your dog wants to be with her family at poolside or at the lake or beach. These water safety tips can keep your dog safe this summer:

Never throw your dog into the water. Introduce her to the water slowly. Not all dogs are natural swimmers, especially brachycephalic breeds with short, wide heads and flat muzzles like Pugs, English Bulldogs and Boston Terriers, and many body types are not naturally buoyant. Dog-proof the area.

Don't throw a ball into strange waters until you check what lies beneath the surface. Large or jagged rocks, sudden drop-offs, slippery river rocks, and frigid water temperatures could mean a trip to the emergency room for your canine. Use a water safety vest at the lake, river, or ocean. Swimming is exhausting. A life jacket ensures that your dog stays afloat, even in an undertow.

Read more: Keep Your Dog Safe while boating on Lake St. Clair