Simple Adventures – Kayaking and Paddleboarding

The legal minimum depends on vessel class and power: Michigan has no minimum operating age for a motorboat of 6 horsepower or less. For more than 6 horsepower, unsupervised operation starts at 12 with a boating safety certificate. Under 12, operation through 35 horsepower requires that certificate and direct onboard supervision by someone at least 16; stronger boats are prohibited. Personal watercraft require age 14. Ages 14–15 need a certificate and either a parent, legal guardian, or designated adult 21 or older onboard, or within 100 feet while that adult operates another personal watercraft; independent operation starts at 16. Certificates are compulsory for motorboat operators born on or after July 1, 1996, and PWC operators born after December 31, 1978. Rental operators set their minimums, so confirm when booking.

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (michigan.gov)

Michigan requires a boating safety certificate rather than a recreational boating license for anyone born on or after July 1, 1996, operating a motorboat over 6 horsepower. A child under 12 may operate 6 to 35 horsepower only with a certificate and direct onboard supervision by someone at least 16, and may not operate more than 35 horsepower.

For personal watercraft, no one under 14 may operate. Ages 14 and 15 need a certificate plus either accompaniment by a parent, legal guardian or designated adult 21 or older, or operation within 100 feet of one; operators born after December 31, 1978, need a certificate. A renter who completes livery safety training may use the written rental agreement as a certificate only for the listed rental dates. Michigan DNR administers the program.

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (michigan.gov)

From Harrison Township, you can boat directly onto Lake St. Clair, then explore the Clinton River, Black Creek, Anchor Bay or Strawberry Island. Lake St. Clair is the main cruising water, while the Harrison Township sections of the Clinton River, Black Creek and their connected channels are slow-no-wake areas.

Anchor Bay offers tranquil anchoring over a sandy bottom, and Strawberry Island is a popular weekend anchorage. Common public put-ins are Clinton River Cut-Off, Lake St. Clair Metropark, Harley Ensign and Selfridge.

Source: Macomb County (macombgov.org)

From Harrison Township, boaters can make Lake St. Clair day trips to Gull Island, Big Muscamoot Bay, downtown New Baltimore and St. Clair Shores. The county water trail circles Gull Island and crosses Big Muscamoot Bay, making both natural choices for scenery and small craft exploring. New Baltimore’s Walter and Mary Burke Park offers transient slips with access to its beach, picnic areas and downtown. In St. Clair Shores, Lac Sainte Clair and Blossom Heath harbors offer transient wells for short visits, along with services such as water, electricity, restrooms and picnic areas.

Source: St. Clair County Parks and Recreation (stclaircounty.org)