Steve Ballou is an Interpretive Ranger at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, where he has the privilege of connecting people to the wonders of the Islands and the Great Lakes Environment through educational and experiential outreach. As part of connecting the park and rangers to people Steve launched a kayak ranger program last summer that facilitated placed-based interaction with visitors along the mainland sea caves and not so unintentionally made his job that much more awesome. A geologist by training, Steve previously worked in an academic setting and had served as a seasonal ranger in Yellowstone National Park for over a decade before coming to the Apostle Islands. Steve enjoys several silent sports and spends much of his time paddling among and enjoying the islands, and is excited to present Kayaking in the Apostle Islands at Canoecopia. bookmark

Join Ranger Steve for a scenic introduction to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and an overview of kayaking in this magical place where Lake Superior joins land, sky and cultures. Often called the center of the kayaking universe (at least by Ranger Steve) the 21 Apostle Islands in the Lakeshore are a kayakers dream of beauty, variety and challenge. Ranger Steve will address the process and options for gaining access to the islands and camping, and other logistical information. The Islands are located 3 to 20 miles from the mainland, which subjects paddlers to the capricious whims of Lake Superior and makes it essential they possess the skills and safety precautions needed to make a memorable paddling adventure.