The Gales Storm Gathering 2025

November 14th - 16th

Western Lake Superior

Two Harbors, Minnesota - The Harbor Rail

Limited to 20 participants, this event is for intermediate/advance paddlers who want to take their sea kayaking skills in rough waters to the next level with an emphasis on the unique safety, rescues, and performance skills needed to venture out.

The MN "Northshore" is a playground for sea kayakers during the Fall. With many options and opportunities depending on the weather and rivers.

The Gales aims to:

  • Build confidence in existing skills

  • Provide opportunities for challenge, supported by top-notch, safety-conscious, world class coaches

  • Reinforce good habits learned on flat water and correct bad habits, applying them in dynamic or more challenging conditions

  • Paddle in beautiful surroundings

  • Build a community of ambitious paddlers

$475

Event Registration INCLUDES:

  • 3 Morning Clinics & Coffee

  • 3 Days of Roughwater Safety and Performance Coaching

  • 3 Group Dinners at Harbor Rail Pub

  • Event Merch

REQUIRED GEAR:

  • Sea Kayak with bulkheads and perimeter deck line - A limited number of rentals are available, contact us if needed

  • Paddle & Spare

  • Dry Suit

  • Neoprene Spray Deck

  • PFD w/ Whistle

  • Helmet

  • Tow Belt

  • Neoprene Poggies or Gloves

  • Neoprene Booties or Paddling Shoes

  • Bilge Pump

  • Paddle Float

  • Dry Storage with spare warm clothes

  • Dry Storage for food and snacks

    RECOMENDED GEAR:

  • Thermos with hot water or backpacking stove kit to quickly make hot water.

  • VHF Weather Radio

Required Paddling Skills:

  • Minimum requirement is that you can perform a swimmer self rescue. Ability and practice of getting out the water and back into your kayak asap.

  • A roll is not required, but a desire to work on rolling and bracing is a strong indicator that you’re ready to attend The Gales.

  • The lake is cold and expected air temps are between lower 60’s-40’s during the day. Having a swift self rescue is extremely important and something we plan to work on during the weekend.

What sea states to expect?

  • Fall on the western shore of Lake Superior can deliver a wide variety of sea states and river levels. Expect to paddle in 2-4’ surf and beach break, 10-20 knot winds, and swift currents in the river mouths and up river. It’s been a rainy summer along the shore, so if that continues into early fall.. there’s a good chance for paddling conditions in waves with current.

  • Each day we will assess the conditions and decide where courses will be held to take advantage of wind and waves but not overwhelm students. (You can’t learn if conditions are too gnarly.) There are always places that are more exposed and places that are more protected, so we’ll divide students by challenge level and coaches will assess their skills and the conditions at the start of each course.

  • The Gales is designed to be fun and safe, but challenging. The coaches who’ve been invited to The Gales are very good at striking the right balance and ensuring that you’ll be safe but also challenged.

Stay ACCOMMODATIONS:

  • Participants are responsible for lodging.

  • Two Harbors has several hotels and short term rentals available.

  • We recommend the AmericInn. It includes a nice continental breakfast bar and is a great price. Click here to make a reservation at the Americinn

    Food ACCOMMODATIONS:

  • 3 Dinner Entrees at Harbor Rail Pub are included with a registration. View their menu here!

  • Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, 6pm - 8pm.

  • Participants are responsible for lunches and snacks while out paddling through the weekend.

  • We recommend stoping by the local Super One grocery store to stock up on lunches and whatever you fancy while out on the water.

CANCELATION POLICY:

  • 7+ days before, cancellations are eligible for a 50% refund, reschedule for the next event with no fee is available.

  • 1-6 days before cancellations, no refunds, reschedule for the next event with no fee is available.

  • Day of cancellations, no refunds, reschedule for the next event with no fee is available.

  • In the unlikely event that we cancel the symposium, you’ll have the option of receiving a full refund or transferring your registration to the following year. 

  • If you are unable to attend the Gales, you may transfer your registration to another paddler for no additional cost.

    Weather Policy:

    To say that weather on Lake Superior is fickle would be an understatement. We have many venue options to accommodate an enormous range of weather conditions and still provide the type of experience The Gales is known for. Participant safety is always at the forefront of any decision the organizers make. It is always possible, though very unlikely, that it is necessary to call for a “dry land day,” in which case we will provide a full day of programming off the water.