The Traverse Area Paddle Club (TAPC), renamed in 2009, was founded in 1999 as the Cherry Capital Paddle America Club. The TAPC welcomes canoeists and kayakers in northwestern lower Michigan.  We have numerous events scheduled for all levels of paddling experience.  Our outings are intended for TAPC members.  Non-members may peruse the outings calendar, but often will not be able to see the details of the specific outings, or to sign up for the trips.  If you notice an event that will be taking place while you're visiting the TC area (or you just want to try us out), contact the trip host or the Outings Coordinator, and we will see if we can find a place for you. 

The TAPC is a local independent paddling club, and we strive to keep the cost as low as possible for members.  Currently, the cost of membership (per calendar year) is $15 for an individual, and $25 for a family.  After you join online and your payment is received, you may sign up for any trip.

The TAPC provides an online event calendar which can be updated by any club member.  We offer several different types of outings. Trips are color coded on the event calendar to match the color print in the description below.

Small Inland Lakes  These outings are suitable for people of any skill levels and all types of canoes or kayaks.  These trips are usually only a couple of hours long, and are a great way to meet fellow paddlers.  People go to look at scenery, flowers, birds, and other wildlife, so speed is not important.       

Great Lakes  These outings usually require sea kayaks with flotation at both ends of the boat.  The trip write-up will describe the event in enough detail that you should be able to decide if the trip is within your abilities.  Contact the leader if you are not sure you have the skills or the boat suitable for the trip.

Easy Rivers  Trips on these rivers are suitable for people of all skill levels. However they may require three to six hours of paddling, so read the description carefully.  Easy rivers have a moderate current and are wide enough so that quick maneuvers are not necessary. 

Difficult Rivers  Trips on these rivers require participants to be able to stop their boats from moving downstream while in a fast current.  Paddlers must be able to turn their boats quickly while in a confined area, and  execute an upstream or downstream ferry.

Clean-up Trips  We clean a number of local rivers on a regular basis.  It's a lot of fun, helps the environment and we find it is an excellent way to build our paddling skills.