by Ryan Whiteford, Traverse City, Michigan - USASUP NorthCentral Region
Paddling Northwest Michigan's big water there is a deep sense of rememberance. These are the waters indigenous tribes used for travel, fishing, and carrying out ceremonies. The National Park in Leelanau County inherited its name "Sleeping Bear" Dunes from a Native folktale. The evolution continued from birch bark & dugout canoes later to explorers and merchants in wooden ships and eventually hulking steel freighters. Below the surface many relics remain fossilized memories of the respect these waters demand.
The Manitou Passageway is a shipping lane between Michigan's mainland and two islands, North & South Manitou. It's treacherous due to a dominant current and full exposure to prevailing westerly winds across Lake Michigan. Those caught in unfavorable weather have referred to water conditions to that of a washing machine.
In October 1917 a 133 foot wooden steamer called "The Rising Sun" was caught in gale force winds while hauling potatoes. It was forcefully grounded in shallow waters off Pyramid Point with all crew abandoning ship and surviving.
It was noted in local publications that potatoes were found for miles away from the shipwreck along the shoreline in following weeks. The Detroit built ship now rests in about 12 feet of water with its wooden ribs and boiler still visible.
All around Northwest Michigan are preserved bookmarks of its past just under the crystal clear surface. There is a reverence amongst locals for the regions nautical history. With a blossoming new SUP community emerging and learning to navigate these big waters, there is a sense we are part of the lore in a new chapter on the Great Lakes.
Location/access: The Rising Sun shipwreck is located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A National Park Pass is required to park. The closest launch is Port Oneida Beach, a 1.8 mile paddle one way.
Shipwreck coordinates: N 44° 58.160 W 085° 55.908. The wreck is approximately 340 feet off shore.
*** Only experienced paddlers should attempt exploring *** Lake Michigan offers a very short swim season June-September. Susceptible to high winds. Wear your Life Jacket/PFD at all times. Limited/no cellphone service.
