Camp with us or rent a cabin. The more the merrier and we usually end up with an extremely fun group to kite and hang out with. We'll be bringing the kiting expedition RV. I have some spare camping equipment so if anyone needs to borrow anything just let me know.
The trip is usually pretty inexpensive. We all bring some food and sometimes cook together. We will be camping at Tawas Point State Park which is right next to the kite spot. We split camping fees so it usually works out to be $10 per person per night. We already have some spots reserved and are working on more. If you are interested in camping with us please let me know which nights you would like to stay and we'll see what we can do.
We may run out of space at our campsites. If you are planning on coming, it would be helpful if you can try to make a reservation at the campground. To make campground reservations:
http://www.midnrreservations.com/Search ... ?ParkID=62
Also, there is always the option to camp for free at the National Forest about 15 minutes away.
If you would prefer not to camp there are also many different options of places to stay in the area. We've stayed a few different cabins in the past.
Timberlane is affiliated with Motor City Kiteboarding and is right down the street from the State Park where we are camping and riding. Please mention that you are a kiteboarder for a discount.
http://www.timberlaneresorts.com/
We've also had good luck at cabins down the road a bit, about 15 minutes away. Here's the link:
http://woodlandbeachcottages.com/
We've also stayed in a cabin right at the State Park, basically two bunk beds in a room.
Ride sharing usually works out well too. Some people only come for the weekend so there are different options depending on what your schedule is. It would be helpful for coordinating if you post your plans here.
One more thing to know about is the Recreation Passport that is required at all Michigan State Parks. Out-of-state residents are required to purchase a $29 annual Motor Vehicle Permit, or $8 Daily permit. If you plan on visiting any other Michigan State Parks or coming to Tawas again, it may be worth buying the annual pass. You need the same pass at Little Sable Point and some other kite spots as well.
I will be teaching lessons and there are also people coming just for fun, to ride and improve. It is the perfect spot for learning and any level of riding. Flat water and shallow over a huge area. This spot works in every wind direction because you can kite on both sides of the bay. Wind is more consistent at Tawas because it is thermal dependant. Ignore the forecast, you have to know what to look for. If you see any warm/sunny conditions with any Southerly flow, it is pretty much a sure thing. Some other conditions bring wind too. There have been so many times that the Chicago area had no wind and we got it good in Tawas.
I'm happy to help anyone out anytime. Always happy to provide occasional tips and lessons are also available. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to schedule a lesson during the trip. We'll have lots of demo gear ready to ride too. There are always Ozone and Royal Kites along with Spleene, CrazyFly and BroKite Boards!!!
We always have a great time! Here are some pics from one of last year's trips:
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=9181
It is about a 6.5 drive from Chicago.
http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Chicago,+IL&daddr=686+Tawas+Beach+Road,+East+Tawas,+Michigan+48730+(Tawas+Point+Lighthouse)&hl=en&ll=42.932296,-85.539551&spn=4.544255,10.821533&sll=42.94574,-85.700742&sspn=4.543069,10.821533&geocode=FWICfwIdGuDG-inty_TQPCwOiDEAwMAJrabgrw%3BFV5CowIdaqkG-yGxcRt7dpELOw&mra=pd&t=h&z=7
Hope you can make it, would be great to have you there!
