CLAIM CINEMA
Our Water
1 LAKE • 4 FRIENDS • 102 DAYS • 1830 MILES
Four friends kayaked around the biggest freshwater lake in the world (by surface area) to help raise awareness around the conservation of its pristine waters and landscapes. share stories and values of what makes our backyard so important to us and those that live with it, and make a documentary film at the end of the journey.
Two days before we launched
Credit: Brandon Rieck
Just south of Lake Superior Provincial Park.
Endless waterfalls refilling the Lake.
• About the Expedition •
In 2018, Ryan Busch, Drew Etling, Jared VanOordt, and Karol Rajski set off from Marquette, Michigan in 17 foot sea kayaks with the idea of circumnavigating Lake Superior. After 102 days and over 1,800 miles they floated back in Marquette. It was the best summer of thier lives. They all met at Northern Michigan University and worked for Uncle Ducky Outfitters in Munising, MI. Paddling Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on a daily basis never became old for them, however, after a couple beers around the pool table they all agreed to open thier curiosity on what the rest of the lakeshore had to offer. After three years of developing thier understanding of how Lake Superior behaves and improving thier paddling skills, they knew it was time to give it shot.
Along the trip they interviewed individuals, families, and businesses on how Lake Superior have impacted their lives. Thier vision was to connect the dots of thier lives and the peoples lives intertwined with the Great Lakes. Thier idea was to make a change in the way people think and feel about the lakes so that our individual changes can add up to great changes in the future. Thier idea of "Future Generation Leadership" was the biggest goal in hope to educate, inspire, and motivate so that this vital life source can be protected and sustained for thousands of years.
The Great Lakes contain 20 percent of the world's fresh water supply, Lake Superior alone contains 3 quadrillion gallons of freshwater. However, the lakes are increasingly at risk of climate change, invasive species, waste overflow, just to name a few of the many issues that need our attention. The freshwater of Lake Superior generates billions of dollars in tourism, recreation, transportation/shipping, and food production. The Great Lakes also provide water, health, and spiritual benefits to the 34 million people that live on or near them. The vitality of the water depends on our protection and integration of smart use conservation.
After one year of planning and a documentary in mind to be filmed. It was only time to let loss and give it thier all. Heres their Story.
Crew:
Ryan Busch - Camera Guy
Drew Etling - Weather Guy
Karol Rajski - Fishermen and chef
Jared VanOordt - Researcher
All of which were filled with STOKE!
May 11, 2018 Day 1: MQT
Credit: Tom Buchkoe
Seth Shutter giving a safety speech before the crew launches <3
Credit: Tom Buchkoe
Isle Royale!
• Locations •
The GPS route down the Piegon River
hints the trip did not go as planned.
Watch the film to find out more....
(USA) Marquette - Munising - Grand Marais - Shelldrake/Paradise - Bay Mills / Brimley - Sault Ste. Marie
(USA to Canada) - Harmony beach - Agawa Bay - Sand River falls - Michipicoten - Marathon - Terrace Bay - Nipigon -
Red Rock - Dorion - Thunder Bay
(Canada to USA) Grand Portage - Hovland - Grand Marais - Lutsen - Tofte - Schroeder - Silver Bay/Beaver Bay - Two Harbors - Duluth
- Port Wing - Herbster - Cornucopia - Bayfield - Washburn - Ashland - Ontonagon - Eagle Harbor - Copper Harbor - L’ Anse - Skanee - Big Bay – Marquette
MAJOR ISLANDS
Autrain island - Grand Island - Michipicoten Island Provincial Park - Slate Islands Provincial Park - Edward Island Provincial Park -
Le Pate Provincial Nature Reserve - Flatland Island - Pie Island - Isle Royale National Park - Apostle Islands (ALL) - Rabbit Island - Little Presque
• Goals •
- Increase education and awareness of the impact and importance of clean water in the Great Lakes.
- Develop a greater understanding of Lake Superior to make smart, creative conservation recommendations, and actions in the future.
- Demonstrate passion and love for the Great Lakes.
- Identify individuals before, during, and after thier travels who share the same passion for the Great Lakes and want to help make a difference.
- Clearly document our trip by the use of photography, film, and journals/online posts. At the end, make a documentary film to illustrate our travels.
• Actions •
- Collect observational and scientific data throughout our trip to support projects at the SWP.
- Hold informal sessions to share stories about Lake Superior and how it has impacted lives of those who live on or near it.
- Distribute pamphlets and other materials to people we meet on the trip to further their understanding of the impact and importance of conservation in the Great Lakes.
- Gather contact information of volunteers and donors to share with the SWP and AGL
