DULUTH, Minn. — Whether you’re kayaking Lake Superior, canoeing the St. Louis River, or paddleboarding on one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, Minnesota Sea Grant has one request: don’t be “that paddler.”
The short, humorous safety video Paddle Safe Like a Pro!–now on YouTube–highlights what to do and what not to do before launching to stay safe, smart, and smiling on the water.
Both the video and the website PaddleSafeTwinPorts.org provide essential tools for paddlers. The website includes:
- Launch site maps for the Twin Ports area
- Live weather and ship traffic updates
- Top safety tips for kayakers, canoers, and paddleboarders
“Paddling is one of the best ways to enjoy Minnesota’s waters—but it’s even better when everyone comes back safely,” said MNSG Great Lakes Transportation Extension Educator Kelsey Prihoda. “Our goal is to make safety simple, memorable, and part of every paddler’s routine.”
Show off your paddling smarts! The Paddle Safe project team is hosting a photo quest for a chance to win one of three paddling prize packages. Submit a photo demonstrating safe paddling by August 29, 2025. Learn more and submit your photo at the 2025 Paddle Safe Photo Quest submission form.
Before your next trip, watch the video, check the site, and make safety your first piece of gear.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Minnesota Sea Grant is a systemwide program of the University of Minnesota and one of 34 federal-university Sea Grant partnerships across the country supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Great Lakes and coastal states that encourage the wise stewardship of our marine resources through research, outreach, communication, education and technology transfer.
CONTACTS:
Kelsey Prihoda, Great Lakes Transport Extension Educator, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth, [email protected].
Marie Thoms, Communications Director, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth, [email protected].
Photo and graphic credit: Minnesota Sea Grant