West Michigan Kayaking Club Emerging as One of Michigan’s Fastest-Growing Paddling Communities

By Staff Writer, The Kayakers Journal

June 2, 2026

West Michigan’s paddling scene has long been shaped by established outdoor clubs, weekend float traditions, and tightly scheduled group outings. But in recent years, a newer organization has begun reshaping expectations of what a modern kayaking community can look like.

The West Michigan Kayaking Club, co-founded by local paddlers Brad De Young and Tim Postma, is rapidly gaining attention as one of the most active and fast-growing kayaking groups in the state. Built around accessibility, skill development, and adventure-focused trips, the club has grown to nearly 2,000 active members with continued double-digit growth projected year over year.

Unlike many traditional paddling organizations that operate on weekday or mid-day schedules, the club has centered its events around the realities of working adults, families, and younger paddlers balancing school and extracurricular commitments.

“When I first started kayaking, it was surprisingly difficult to find a club that truly fit my schedule and made me feel welcome,” said cofounder Brad De Young. “Many groups planned paddles during weekdays or mid-day hours, which simply doesn’t work for people with full-time jobs—or even younger paddlers balancing school, family, and other commitments.”

De Young also pointed to a lack of variety in programming as a driving force behind the club’s formation. While many long-standing groups emphasize tradition and repeatable routes, he said he envisioned something more dynamic and skill-building oriented.

“Beyond scheduling, I also found that a lot of clubs tended to repeat the same short float trips on the same stretches of river year after year,” De Young explained. “There’s absolutely value in tradition and familiarity, but I was looking for something more dynamic—more active, more connected to nature, and more focused on building real skills and adventure.”

He added that his personal goals in kayaking leaned toward exploration, longer river sections, and immersive outdoor experiences that included hiking, camping, and learning alongside other dedicated outdoor enthusiasts.

“When I was looking for a place to develop my skills, I wasn’t really interested in simple float trips or structured social gatherings,” De Young said. “I was more drawn to real adventure—longer routes, learning from nature directly, and connecting with other outdoor enthusiasts who wanted to grow their skills on the water and in the backcountry.”

That vision ultimately led to the creation of West Michigan Kayaking Club, which has since expanded into a broad network of paddlers participating in river trips, multi-day excursions, and hybrid hiking-and-paddling adventures across Michigan’s waterways.

From its earliest days, however, the club’s growth was not without friction. De Young acknowledged that the emergence of a new and rapidly expanding organization drew skepticism from some corners of the local paddling community.

“Interestingly, when we launched the group, we did receive some discouraging messages from members of the local paddling community,” he said. “While that was disappointing, it also reinforced that change is never universally welcomed at first. Established groups often have their own traditions and perspectives, and sometimes new ideas naturally create friction.”

Despite that early resistance, the club has continued to grow steadily, with its focus remaining on inclusivity and participation rather than exclusivity or gatekeeping.

At recent events, members describe a strong sense of camaraderie developing on and off the water, with new paddlers quickly integrating into group outings and more experienced kayakers helping others build confidence and technical skill.

“What’s been most rewarding is seeing people connect—not just with the river, but with each other,” De Young said. “The friendships forming, the encouragement, the skill building—it’s been extraordinary. Watching people smile, push themselves, and feel genuinely fulfilled out there is one of the greatest accomplishments of this club.”

As West Michigan Kayaking Club continues to expand, its model reflects a broader shift in outdoor recreation: a move toward flexible scheduling, open participation, and experience-driven programming designed to meet people where they are.

Membership remains free, as do all organized events—a structure De Young says is intentional, aimed at removing barriers and encouraging participation regardless of experience level or financial means.

In a recent development, the club also launched a merchandise store through its website, with proceeds going directly toward supporting West Michigan Kayaking Club programs, events, and community initiatives.

“We are approaching 2,000 active members,” De Young said. “And we anticipate that continuing to grow at double-digit rates each year.”

For a region with deep outdoor traditions, the rise of a fast-growing, accessibility-focused paddling community suggests that Michigan’s kayaking culture is evolving—paddling not just toward new rivers, but toward new ways of connecting people to them.