FAQ
Are we a new company?
No, Kayaking Adventures of Door County was first created in the summer of 1995 by TLC founder Tim Pflieger. In 1995-96 KADC provided tours at the Wagon Trail Resort. The 1997 season found KADC headquartering at the Team Leadership Center, eight miles north of Sturgeon Bay. Starting in 2010 KADC will be expanding to a second location at the Outpost, on Hwy 42, ½ mile south of Egg Harbor.
What about safety? Are we safe?
Yes, KADC, as a division of TLC has been operating as a commercial vendor for kayak tours, lessons, trips and workshops for the past 15 seasons. We have never had a rescue incident, citation, injury or loss and our stellar safety record is one of the best of all commercial outfitters in Door County.
What about our guides?
They are well trained. The guides employed at KADC are trained according to national standards set by the American Canoe Association (ACA). Successful completion of training leads to certification as a coastal sea kayak instructor. KADC kayak guides are urged to achieve ACA Level-2 ranking within their first summer (unless already certified). Many instructor-guides pursue additional levels of certification as well. All kayak staff participate in on-going training in areas of kayak skills, rescues, navigation, group management and open water paddling.
KADC has a Travel Team?
The KADC team travels throughout Door County and will bring a fun and exciting program to you, your family or group upon request. Please contact us for specifics.
What exactly is a sea kayak?
A sea kayak traditionally starts at 15-16′ in length, has two bulkheads sealing off watertight compartments in the front and back of the boat and participants wear a spray deck while paddling. Lake Michigan is COLD! The spray deck serves to keep water out of the cockpit enabling the paddler to stay warmer and drier. Your time on the water will be much more enjoyable! In the unlikely event of a boat capsize, the spray deck releases quickly.
We love sea kayaking in its traditional form and use this type of boat for all of our trips,tours and workshops!
So what is a recreational tour?
Participants on these half day tours usually paddle about 2.5 hours. We welcome any ability and experience level but gear the program especially to beginners! Basic boat control and paddle stroke instruction is included before pushing off from shore, the pace is leisurely, cameras are encouraged and the experience memorable!
What then is an outfitted trip?
This is an overnight or multi-day kayak trip where we camp in one of the five state parks in Door County while paddling in the area. Everything we need for the entire trip is packed in the kayaks! Typically we send out specific equipment lists prior to the departure date, but participants always need a sleeping bag with compression sack, sleeping pad, tent, wetsuit and waterproof dry bags for clothes and personal items. Don’t have all of that stuff? Not to worry!!! We can help!! We are happy to provide sleeping bags, compression sack, pad, tent, wetsuit and dry bags for our trippers to use at no extra charge.
In addition, KADC provides meals, camping fees and top notch instruction for every one of our trips. Even the chocolate!
Learning! Fun! Challenge! Getting wet! Confidence! Accomplishment! More fun! Our workshops are for those who want to move beyond the basics, learn paddling skills, boat control, rescues, develop confidence and really explore the KADC instructors LOVE to teach!
Founded in 1995 by Tim Pflieger on his family farm, ½ mile east of Institute in Door County. Created to provide team building and leadership development programs for people of all ages and backgrounds. Features a turn-of-the-century dairy barn facility, high/low ropes challenge course, rock climbing gym, meeting space and adventure trips, day camps and outdoor activity workshops. Known as Door County’s Adventure Center.
A unique summer family program that includes: climbing, zip lining and kayaking. The climbing and zip line activities take place at the Team Leadership Center, which is just east of Institute, WI at the intersection of Ploor and Dunn Road. You can’t miss the big green barn! No previous climbing experience is required and all ages are welcome – there are different climbs of varying degrees of challenge. Reservations are required.
The kayaking portion of Family Fun Dayz takes place at one of Door County’s inland lakes. Ensuring your first experience in a kayak will be positive; we paddle on a calm inland lake, use double kayaks and teach basic boat control skills. Reservations are required.
Is the Team Leadership Center, Inc. opened year round?
Yes, the Team Leadership Center, Inc. provides programming 364 days a year. We suggest you reserve your program date at least 2 months in advance to guarantee your magical day.
What other types of programs can the Team Leadership Center, Inc. provide?
The Team Leadership Center, Inc. provides Team Building and Leadership Skill Training for school age groups, sports teams, staff development and corporations. TLC also provides Single and Multi Day Adventures which can include 250′ Zipline, Rock Climbing, High Ropes Adventure, Flat Water Canoeing, Fly Fishing, Mountain Biking, Camping (Leave No Trace), Snow Shoeing and Orienteering. The TLC Team offers annual BWCA Canoe Trips (Father and Son and Family), Camp Confidence, Sib Camp, and Rock Island Rendezvous Sea Kayaking Adventure for Women.