Local Legend: Kayak Guide | Justin Pahnturat

Justin is a local legend not just for where he paddles—but how deeply he’s connected to the water and the Great Lakes. I first came across his Instagram, where his stunning photos and videos immediately caught my eye. From sunrise shoreline paddles to rugged cave routes and calm inland glides, Justin seemed to always be on the move—exploring Door County and beyond by kayak in every season. While most people dip in and out of the water depending on the weather, Justin regularly paddles in freezing temperatures. Few people have spent even half the time he has discovering the Great Lakes from the seat of a kayak, and even fewer document it as beautifully.

1. What do you love to do outdoors, and why? 

I love the water, and I've found sea kayaking to be an amazing way to experience the Great Lakes. There's a feeling like no other when you can't see the shoreline behind you or when paddling to a distant island—when you're out there, it's like the water is a world of its own.

2. What makes the Great Lakes region special? 

So many things... but for me, the sheer beauty and power of the water is very special for these "lakes." The Great Lakes are such dynamic waters that can deliver fierce wave breaks and rapidly shifting conditions but also can be really calm & pretty... that for me is a big part of why I love kayaking the Great Lakes so much. Much of the beauty is found along the shorelines that feature a vast range of geology and landscapes from towering bluffs to sea caves to beaches to forests and everything in between. I became a naturalist just because I had so many questions of my own about everything I was seeing on my kayak adventures.

3. How are you connected to the area? 

I grew up along the shore of Lake Michigan. Since I was a young boy the lake has been where I made my first sandcastles, learned to swim, and first paddled a sea kayak.  I traveled a bit and lived in different parts of the country but decades later, I still live on the shores of Lake Michigan in beautiful Door County, Wisconsin!                                                                                                                                                     

4. Do you have a favorite memory, moment, or place that stands out to you?

So many great memories but I think my first solo sea kayak expedition to an island in Lake Superior  was an experience that changed me forever. To be at the mercy of the wind, waves, fog, bears and your own survival is humbling and teaches you a lot of great lessons, regardless if you're ready to learn them or not.   

Throughout the journey, there were golden mornings of calm water, jaw-dropping sea caves & bluffs, a night stranded on an island due to big waves, but the real test was getting back to shore on the last day. About 13 miles out from the mainland a thick fog cut me off from all surrounding visuals… I couldn’t see anything past a boat length ahead of me. That was the moment. But I took a breath, ate a Clif bar, summoned the last of my energy, and paddled blindly through the fog for 3 hours using a compass and back bearings to get back to the mainland. Moments like those remind us to keep a good compass in life so that when you can’t see your shoreline or goal you keep pressing forward, no matter how impossible the situation seems.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

5. How has your passion for the outdoors impacted your life?  

Because I love the outdoors & sea kayaking so much I started a small boutique adventure company and now spend my days as an outdoor tour guide, sea kayak instructor & Wisconsin Master Naturalist on Lake Michigan & Lake Superior. The best part about spending so much time outdoors is staying healthy, both physically and mentally. I wouldn't trade my life as an outdoor guide for anything.