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• West Branch of the DuPage River (St. Charles Rd. to Mack Rd.)

  • When
    2025-05-14
  • Location
    West Chicago, IL

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, May 14, 2025
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Location: West Branch of the DuPage River (St. Charles Rd. to Mack Rd.)
  Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
  Category: Day Trip         

  Details: We will be paddling the DuPage River from St. Charles Rd. to Mack Rd. This section is peaceful and scenic, but it is narrow and may have obstructions that you will need to maneuver or portage around. This trip is appropriate for anyone who has reliable paddling skills.

  Contact the trip leader for information.

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but all updates will be done by personal e-mail from one of the trip leaders.

  I ask that all paddlers sign up.  Please do not invite a guest without signing him or her up through the website.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Fox River (Algonquin - Elgin) - May 17, 2025

  • When
    2025-05-17
  • Location
    Algonquin, IL
  • Registered
    12 registrants

  Register

  Date:  May 17, 2025 

  Leader:  Dave Watts

  Co-Leader:   Sue Allman
  Location:  Algonquin IL
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner, Spring Paddling
  Category:  Day trip
  Details:  Fox River trip - to explore Carpentersville Dam Removal and to enjoy company with friends.

  Algonquin - Buffalo Park FP to Elgin - Voyageur landing FP

  Requirements: PFD, [Dress for Weather] Gear, Dry 'Dump' Bag MUST be in boat, Ability to control/maneuver your boat under moving water conditions, NO alcohol consumed while on the river, COMMON SENSE

  For trip details & updates: You MUST Register/Sign Up, as only registered paddlers will receive details & updates.  Trip Details will NOT be posted on the website.  Registration opens March 24.
  

  
  

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• 68th Annual Des Plaines River Canoe& Kayak Marathon

  • When
    2025-05-18
  • Location
    Libertyville, IL

  Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025 
  Location:  Libertyville, IL
  Skill Level:  Advanced beginner
  Category:  Paddling event
  Details:  This post is for information only.

  18.5 miles on the scenic Des Plaines River. This is the 68th consecurtive year of the race, founded by Ralph Frese in 1957.
  Start Line in Libertyville, Finish at Dam#2, Mt Prospect.
  See www.canoemarathon.com for details and to sign up for the race. For the less experienced, there is the Minithon, 5.25 mi starting at Potawatomie Woods, Wheeling.

  PFD's are required.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• West Branch of the DuPage River (St. Charles Rd. to Mack Rd.)

  • When
    2025-05-18
  • Location
    West Chicago, IL

  Register

  
  Date:  Sunday, May 18, 2025
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Location: West Branch of the DuPage River (St. Charles Rd. to Mack Rd.)
  Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
  Category: Day Trip         

  Details: We will be paddling the DuPage River from St. Charles Rd. to Mack Rd. This section is peaceful and scenic, but it is narrow and may have obstructions that you will need to maneuver or portage around. This trip is appropriate for anyone who has reliable paddling skills.

  Contact the trip leader for information.

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but all updates will be done by personal e-mail from the trip leader.

  I ask that all paddlers sign up.  Please do not invite a guest without signing him or her up through the website.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Moving Water 1 - Canoe Coached Class

  • When
    2025-05-24
  • Location
    DuPage River, Hammel Woods
  • Spaces left
    4
  • Registered
    6 registrants

  Register

  Date:  Saturday, May 25, 2024
  

  Leader: Steve Voss
  Co-Leader:   
  Location:  DuPage River - Hammell Woods
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Instruction
  Details:  If you attended a Moving Water 1 canoe class, or obtained approval from instructor/coach, this is an opportunity to practice what you have learned. It’s important to practice your newly-acquired skills and get them into muscle memory before they begin to fade. Instructors are ACA certified and will be on-hand to provide the appropriate coaching.

  DETAILS & UPDATES:  Paddlers must register/sign up, as only registered paddlers will receive details and updates.

  LOCATION: DuPage River, Hammell Woods

  COST:  There is no fee for PSC members. Non-members—$50.

  CONTACT INFO FOR INSTRUCTOR/COACH:

  Steve Voss - svoss1959@hotmail.com or 847/687-2406

  
  

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• West Branch of the DuPage River (Mack Rd to McDowell Grove)

  • When
    2025-05-28
  • Location
    West Chicago, IL

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, May 28, 2025
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Location: West Chicago (Mack Rd to McDowell Grove)
  Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
  Category: Day Trip

  Details: We will be paddling the West Branch from Mack Rd. to McDowell Grove. This section is scenic and has some riffles, and is appropriate for anyone who has basic paddling skills.

  Contact the trip leader for information.

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but all updates will be done by personal e-mail from one of the trip leaders.

  I ask that all paddlers sign up.  Please do not invite a guest without signing him or her up through the website.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Moving Water 2 - Canoe

  • When
    2025-05-31
  • Location
    Marge Cline, Yorkville, IL (Fox River)
  • Spaces left
    5
  • Registered
    5 registrants

  Register

  Date:  Saturday, May 31, 2025
  

  Leader:  Steve Voss
  Co-Leader:   
  Location:  Marge Cline, Yorkville, IL - Fox River
  Skill Level:  Intermediate
  Category:  Instruction
  Details:  Join us for this intermediate skill-building session led by ACA certified instructors. This Moving Water 2 class is designed to take the skills learned at Moving Water 1 and apply them to faster current. Students will refine their timing and techniques, and will learn to tame faster and pushier current.

  Prerequisite: Students must have completed the PSC Moving Water 1 class or attended the River Skills Workshop.

  Class size will depend on the number of instructors; if you want to take the class, sign up sooner than later.

  ACA membership is required for participation. You will be asked to purchase a $10 one-day membership or supply your ACA member number at check in.

  DETAILS & UPDATES:

  Paddlers must register/sign up, as only registered paddlers will receive details and updates.

  COST:

  PSC members—$30    Non-members—$50

  CONTACT INFO FOR INSTRUCTOR/COACH:

  Steve Voss - svoss1959@hotmail.com or 847/687-2406

  
  

  
  

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• West Branch of the DuPage River (Mack Rd to McDowell Grove)

  • When
    2025-06-01
  • Location
    West Chicago, IL

  Register

  
  Date:  Sunday, June 1, 2025
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Location: West Chicago (Mack Rd to McDowell Grove)
  Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
  Category: Day Trip

  Details: We will be paddling the West Branch from Mack Rd. to McDowell Grove. This section is scenic and has some riffles, and is appropriate for anyone who has basic paddling skills.

  Contact the trip leader for information.

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but all updates will be done by personal e-mail from the trip leader.

  I ask that all paddlers sign up.  Please do not invite a guest without signing him or her up through the website.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Moving Water 2 - Canoe Coached Class

  • When
    2025-06-07
  • Location
    Marge Cline, Yorkville, IL (Fox River)
  • Spaces left
    5
  • Registered
    5 registrants

  Register

  Date:  Saturday, June 7, 2025
  

  Leader:  Steve Voss
  Co-Leader:   
  Location:  Marge Cline, Yorkville, IL - Fox River
  Skill Level:  Intermediate
  Category:  Instruction
  Details: If you attended a Moving Water 1 and 2 canoe class, or obtained approval from instructor/coach, this is an opportunity to practice what you have learned. It’s important to practice your newly-acquired skills and get them into muscle memory before they begin to fade. Instructors are ACA certified and will be on-hand to provide the appropriate coaching.

  DETAILS & UPDATES:  Paddlers must register/sign up, as only registered paddlers will receive details and updates.

  COST:  There is no fee for PSC members. Non-members—$50.

  CONTACT INFO FOR INSTRUCTOR/COACH:

  Steve Voss - svoss1959@hotmail.com or 847/687-2406

  
  

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• DesPlaines River (Wadsworth Rd. to Gurnee)

  • When
    2025-06-07
  • Location
    Wadsworth, IL

  Register

  
  Date:  Saturday, June 7, 2025
  Coordinator:  Steve LaPorte

  Co-coordinator:  Emily Miao
  

  Location: Wadsworth, IL
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip

  Details:  We will be paddling the DesPlaines River from Wadsworth Rd. to Gurnee. This section is peaceful and scenic, and is appropriate for anyone, regardless of skill level.
  Contact the trip leader for information.
  
  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but all updates will be done by personal e-mail from one of the event coordinators.
  
  I ask that all paddlers sign up. Please do not invite a guest without signing him or her up through the website.
  
  Also, if you decide to sign up anonymously – as is your right – please send me an email through the PSC website, letting me know that you are coming. (That will ensure that you receive any updates, and will allow me to better meet my responsibilities.)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Kishwaukee River South Branch (Rt. 64 to Baseline)

  • When
    2025-06-11
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • Location
    Sycamore

  Register

  Date:  Wednesday, June 11, 2025
  Leader:  Susan Allman
  Location:  Rt. 64 (Sycamore) 
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day trip
  Details:  This is the first section in a series of trips along the Kishwaukee River South Branch. This part is rarely paddled and has a rural feel. It will be a 9 mile paddle. Bring water, lunch, PFD, and dress appropriately for the water & weather. Car shift 9:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

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• Lake Mohawksin Weekend

  • Start
    2025-06-13
  • End
    2025-06-16
  • Location
    Lake Mohawksin, Tomahawk, WI
  • Spaces left
    9

  Register

  Date(s):  Friday, June 13 - Monday, June 16, 2025
  Event Coordinator:  Russell Block
  Location: Lake Mohawksin, Tomahawk, WI

  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Weekend camping/paddle trips

  Details: Not my normal Hidden Gems lake trip. But, definitely unknown to most of us Illinoisans. Lake Mohawksin. This 1,500+ acre man-made lake is named for the convergence of the Somo, Tomahawk, and Wisconsin Rivers. Four dams regulate the depth of the water year-round. There is never a water level issue here. One of my favorite places to kayak and fish, I have been paddling this lake for almost 40 years.
  
  Like my Hidden Gems lake trips, this is usually a slow and easy flat-water paddle, with much wildlife to see.
  
  Unlike my Hidden Gems lake trips, this lake is a HUGE. There are extremely large open-water areas. And, the lake is usually very busy with motorboat traffic, water skiers, and fishermen in the Summer. As such, and for safety, we will be following the shoreline around the lake for most of our paddles.
  
  We will base camp at the Sara Park Campground, in Tomahawk Wisconsin, right at the edge of the Wisconsin River, with the put-in only steps away.
  
  This is about a 4 to 5-hour drive from Chicago, depending on your location. Reservations have been made in advance for 3 nights, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As such, I am requesting $20 each to help cover the cost of the campground (due at the time of booking).
  
  We have been given camping sites 3 & 4. Each camp spot is allowed 6 adults, has electric and running water, with nearby bathrooms and showers.
  
  We will arrive at the campsite Friday afternoon/evening to setup. Over the course of 2 days, Saturday & Sunday, we plan to circumnavigate the lake and parts of the Wisconsin, Tomahawk, and Somo Rivers. We will paddle to and back from 3 of the 4 old logging dams that make up the lake. Each day we will paddle roughly 10 miles, with a lunch break around midday.
  
  As this is scenic trip, and depending upon our stamina, I figure we will be on the water for about 4, or 5 hours each day.
  
  In the evenings, we can have our pick of local restaurants. Many of which are within walking distance of our campsite.
  
  Paddlers MUST bring their own boat, paddle(s) and PFD. Plus, a tent, food and any other gear you feel you may need to spend 3 nights at the campground, and 2 days on the water. I highly recommend a hat, sunscreen and an extra set of clothes to be carried with you in a dry-bag while on the water.

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• New Members' Paddle

  • When
    2025-06-21
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    Skokie Lagoons, Winnetka, IL
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  
  Date:  Saturday, June 21, 2025
  Leader:  Helen Gretz
  Co-Leader: Mike Kline
  Location:  Skokie Lagoons, Winnetka, IL
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip
  Details: This is the first of our New Member Events in 2025. Join us at the Skokie Lagoons to paddle, get acquainted, and eat lunch. Bring your own equipment (including your properly fitting PFD), your lunch, a camp chair or blanket, drinking water, and a change of clothes in case you get wet (it happens). 

  
  

  NOTE/VIP: The Lagoon #3 has 2 launch access locations. We are meeting off the Tower Road side of Lagoon #3 at the east end of the parking lot farthest from the boat rental facility (NOT the concrete launch closer to I-94 side of lagoon #3).

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Kishwaukee River South Branch (Baseline to Kingston)

  • When
    2025-06-25
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • Location
    Genoa

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, June 25, 2025
  Leader:  Susan Allman 

  Location:  Baseline Road to Kingston
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day trip
  Details:   A lovely section of the Kishwaukee River South Branch through farms & forest. It is a 9 mile paddle. We will stop for lunch at Citizens Park in Genoa. Bring a drink, lunch, PFD, and dress appropriately for the water & weather. Car shift 9:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

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• Kishwaukee River South Branch (Kingston to Kirkland)

  • When
    2025-07-09
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • Location
    Kingston

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, July 9, 2025
  Leader:  Susan Allman
  Location:  Kingston 
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day trip
  Details:  This is the final section of the Kishwaukee River South Branch series. It is about a 9 mile paddle. Bring water, lunch, PFD, and dress appropriately for the water & weather. Car shift 9:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

  
  

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• New Members' Midsummer Paddle

  • When
    2025-07-19
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    Voyageur's Landing FP on the Fox River, Elgin, IL
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  
  Date:  Saturday, July 19, 2025
  Leader: Joan Wincentsen
  Co-Leader: Emily Miao
  Location:  Voyageur's Landing FP on the Fox River, Elgin, IL
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip
  Details:  This is the second PSC New Member Event in 2025. Join us at Voyageur's Landing Forest Preserve on the Fox River in Kane County to paddle, get acquainted, and eat lunch. Bring your own equipment (including your properly fitting PFD), your lunch, a camp chair or blanket, drinking water, and a change of clothes in case you get wet (it happens). We’ll paddle downstream to the Elgin Library, then paddle back to Voyageur’s for lunch – about 4 miles. (No car shift; we'll leave promptly at 10, so please give yourself enough time to unload your stuff.)

  
  

  Location: One mile east of Route 31, Just north of I-90, and at the east end of Airport Road. https://shorturl.at/drZfP Site offers an easy launch, picnic area, and restroom.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Sugar River (Nelson Rd. to Yale Bridge)

  • When
    2025-07-23
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • Location
    Southern WI. (Sugar River Park, Nelson Road)

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, July 23, 2025
  Leader:  Susan Allman
  Location: Sugar River Park (Nelson Rd.)
  Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
  Category: Day Trip 

  Details:  The isolated, slow paced Sugar River flows through a sandy basin. There can be some downfall that require a bit of maueuvering so good boat control is necessary. The trip from Nelson Road to Yale Bridge is 7.5 miles. We may paddle to the take-out at Yale Bridge for lunch, so be prepared with enough water & a snack. This trip can be extended another 7 miles to Two Rivers Landing. TBD. Dress for the water & the weather. Car shift 9:30.   

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Mecan River

  • Start
    2025-07-25
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • End
    2025-07-27
  • Location
    Montello, WI

  Register

  Date(s):  July 25 to 27, 2025
  Leader:  John & Marilyn Ziegler
  Co-Leader:  Sherri Graham & John Anderson
  Location:  Montello, WI
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Base camping
  Details:The Mecan is a beautiful spring fed river with lots of twists and turns. We will be camping in the large group site at Mecan River Outfitters (920-295-3439)  Friday & Saturday nights and paddling both Saturday & Sunday. The camping is primitive -- pit toilets and no water (you need to bring enough water with you for the weekend).

  Contact leaders for more info.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Nippersink Creek

  • When
    2025-08-06
  • Location
    Glacial Park

  Register

  Date:  Wednesday, August 6, 2025
  Event Coordinator:  Steve LaPorte

  Location: Glacial Park
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip 

  Details: We will be paddling Nippersink Creek from Glacial Park to Lyle Thomas Park. The morning section is scenic with a few riffles, and is appropriate for anyone who has reasonable paddling skills.  After lunch, we will be paddling a section that can require a higher level of skill.  (You can opt to paddle the morning section only.)  Contact the trip leader for information.

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but all updates will be done by personal e-mail from the trip leader.

  I ask that all paddlers sign up.  Please do not invite a guest without signing him or her up through the website.

  
  
  

  
  

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• Full Moon Paddle

  • When
    2025-08-09
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    Rock Cut State Park, Loves Park, IL

  Register

  
  Date:  Saturday, August 9, 2025
  Leader: Keith McClow
  Location:  Rock Cut State Park, Loves Park, IL
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Paddle
  Details: Paddle under the full moon at Rock Cut State Park in Loves Park, IL. We will meet at the boat launch by the concession stand at 7pm. We will paddle the lake to watch the sun set at 8:02pm and the moon rise at 8:25pm. Once the moon has risen, we will paddle the lake and enjoy the evening. We will head back to the boat launch at 9:30pm. The park closes at 10pm so if you are not camping, you will need to load up and be out by 10pm. Please bring glowsticks to light up your boat.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Nippersink Creek

  • When
    2025-08-10
  • Location
    Glacial Park

  Register

  Date:  Sunday, August 10, 2025
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte

  Location: Glacial Park
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip 

  Details:  We will be paddling Nippersink Creek from Glacial Park to Lyle Thomas Park.  The morning section is scenic with a few riffles, and is appropriate for anyone who has reasonable paddling skills.  After lunch, we will be paddling a section that can require a higher level of skill.  (You can opt to paddle the morning section, only.)  Contact the trip leader for information.

  
  

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but all updates will be done by personal e-mail from the trip leader.

  I ask that all paddlers sign up.  Please do not invite a guest without signing him or her up through the website.

   

  
  

  
  
  

  
  

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• Kishwaukee River (North section)

  • When
    2025-08-20
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • Location
    Garden Prairie

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, August 20, 2025
  Leader: Susan Allman
  Location:  County Line Road (Garden Prairie to Belvidere)
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day trip
  Details:  This is the "up north" section of the Kishwaukee River. It is about an 8 mile paddle with a little of everything; straight, curves, ripples, and possible downfall. Must have good boat control. Bring water, lunch, PFD, and dress appropriately for the water & weather. Car shift 9:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

  
  
  
  

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• Turtle Creek

  • When
    2025-09-03
  • Location
    Shopiere, WI

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, September 3, 2025
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Location:  Shopiere, Wisconsin
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip
  Details:  We will be paddling Turtle Creek from O’Riley Rd. to County Hwy J. This section is scenic and is appropriate for anyone, regardless of skill level.

  Contact the trip leader for information.

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but all updates will be done by personal e-mail from one of the trip leaders.

  I ask that all paddlers sign up. Please do not invite a guest without signing him or her up through the website.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Kickapoo River, WI

  • Start
    2025-09-05
  • End
    2025-09-07
  • Location
    Ontario, WI
  • Spaces left
    16

  Register

  
  Date(s):  September 5-7, 2025
  Leader:   Sherri Graham & John Anderson
  Co-Leader:  John & Marilyn Ziegler
  Location:  Ontario, WI
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Base camping
  Details:  This is a very popular annual trip. We are doing this trip a little earlier than previous years so don't expect any fall colors this time, but the river valley as seen from the lookout at the Wildcat Mountain State Park is always breathtaking.  The Kickapoo is known as the 'crookedist river in Wisconsin'; it is intimate and unspoiled and never disappoints!

  Some of the access points on the river are managed by the Kickapoo Valley Reserve; they have a nice flyer about the river. 

  We have a group camp site reserved at Wildcat Mountain State Park (the one in the trees) for both Friday and Saturday nights. We will have our traditional feast/community dinner and campfire on Saturday night.

  Call/e-mail for details, to sign up for what to contribute to the dinner and to reserve your spot for the weekend!

  
  

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• Turtle Creek

  • When
    2025-09-13
  • Location
    Shopiere, WI

  Register

  
  Date:  Saturday, September 13, 2025
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Location:  Shopiere, Wisconsin
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip
  Details:  We will be paddling Turtle Creek from O’Riley Rd. to County Hwy J. This section is scenic and is appropriate for anyone, regardless of skill level.

  Contact the trip leader for information.

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but all updates will be done by personal e-mail from the trip leader.

  I ask that all paddlers sign up. Please do not invite a guest without signing him or her up through the website.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• DuPage River (Plainfield to Seil Rd.)

  • When
    2025-09-17
  • Location
    Plainfield, Illinois

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday,  September 17, 2025
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Location: Plainfield, Illinois
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip 

  Details: We will be paddling the DuPage River from Plainfield to Seil Rd.. This section is peaceful and scenic, and is appropriate for anyone, regardless of skill level.

  Contact the trip leader for information.

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but all updates will be done by personal e-mail from one of the trip leaders.

  I ask that all paddlers sign up. Please do not invite a guest without signing him or her up through the website.

  
  

  
  

  
  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• New Members' Fall Paddle

  • When
    2025-09-20
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    Sterling Lake in Van Patten Woods FP, Wadsworth, IL
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  
  Date:  Saturday, September 20, 2025
  Leader:  Emily Miao
  Co-Leader: Joan Wincentsen
  Location:  Sterling Lake in Van Patten Woods FP, Wadsworth, IL
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip
  Details: This is the last of our New Member Events in 2025. Please join us at Sterling Lake in Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve (https://www.lcfpd.org/van-patten-woods/), in Wadsworth, IL, to paddle, get acquainted, and eat lunch. Bring your own equipment (including your properly fitting PFD), your lunch, a camp chair or blanket, drinking water, and a change of clothes in case you get wet (it happens). 

  
  

  NOTE:   The above-listed link to the Forest Preserve includes a trail map showing the location of Sterling Lake. The main launch site is the Sterling Lake Car-Top Boat Launch ( -87.9451, 42.4727), located on the southwestern side of the lake.  The launch site can be accessed via the Forest Preserve entrance at W. Rosencrans Road (IL Route 173) between N. Skokie Hwy (IL Route 41) and N. Kilbourne Road.  When you reach the entrance and enter the Forest Preserve, the road will fork - stay on the left side of the fork to reach the launch site and parking area.   

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• DuPage River (Plainfield to Seil Rd.)

  • When
    2025-09-21
  • Location
    Plainfield, Illinois

  Register

  
  Date:  Sunday, September 21, 2025
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Location: Plainfield, Illinois
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip 

  Details: We will be paddling the DuPage River from Plainfield to Seil Rd.. This section is peaceful and scenic, and is appropriate for anyone, regardless of skill level.

  Contact the trip leader for information.

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but all updates will be done by personal e-mail from the trip leader.
  

  I ask that all paddlers sign up. Please do not invite a guest without signing him or her up through the website.

  
  

  
  

  
  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Kishwaukee River (Belvidere to Cherry Valley)

  • When
    2025-10-01
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • Location
    Belvidere

  Register

  
  Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

  Leader:  Susan Allman 

  Location:  Belvidere to Cherry Valley 
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day trip
  Details:  This section of the Kishwaukee River can have downfall and swift current so good boat skills are required. It will be an 8 mile paddle. Bring water, lunch, PFD, and dress appropriately for the water & weather. Car shift 9:30.

  Contact trip leader for more details.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Kishwaukee River - Cherry Valley to Atwood

  • When
    2025-10-15
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • Location
    Cherry Valley

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, October 15, 2025

  Leader: Susan Allman
  Location:  Cherry Valley
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Day trip
  Details:  This is the last Wednesday trip of the year.  The trip will be from Baumann Park in Cherry Valley to Atwood Park.  It will be a 9 mile trip. We will stop for lunch. Bring water, lunch, PFD (must be worn on the river), and dress appropriately for the water & weather. Car shift 9:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

  
  

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• Wilderness First Aid Certification

  • Start
    2025-11-01
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    2025-11-02
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Izaak Walton League Lodge, 899 Jay Street, Elgin, IL

  
  Date: November 1 & 2, 2025
  Leader:  John Chase 
  Location:  Izaak Walton League Lodge, Elgin, IL
  Skill Level:  All levels
  Details:  For those taking the CPR option (available only to those taking the WFA course), class will begin at 8:00 am CT Saturday; For those only taking Wilderness First Aid, class will begin at 10:00 am CT Saturday. Start time for Sunday is 8:00 am CT for all and completion is expected at 5:00 pm CT both days.

  Click on the link below to sign up for the class.
  

  https://www.paddlingexercises.com/event/wilderness-first-aid-certification-2/

  
  

  Wilderness First Aid Certification

  November 1 @ 8:00 am - November 2 @ 5:00 pm CDT

  $195

  

  This interactive class provide combines guided presentation with hands-on practical scenarios to give you the skills, knowledge, and abilities to best care for an ill or injured person until you can reach qualified care.

  Wilderness environments create special situations not usually encountered in an urban or suburban environment. With an ASHI Wilderness First Aid class, first aid providers in a remote outdoor setting will be better prepared to respond when faced with limited resources, longer times to care for someone, and decisions about when and how fast to evacuate an ill or injured person.

  Course topics include:

  • Preparation and Assessment
  • Preventing and Caring for Injuries and Illnesses
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Other Wilderness Considerations

  Important information:

  • Course pre-requisites: Certification in adult CPR and AED is required to receive a Wilderness First Aid certification. Prior completion of a basic first aid class is encouraged.
  • Pre-registration is required.
  • Class size is limited to 10 participants.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to spend time seated, standing, on the floor, and outdoor practicing skills.
  • Please dress for the weather as we will be spending time outdoors conducting scenarios..
  • All equipment, student workbook, and certification card are provided.
  • Please bring a lunch each day and a personal snack.
  • Certification through American Safety & Health Institute will be valid for two years.

  Date: November 1-2, 2025

  Time: For those taking the CPR option, class will begin at 8:00 am CT Saturday; For those only taking Wilderness First Aid, class will begin at 10:00 am CT Saturday. Start time for Sunday is 8:00 am CT for all and completion is expected at 5:00 pm CT both days.

  Location: Izaak Walton League, 899 Jay St, Elgin, IL 60120

  Wilderness First Aid Certification

  195.00 USD Wilderness First Aid only

  245.00 USD Wilderness First Aid plus CPR

  
  

  The ASHI Training Center logo is a registered trademark of Health & Safety Institute or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

  
  

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