Upcoming events

Switch to Calendar View

• Virtual Learning: Wooden Canoe Heritage Association

  • When
    2021-01-26
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CST)
  • Location
    Zoom

  Register

  
  Date(s):  January 26, 2021
  Leader:  Paul Klonowski
  Co-Leader:   John Chase
  Location: Zoom. Link to be sent to registered attendees in registration confirmation email

  The Wooden Canoe Heritage Association began 40 years ago as a way to unite the wooden canoe community as well as to educate the general public about the beauty and history of these wonderful watercraft.

  Learn about the world of wooden canoes in this engaging talk by WCHA’s local Chapter Head, Paul Klonowski.  Find out about different types of wooden canoes, association activities, local chapters, the global reach of the organization, and just what it is that makes wooden canoes so alluring.

  You don’t own one (yet)?  You’ve heard they need too much maintenance? Materials are hard to find? Who could do all that work?  Let’s break down some perceived barriers, and separate fact from fiction.

  You could be paddling a vintage, or newly-crafted, stunningly beautiful canoe… we’re here to help!

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Virtual Learning: Dressing for Paddling

  • When
    2021-02-23
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CST)
  • Location
    Zoom

  Register

  
  Date(s):  February 23, 2021
  Leader:  John Chase
  Location: Zoom. Link to be sent to registered attendees in registration confirmation email

  Join us to explore clothing and safety gear for the well-prepared paddler.

  We will talk about what's needed depending on the type of paddling, weather conditions, water temperature, and other factors. We will review different pieces, from the base layer out, sort out the difference between pieces,  and help you understand their benefits. 

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• St. Patrick's Day Chicago River Paddle

  • When
    2021-03-13
  •  
    8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CST)
  • Location
    Chicago River, South Branch

  Register

  
  Date:  March 13, 2021  
  Leader:  John Chase 
  Location:  Chicago River, South Branch
  Skill Level:  Advanced
  Details:  This trip is for advanced paddlers in a fun, yet challenging environment.

  We will meet at a location two miles south of downtown along the Chicago River's south branch. After assessing and discussing personal readiness, our group will travel up the river to the Main Stem where we will encounter boat traffic while the river is dyed green.

  This is a cold water trip in an environment with very few accessible bailout options. There is no opportunity to exit your boat to the shore during this trip. For your safety and the safety of all others on the trip, all participants must dress for immersion (drysuits preferred, wetsuits at a minimum) and be prepared for travel in tight quarters with significant recreational and commercial boat traffic. No cotton clothing for any layers. You must bring a dump bag with a full change of clothes.

  All boats must have adequate bow and stern flotation. Please note that recreational kayaks without either sealed bulkheads at the bow and stern or inflated float bags will not be adequate and will not be allowed to join the trip.

  All participants must have the ability to self-rescue without the support of others.  

  The launch and landing are challenging and may be strenuous. We will launch from a dock with the boat being significantly below the level of the dock. Participants will need to maneuver from the dock edge into their boat and pull themselves up to the dock when exiting.

  We will park and launch from a casual restaurant. It is customary to make a purchase from the establishment and enjoy post-paddle conversation with your friends following the trip. Please be prepared to join us.

  Please note:

  • PSC always takes appropriate precautions for your safety. PSC cannot guarantee the elimination of risk of contracting or being exposed to Coronavirus. You are joining this trip at your own risk.

  • Participants must make their own decisions about joining trips involving a car shift. Participants will be responsible for making their own arrangements for car shifts.  PSC trip leaders will not arrange shuttles for trips at this time.

  • To participate in a PSC trip, you must be able to answer each of the following questions NO on the day of the trip. If any answers are YES, as a courtesy please notify the Trip Leader that you will not be attending. Please ask yourself each of these questions prior to leaving your home:

  • • Have you been in contact with anyone having or suspected of having Covid-19 in the past 15 days?

    • Do you feel sick?

    • Do you have any of the following symptoms of Covid-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, loss of taste or smell)?

    • Do you have a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit?

    • Do you have any pre-existing conditions that place you in a high-risk category for severe illness?

  • Masks must be worn when social distancing is not possible

  • Participants must bring their own supplies to maintain proper hygiene, including hand sanitizer with a minimum 60% alcohol content

  • Group members are not to share or touch each other’s equipment, with exception of bow and stern toggles/handles to assist with launching and landing (excluding members of the same family)

  • Participants are not permitted to share food or drink during the trip (excluding members of the same family)

  • Restroom facilities may not be available during the trip. Please use the restroom prior to arriving at the trip and bring any personal supplies needed during the trip.

  • When considering joining a trip, please consider your personal skills relative to the trip. For the courtesy and safety of all parties, please select only trips well below your personal skill limit.

  • It is recommended that all participants have the ability to perform a self-rescue by either moving to shore or performing a solo deep water rescue. 

  Show details
• Virtual Learning: Isle Royale Historical Tour

  • When
    2021-03-23
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CDT)
  • Location
    Zoom

  Register

  
  Date(s):  March 23, 2021
  Leader:  John Chase
  Location: Zoom. Link to be sent to registered attendees in registration confirmation email

  In addition to dramatic scenery, this Lake Superior gem is rich with history. Join us as we explore the island as it was in centuries past as well as the present.

  Learn about former settlements, mine sites, private camps, and resorts of yesteryear along with firsthand info on some of today's finest camp locations on this remote island National Park.

  
  

  Show details
• Kishwaukee River

  • When
    2021-04-14
  •  
    10:30 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    Cherry Valley

  Register

  
  Date:  April 14, 2021
  Leader:  Susan Allman
  Co-Leader:   Steve LaPorte
  Location:  Cherry Valley
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Day trip
  Details:  This is the first Wednesday trip of the year. We will begin at Baumann Park in Cherry Valley. Depending on weather conditions this could be a 5 mile trip or 9 mile trip. TBD. Bring water, PFD, and dress appropriately for the water & weather. You will be responsible for your own car shift. Launch time 10:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

  Show details
• DesPlaines River (Russell Rd. to Wadsworth Rd.)

  • When
    2021-04-28
  •  
    10:30 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    Northeast Illinois

  Register

  
  Date(s):  April 28, 2021
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Co-Leader: Sue Allman
  Location: Northeast Illinois
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip                                                                                                Details:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 We will be paddling the DesPlaines River from Russell Rd. to Wadsworth Rd. This section is peaceful and scenic, and is appropriate for anyone, regardless of skill level. You are responsible for your own car shift. Launch time 10:30.

  Contact the trip leader for information. Steve (630) 665-5707

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but until the PSC website is fully functional, 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.
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• West Branch of the DuPage River

  • When
    2021-05-12
  •  
    10:30 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    West Chicago, IL

  Register

  
  Date(s):  May 12, 2021
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Co-Leader: Sue Allman
  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 West Branch of 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. You are responsible for your own car shift. Launch time 10:30.

  Contact the trip leader for information. Steve (630) 665-5707

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but until the PSC website is fully functional, 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.
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• 64rd Annual Des Plaines River Canoe & Kayak Marathon

  • When
    2021-05-23
  •  
    8:00 AM (CDT)

  Date(s): May 23, 2021
  Leader: 
  Co-Leader:  
  Location:  
  Skill Level:  Advanced beginner
  Category:  Paddling event
  Details:  This post is for information only.

  For details and up to date information go to this web site: www.canoemarathon.com

  
  

  
  

  • 
    

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

  • When
    2021-05-26
  •  
    10:30 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    West Chicago, IL

  Register

  
  Date(s):  May 26, 2021
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Co-Leader: Sue Allman
  Location: West Chicago (Mack Rd to McDowell Grove)
  Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
  Category: Day Trip

  Details: We will be paddling the West Branch of the DuPage River from Mack Rd. to McDowell Grove. This section is scenic and has some riffles, and is appropriate for anyone who has basic paddling skills. You are responsible for your own car shift. Launch time 10:30.

  Contact the trip leader for information. Steve (630) 665-5707

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but until the PSC website is fully functional, 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.
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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

  • When
    2021-06-09
  •  
    10:30 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    Sycamore

  Register

  Date(s):  June 9, 2021
  Leader:  Susan Allman
  Co-Leader:   Steve LaPorte
  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. You are responsible for your own car shift. Launch time 10:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

  Show details
• Kishwaukee River South Branch (Baseline to Kingston)

  • When
    2021-06-23
  •  
    10:30 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    Genoa

  Register

  
  Date:  June 23, 2021
  Leader:  Susan Allman
  Co-Leader:   Steve LaPorte
  Location:  Baseline Road to Kingston
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day trip
  Details:  This is the second section of the Kishwaukee River South Branch series. It is a 9 mile paddle. Bring a drink, lunch, PFD, and dress appropriately for the water & weather. You are responsible for your own car shift. Launch time 10:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

  Show details
• Kishwaukee River South Branch (Kingston to Kirkland)

  • When
    2021-07-07
  •  
    10:30 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    Kingston

  Register

  
  Date(s):  July 7, 2021
  Leader:  Susan Allman
  Co-Leader:   Steve LaPorte
  Location:  Kingston (to Kirkland)
  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. You are responsible for your own car shift. Launch time 10:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

  Show details
• Four Rivers Trip

  • Start
    2021-07-23
  •  
    (CDT)
  • End
    2021-07-25
  •  
    (CDT)
  • Location
    Southwest Wisconsin

  Register

  Date(s):  July 23 - 25, 2021
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Co-Leader:
  Location:  Southwest Wisconsin
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  River Camping
  Details:  Come join us for our annual four-river trip on the Kickapoo River, the Wisconsin River, the Mississippi River and the Wyalusing Canoe Trail in southwestern Wisconsin.  In one weekend, you will paddle a narrow, meandering river (Kickapoo), a wide recreational river (Wisconsin), a maritime superhighway (Mississippi), and lush bayou (Wyalusing backwaters).  The put-in will depend on the condition of the Kickapoo River, but in no case will this trip be rated above “advanced beginner”.

  We plan to camp on sandbars on the Wisconsin River, but by Saturday night we will be in an area of the river where the sandbars are covered when the river is high.  I have reserved a campsite at Wyalusing State Park for 7/24/21, just in case we can’t camp on the river that night.  I recommend that anyone else who wants to join us do the same, and do it soon since Wyalusing is a very popular park.  (If you waited too long and Wyalusing is full, you can still come.  There are other campgrounds in the area, and Victora Park always has room in the primitive camping field, east of the boat ramp.)

  Information will be provided to anyone interested.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Sugar River (Nelson Rd. to Two Rivers)

  • When
    2021-07-28
  •  
    10:30 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    Southern WI.

  Register

  
  Date(s):  July 28, 2021
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Co-Leader: Sue Allman
  Location: Sugar River (Nelson Rd. to Two Rivers)
  Skill Level: Beginner
  Category: Day Trip                                                                                             Details:   We will be paddling the Sugar River from Nelson Rd. to Two Rivers. This section is peaceful and scenic, and is appropriate for anyone, regardless of skill level. You are responsible for your own car shift. Launch time 10:30.
  

  Contact the trip leader for information. Steve (630) 665-5707

  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.
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Nippersink Creek -

  • When
    2021-08-04
  •  
    10:30 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    Spring Grove

  Register

  
  Date(s):  August 4, 2021
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Co-Leader: Sue Allman
  Location: Glacial Park
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip                                                                                                            Details:    We will be paddling Nippersink Creek from Glacial Park to Lyle Thomas Park. This section is scenic with a few riffles and is appropriate for anyone who has reasonable paddling skills.  You are responsible for your own car shift. Launch time 10:30.                          
  

  Contact the trip leader for information. Steve (630) 665-5707

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but until the PSC website is fully functional, 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.
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Namekagon River

  • Start
    2021-08-09
  •  
    (CDT)
  • End
    2021-08-13
  •  
    (CDT)
  • Location
    Namekagon River

  Register

  Date(s):  8/09/2021 through 8/13/2021
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Co-Leader:  
  Location:  Namekagon River
  Skill Level:   Advanced Beginner
  Category:River camping
  Details:  If you ever wanted to paddle the Namekagon when it wasn’t jammed with party animals, this might be just what you’re looking for.  We will be doing two day trips between Hayward and Trego, then doing a three day river camping trip on the usual section.  The upper section has some mild rapids, so good boat control will be required.  (The trip may be extended, either before or after, if there is interest.)

  Contact me for details.

  
  

  Show details
• Kishwaukee River (North section)

  • When
    2021-08-18
  •  
    10:30 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    Garden Prairie

  Register

  
  Date(s):  August 18, 2021
  Leader:  Susan Allman
  Co-Leader:   Steve LaPorte
  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. You are responsible for your own car shift. Launch time 10:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

  
  
  
  

  Show details
• Turtle Creek

  • When
    2021-09-01
  •  
    10:30 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    Shopiere, WI

  Register

  
  Date(s):  September 1, 2021
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Co-Leader: Sue  Allman
  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. You are responsible for your own car shift. Launch time 10:30.
  

  Contact the trip leader for information. Steve (630) 665-5707

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but until the PSC website is fully functional, 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.
  

  
  
  
  

  Show details
• LABOR DAY PROCRASTINATORS' TRIP -

  • Start
    2021-09-09
  •  
    (CDT)
  • End
    2021-09-12
  •  
    (CDT)
  • Location
    Wisconsin River (Arena to Woodman)

  Register

  Date(s):  Sept. 9 - Sept. 12, 2021
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Co-Leader:
  Location: Wisconsin River 
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  River camping         
  Details:  If you wanted to take a river trip over the Labor Day weekend but were unable to, this trip is just what you need.  (People who paddled on Labor Day are welcome, too.)  All the liveries know that the weekend after Labor Day is the deadest weekend of the season, so we can expect to have the Wisconsin River to ourselves.

  This is a four day trip for those who can get a couple of days off work, and a weekend trip for those who can’t.  We will launch from Arena on 9/9/21 and take two days to paddle down to Muscoda.  On 9/11/21 we will pick up the weekenders in Muscoda and paddle two more days down to Woodman.

  This trip is river camping, and is appropriate for any skill level.

  E-mail for more information. 

  
  

  Show details
• DuPage River (Plainfield to Seil Rd.)

  • When
    2021-09-15
  •  
    10:30 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    Plainfield, Illinois

  Register

  
  Date:  September 15, 2021
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  Co-Leader:   Susan Allman
  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 any skill level, but it does require a portage around the Hammel Woods Dam. You are responsible for your own car shift. Launch time 10:30.
  

  Contact the trip leader for information. Steve LaPorte (630-665-5707).

  Initial sign-up must be done through this page, but until the PSC website is fully functional, 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.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Kishwaukee River (Belvidere to Cherry Valley)

  • When
    2021-09-29
  •  
    10:30 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    Belvidere

  Register

  
  Date:  September 29, 2021
  Leader:  Susan Allman
  Co-Leader:   Steve LaPorte
  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.  You are responsible for your own car shift. Launch time 10:30.Contact trip leader for more details.

  
  
  
  

  Show details
• Kishwaukee River - Cherry Valley to Atwood

  • When
    2021-10-13
  •  
    10:30 AM (CDT)
  • Location
    Cherry Valley

  Register

  
  Date:  October 13, 2021
  Leader:  Susan Allman
  Co-Leader:   Steve LaPorte
  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. You are responsible for your own car shift. Launch time 10:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

  
  

  Show details