Canoecopia kicked off the canoe season a couple of weeks ago in Madison, Wisconsin and the weather has been fantastic. Now that you have the gear it is time to canoe. For those needing a little bit more information or wanting to check out some interesting canoe and kayak events, check out this list.
6. Prairie State Canoe Club weekend trips
For only $20.00 you can join Prairie State Canoeists and have access to an impressive list of canoe trips all over Illinois, Wisconsin, the Midwest, and even in Arkansas and beyond. You do have to supply your own car, equipment, and canoe, but each trip is led by a leader who is well versed with the river and the area. Money is also saved by joining the group as on each trip the group does a self car shift, so there are no extra livery service fees for most trips. Check their website out for a list of trips. They also run training trips for new canoeists and kayakers.
Related: Join Prairie State Canoeists to start your adventure travel
5. The Des Plaines River Canoe and Kayak Marathon
The Des Plaines Marathon is a local canoe marathon on the Des Plaines River that has been around for 55 years. The race takes place this year on Sunday May 20th. The race is 18.5 miles and is the second oldest canoe race in the United States founded in 1958 by Chicagoland Canoe Base owner Ralph Friese. For only $22.00 you can participate or just come and watch. You can even rent canoes if you do not have your own. Check this list out if interesting in renting.
4. Aurora Paddle Sports Festival
On June 9 and 10 in Philips Park on Mastodan Lake come out and check out this growing paddle festival. In this economy people are always looking for a weekend bargain and this option really hits the spot. There is free admission, free two hour canoe and kayak introductory lessons for the first 200 people, free demonstrations, and free camping if you feel like staying the night in the park. Canoe and kayak retailers will be on hand demonstrating equipment and expert canoeists will be presenting demonstrations, so this will be a great place to get information on getting more into canoeing and kayaking.
Related: Aurora Paddlesports Festival hampered by rain but still a success
3. Chicago Shoreline Kayak Marathon
In August each year, Chicago hosts a world class kayak race on Lake Michigan with racers coming from as far as South Africa to participate. This year the race will be held on August 11. You can also enter as you do not have to be a world class racer to join. How awesome would it be to see the Chicago skyline from a kayak along Lake Michigan.
The Marge Cline Whitewater Park in Yorkville, Illinois on the Fox River has been the buzz of the canoe and kayak community in Illinois since it recently opened. According to the Yorkville, Illinois website: "the course is located at Bicentennial Riverfront Park. The 1,100 foot-long bypass chute allows canoes, kayaks, and tubers to travel downstream safely around the Glen D. Palmer Dam without having to portage."
The Geneva Kayak Center rents canoes, kayaks, tubes, and rafts and allows people to run the rapids. They also offer tours, lessons and guides.
1. Kayak Morris
Take a guided trip down the rivers of Morris, Illinois with Kayak Morris. They run trips on the Illinois, the Mazon, and the I&M Canal. In an exciting development, this year they have added camping along the Illinois River. A favorite trip is a paddle up the and down the Illinois River followed by a cruise up the Mazon to a great blue heron rookery. Kayak Morris also has rentals and lessons as well.
Related: Kayak Morris dot com loves beginners and kids
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