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• Kick off the Season--potluck, planning & setting dates

  • When
    2025-03-15
  •  
    10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Izaak Walton Center

  Register

  
  Date(s):  March 15, 2025
  Leader:  Bill Kessler
  Co-Leader: 
  Location:  Izaak Walton Center, 899 Jay Street, Elgin, IL
  Details: 

  It’s the Ides of March, but that doesn’t scare us. Bring your calendars with the dates and rivers that you want to paddle, can paddle, can lead a trip on. We need more--many more--one-day trips on Saturdays and Sundays so that those of us with week-day jobs can get out there, maybe even bring our kids and grandkids. Experienced paddlers will share their knowledge. Our web site accepts trip listings all year, but let’s get some adventures on the books!

  
  

  The potluck lunch starts at noon and is optional. The meeting starts at 1:00 PM.  There will be a board meeting beginning at 10:00 AM; members are invited to observe.

  
  
  

  
  

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• Kayak & Canoe Pool Session

  • When
    2025-03-22
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Vernon Hills High School, 145 Lakeview Parkway

  
  Date:  Saturday, March 22, 2025

  Leader:
  Co-Leader:  

  Location:  Vernon Hills High School, 145 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills

  Skill Level:  Everyone

  Category:  training, skills

  Details: Bring your own boat or rent one on site.  

  The cost is:

  Single person $10
  

  Boat and equipment rental $5

  Families of 3 or more with boat rental $30

  Cash only.

  No formal instruction is provided.
  

  If you bring your own boat, please make sure that it is very, very clean before putting it into the pool. We do not want to get the facility dirty.

  
  

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• Intro to Canoe

  • When
    2025-04-05
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Grunwald Farms FP, Elburn
  • Spaces left
    8
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  Date:  Saturday, April 5, 2025

  Leader:  Steve Voss

  Location: Grunwald Farms FP, Elburn, IL

  Skill Level:  Beginner

  Category: Instructional

  Details:  Details: Following the syllabus of the American Canoe Association and taught by ACA-accredited instructor Steve Voss.

  
  

  Instructors will guide you on fitting yourself and your gear comfortably and safely in your boat, understanding essential gear and its use, techniques to effectively and efficiently paddle your craft in all directions, skillfully and with complete control, on calm, protected waters.

  Sample Itinerary:

  · Introduction to basic equipment

  · Launching/landing your canoe

  · Introduction on how your body, boat, blade work together

  · Paddling concepts and dynamics

  · Basic body mechanics and efficiency of strokes

  · Forward/Reverse strokes

  · Sweep strokes (forward/reverse)

  · Draw/Pry strokes

  · Correction strokes (J and Pry)

  · Turning on the move·

   What to do in the event of a capsize

  
  

  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.

  
  

  
  

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• Introduction to Kayaking

  • When
    2025-04-05
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • Location
    Busse Lake
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  
  Date:  Saturday, April 5, 2025
  Leader: Bharat Meshwani

  Co-leader: Jim Tibensky

  Location:  Busse Lake

  Category:  Instruction
  Details:  This ACA-developed curriculum will teach you the basics of paddling your kayak. 

  Instructors will guide you on:

  
  

  Fitting yourself and your gear comfortably and safely in your boat. Understanding essential gear and it’s use.  Techniques to effectively and efficiently paddle your craft in all directions skillfully on calm protected waters. Paddlers must register / sign up as only registered paddlers will receive details and updates.

  Participants will need to bring their own boat, paddle, PFD, snacks, water, lunch, and all personal items. Instructors will contact participants prior to the event with special instructions or equipment needs.  Please contact the instructor if you have any questions.

  Pricing: $30 for PSC members, $50 for non-PSC members and $10.00 non-ACA event member fee (see below).

  Refunds: The class fee is non-refundable if the student cancels the registration for any reason. The fee is fully refundable if the class is cancelled by the instructor or PSC.

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

  ACA: American Canoe Association 

  Instructor Contact Information: 

  Name: Bharat Meshwani

  Email: Bharat.Meshwani@sbcglobal.net

  Phone #: 847-932-9025

  Show details
• River Skills Workshop (for canoe & kayak)

  • When
    2025-04-12
  • Location
    TBD prior to workshop
  • Spaces left
    6
  • Registered
    4 registrants

  Register

  Date:  Saturday, April 12, 2025
  

  Leader: Steve Voss   
  Location:  TBD prior to workshop
  Skill Level:  
  Category:  Instruction
  Details:  Introduce beginners/advanced beginners on how to safely negotiate themselves down a river or stream. All instruction/coaching will take place while on the river. We’ll cover river etiquette and tips for paddling as a group. You’ll gain important river reading skills and improve your confidence on the water. We’ll discuss gear and attire, how to respond when a fellow paddler needs rescue, prepare for hazards you are bound to encounter (downfall, strainers/sweepers), and the number one goal—your safety. Instructors/coaches are ACA certified and will be on hand to provide the appropriate instruction and guidance. Ideal for anyone looking to practice or develop greater skills on the river.

  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 DuPage - Soup Trip

  • When
    2025-04-12
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    West Branch DuPage River, St. Charles Rd. - Mack Rd.
  • Registered
    8 registrants

  Register

  Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
  Leader:  Ray Ziemer
  Co-Leader:   Steve LaPorte
  Location:  West Branch Dupage, St. Charles Rd. - Mack Rd.
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Day Trip
  Details: Our popular Soup Trip puts in at St, Charles Rd near Carol Stream-West Chicago. We enjoy the narrow windings of the upper West Branch through Timber Ridge Forest Preserve and WInfield Mounds, before stopping for our soup lunch in Winfield. The afternoon goes through riffles and pools of West DuPage Woods before taking out at Mack Rd. at Blackwell F. P..

  For our traditional soup lunch in Winfield, bring a can to add to the mix, plus whatever your own beverage, side dish, bowl and spoon.

  
  

  Call leader for details & updates on conditions.

  
  

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• Kishwaukee River

  • When
    2025-04-16
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • Location
    Cherry Valley

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, April 16, 2025

  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 & water conditions this could be a 5 mile trip or 9 mile trip. TBD. Bring lunch, water, PFD, and dress appropriately for the water & weather. Car shift 9:30.

  Contact trip leader for more details.

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• River Skills Workshop (for canoe & kayak)

  • When
    2025-04-19
  • Location
    TBD prior to workshop
  • Spaces left
    3
  • Registered
    7 registrants

  Register

  Date:  Saturday, April 19, 2025
  

  Leader: Steve Voss   
  Location:  TBD prior to workshop
  Skill Level:  
  Category:  Instruction
  Details:  Introduce beginners/advanced beginners on how to safely negotiate themselves down a river or stream. All instruction/coaching will take place while on the river. We’ll cover river etiquette and tips for paddling as a group. You’ll gain important river reading skills and improve your confidence on the water. We’ll discuss gear and attire, how to respond when a fellow paddler needs rescue, prepare for hazards you are bound to encounter (downfall, strainers/sweepers), and the number one goal—your safety. Instructors/coaches are ACA certified and will be on hand to provide the appropriate instruction and guidance. Ideal for anyone looking to practice or develop greater skills on the river.

  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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• DuPage River Sweep

  • When
    2025-04-19
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • Location
    West Branch DuPage River
  • Registered
    1 registrant

  Register

  
  Date: Saturday, April19, 2025
  Leader:  Ray Ziemer
  Co-Leader: Kathi Landow
  Location:  West Branch DuPage River
  Skill Level:  Beginner
  Category:  Cleanup
  Details: Join us for the county-wide sweep of the DuPage and its tributaries, sponsored by the Conservation Foundation, DuPage Forest Preserves and others. We'll be back picking up trash on the West Branch this year. Call Ray for details, and check the Conservation Foundation web site to register with them as well. 9-12 morning only.

  Bring PFD (must wear on river).

  Car shift: 8:30. Launch: 9:00. 

  Show details
• River Skills Workshop (for canoe & kayak)

  • When
    2025-04-26
  • Location
    TBD prior to workshop
  • Spaces left
    9
  • Registered
    1 registrant

  Register

  Date:  Saturday, April 26, 2025
  

  Leader: Steve Voss   
  Location:  TBD prior to workshop
  Skill Level:  
  Category:  Instruction
  Details:  Introduce beginners/advanced beginners on how to safely negotiate themselves down a river or stream. All instruction/coaching will take place while on the river. We’ll cover river etiquette and tips for paddling as a group. You’ll gain important river reading skills and improve your confidence on the water. We’ll discuss gear and attire, how to respond when a fellow paddler needs rescue, prepare for hazards you are bound to encounter (downfall, strainers/sweepers), and the number one goal—your safety. Instructors/coaches are ACA certified and will be on hand to provide the appropriate instruction and guidance. Ideal for anyone looking to practice or develop greater skills on the river.

  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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• Moving Water 1 - Kayaking

  • When
    2025-04-26
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    DuPage River, Shorewood
  • Spaces left
    9
  • Registered
    1 registrant

  Register

  
  Date:  Saturday, April 26, 2025
  Leader: Bharat Meshwani

  Co-Leader: Jim Tibensky

  Location:   DuPage River, Shorewood.

  Category:  Advanced Beginner
  Details:  In this class, ACA certified instructors will teach you basic moving water skills that every river kayaker should know. Students will build on the skills learned in the Introduction to Kayaking class, and will learn river skills as upstream ferries, downstream ferries, eddy turns and peel outs.  Students will also receive instruction on reading the river and recognizing hazards such as strainers (downed trees) and foot entrapment.  

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

  PREREQUISITE: Students must have completed the PSC Introduction to Kayaking class. If you have not attended the PSC Introduction to Kayaking class or equivalent class, you must discuss with the instructor before signing up.

  Participants will need to bring their own boat, paddle, PFD, snacks, water, lunch, and all personal items. Instructors will contact participants prior to the event with special instructions or equipment needs.  Participants are recommended to bring a helmet if they have one.  Please contact the instructor if you have any questions.

  Pricing:  $30 for PSC members, $50 for non-PSC members and $10.00 non-ACA event member fee (see below). 

  Refunds: The class fee is non-refundable if the student cancels the registration for any reason. The fee is fully refundable if the class is cancelled by the instructor or PSC.

  ACA event membership is required for participation. You will be asked to purchase a $10 one-day event membership or provide your ACA membership number at class location

  ACA: American Canoe Association

  Instructor Contact Information: 

  Name: Bharat Meshwani

  Email: Bharat.Meshwani@sbcglobal.net

  Phone #: 847-932-9025

  
  

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

  • When
    2025-04-30
  • Location
    Northeast Illinois

  Register

  
  Date:  Wednesday, April 30, 2025
  Leader:  Steve LaPorte
  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.

  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 1 - Canoe

  • When
    2025-05-03
  • Location
    DuPage River, Shorewood, IL
  • Spaces left
    9

  Register

  Date:  Saturday, May 3, 2025
  Leader:  Steve Voss
  Co-Leader:   
  Location:  DuPage River, Shorewood, IL
  Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner
  Category:  Instruction
  Details:  Join us for this advanced beginner skill-building session led by ACA certified instructors. This Moving Water 1 class will teach basic moving water skills that every river canoeist should know. Students will learn such maneuvers as upstream ferries, downstream ferries, eddy turns and peel outs, as well as instruction on reading the river and recognizing hazards.

  Prerequisite: Students must have completed the PSC Introduction to Paddling class or attended the River Skills Workshop.
  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

  
  

  Show details
• 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.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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

  • When
    2025-05-17
  • Location
    Algonquin, IL
  • Registered
    1 registrant

  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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• Moving Water 1 - Canoe Coached Class

  • When
    2025-05-24
  • Location
    DuPage River, Hammel Woods
  • Spaces left
    8
  • Registered
    2 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

  
  

  Show details
• 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.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Moving Water 2 - Canoe

  • When
    2025-05-31
  • Location
    Marge Cline, Yorkville, IL (Fox River)
  • Spaces left
    8
  • Registered
    2 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

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Moving Water 2 - Canoe Coached Class

  • When
    2025-06-07
  • Location
    Marge Cline, Yorkville, IL (Fox River)
  • Spaces left
    8
  • Registered
    2 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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• 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.

  Show details
• New Members' Paddle

  • When
    2025-06-21
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    Skokie Lagoons, Winnetka, IL
  • Registered
    Be the first

  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
  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. This section is scenic with a few riffles, and is appropriate for anyone who has reasonable paddling skills.

  
  

  Contact the trip leader for information.

  
  
  

  
  

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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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• 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
    20

  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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• New Members' Fall Paddle

  • When
    2025-09-13
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    Sterling Lake in Van Patten Woods FP, Wadsworth, IL
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  
  Date:  Saturday, September 13, 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
    2025-09-17
  • 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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• 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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