Prairie State Canoeists upcoming events

River Skills Workshop: Canoe and Kayak (2026-04-25)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

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. 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.

Bring: Participants will need to bring their own boat, paddle, PFD, snacks, water, lunch and all personal items.

Cost: PSC members - $30 Non-members - $50.

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

West DuPage River through Naperville (2026-04-26)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Leader: Ray Ziemer
Location: West Branch DuPage, Three Diamonds - Knock Knolls
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Category: Day Trip
Details: Planning a Sunday trip on the West Branch of the DuPage, depending on Level and flow.

Car shift at 9:30 from the “Three Diamonds” put-in at the intersection of Hidden Spring and Stauffer Rds., Naperville.

Directions:From Ogden Ave. Rte 34 go south on River Rd. across RR tracks and turn left onto Hidden Spring. Follow to Stauffer and the dead-end at Will-o-way Commons.

We plan to stop at Pioneer Park for lunch and finish up at Knoch Knolls Park, a little under 7 miles paddle overall.

When unloading at the Three Diamonds, please be quiet, courteous and respectful of the local folks sleeping on Sunday morning.

Kishwaukee River South Branch (Rt. 64 to Baseline) (2026-04-29)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
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.

Moving Water 1 - Canoe (2026-05-02)

Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
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. You will learn 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 Intro to Canoe or attended the River Skills Workshop.

Bring: Participants will need to bring their own boat, paddle, PFD, snacks, water, lunch and all personal items.

Instructor will contact participants prior to the event with special instructions or equipment needs. Please contact the instructor if you have any questions.

Cost: $30 PSC members, $50 non‐members, plus $10 non‐ACA event member fee.

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

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.

Moving Water 1 - Kayak (2026-05-02)

Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Leader: Sandra Newbury

NorthwoodsOutdoorCenter@gmail.com

608-335-2122

Location: DuPage River, Shorewood, IL

Category: Instruction
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 Intro to Kayak class, and will learn river skills such as upstream ferries, downstream ferries, eddy turns and peel outs. Students will also receive instruction on reading the river and recognizing hazards and foot entrapment.

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

Bring: Participants will need to bring their own boat, paddle, PFD, snacks, water, lunch and all personal items.

Instructor will contact participants prior to the event with special instructions or equipment needs. Please contact the instructor if you have any questions.

Cost: $30 PSC members, $50 non‐members, plus $10 non‐ACA event member fee.

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.

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.

Instructor Contact Information:

Name: Sandra Newbury

Email: NorthwoodsOutdoorCenter@gmail.com

Phone#: 608-335-2122

Kishwaukee River South Branch (Baseline to Kingston) (2026-05-06)

Wed, 06 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
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.

Des Plaines River Canoe & Kayak Marathon (2026-05-17)

Sun, 17 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Location: DesPlaines River
Skill Level: Advanced beginner
Category: Paddling event
Details: This post is for information only.

Be among the first to sign up for this year’s race, held on May 17. We open registration on our website at midnight on Monday, March 1.

As always, we have the 5.25 mile minithon plus the 18.5 mile marathon and we welcome everyone from seasoned racers to occasional paddlers! Check out our boat classes (we even have a new one this year!) and all the race details at canoemarathon.com so you’re ready to register.

DesPlaines River (Russell Rd. to Wadsworth Rd.) (2026-05-20)

Wed, 20 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Leader: Steve LaPorte

Co-Leader: Susan Allman
Location: DesPlaines River
Skill Level: Beginner
Category: 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. Bring lunch, water and your PFD.

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.

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.)

Contact Trip Leader Steve LaPorte for more information.

slaporte2000@gmail.com 630-665-5707

Moving Water 1 - Canoe Coached Class (2026-05-23)

Sat, 23 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026

Leader: Steve Voss
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 is important to practice your newly-acquired skills and get them into muscle memory before they begin to fade. Instructor is ACA certified and will be on-hand to provide the appropriate coaching.

Prerequisite: Students must have completed the PSC Moving Water I class.

Bring: Participants will need to bring their own boat, paddle, PFD, snacks, water, lunch and all personal items.

Instructor will contact participants prior to the event with special instructions or equipment needs. Please contact the instructor if you have any questions.

Cost: No cost for PSC members, $50 non‐members.

Refunds: The class fee is non‐refundable if the student cancels the registra on for any rea‐ son. The fee is fully‐refundable if the class is cancelled by the instructor or PSC.

Moving Water 2 - Canoe (2026-05-30)

Sat, 30 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026

Leader: Steve Voss
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 instructor. This Moving Water 2 class designed to take the skills learned at Moving Water 1 and apply them to faster current. Students will refine their time 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.

Bring: Participants will need to bring their own boat, paddle, PFD, snacks, water, lunch and all personal items. Participants are recommended to bring a helmet if they have one.

Instructor will contact participants prior to the event with special instructions or equipment needs. Please contact the instructor if you have any questions.

Cost: $30 for PSC members, $50 non‐members, plus $10 non‐ACA event member fee.

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.

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.

Land-based River Reading (2026-05-30)

Sat, 30 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026

Coordinator: Marlene Bertolozzi

Location: Russell Woods Nature Center, Genoa

Skill Level: Beginner

Category: Instruction

Details: It's time to prepare for the paddling season. I am offering a land-based instructional morning covering Intro to Kayaking and River Reading material without the actual on water section. If you are new to the sport, need a refresher or just want to commune with other paddlers, here is a good place to start in comfort. The course is applicable to kayakers, paddleboarders and canoeists. This supplements the club's usual offerings

West Branch of the DuPage River (2026-06-03)

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Date: Wednesday, June 3 2026
Leader: Steve LaPorte

Co-Leader: Susan Allman
Location: West Branch of the DuPage River
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
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. Bring lunch, water and your PFD.

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.

Contact Trip Leader Steve LaPorte for more information.

slaporte2000@gmail.com 630-665-5707

Moving Water 2 - Canoe Coached Class (2026-06-06)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026

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, 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. Instructor is ACA certified and will be on-hand to provide the appropriate coaching.

Prerequisite: Students must have completed the PSC Moving Water I or 2 class, or a ended River Skills Workshop.

Bring: Participants will need to bring their own boat, paddle, PFD, snacks, water, lunch and all personal items. Participants are recommended to bring a helmet if they have one.

Instructor will contact participants prior to the event with special instructions or equipment needs. Please contact the instructor if you have any questions.

Cost: No cost for PSC members, $50 non‐members.

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.

Kishwaukee River South Branch (Kingston to Kirkland) (2026-06-17)

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
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.

Land-based River Reading (2026-06-20)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026

Coordinator: Marlene Bertolozzi

Location: Russell Woods Nature Center, Genoa

Skill Level: Beginner

Category: Instruction

West Branch of the DuPage River (2026-06-24)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Leader: Steve LaPorte

Co-Leader: Susan Allman
Location: West Branch of the DuPage River
Skill Level: Beginner
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. Bring lunch, water and your PFD.

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.

Contact Trip Leader Steve LaPorte for more information.

slaporte2000@gmail.com 630-665-5707

July 4th Paddle (2026-07-04)

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026

Leader:Tom Eckels

Co-leader:
Location: TBD
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Category: Day trip
Details: Paddle the 4th of July! Possible rivers include the Sugar, Kishwaukee, Nippersink, Pecatonica, DesPlaines, Etc. Somewhere up north.

Make sure to bring your PFD and lunch.

Contact leader for more information.

Nippersink Creek (2026-07-08)

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Leader: Steve LaPorte

Co-Leader: Susan Allman
Location: Nippersink Creek
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
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.) Bring lunch, water and your PFD.

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.

Contact Trip Leader Steve LaPorte for more information.

slaporte2000@gmail.com 630-665-5707

Annual PSC Picnic (2026-07-12)

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026

Coordinator : Helen Gretz

Co-coordinator: Joan Wincentsen

Location: Hidden Lake Forest Preserve, Downers Grove
Category: Picnic, social.
Details: Save the Date & Plan to Come! Approximately 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

Details to follow.

Kishwaukee River (North section) (2026-07-22)

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
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. Car shift 9:30. Contact trip leader for more details.

Mecan River (2026-07-24)

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Date(s): July 24 to 26, 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).

Details will be sent out the week before the trip.

Contact leaders for more info.

Turtle Creek (2026-08-05)

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Leader: Steve LaPorte

Co-Leader: Susan Allman
Location: Nippersink Creek
Skill Level: Beginner
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.

Bring lunch, water and your PFD.

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.

Contact Trip Leader Steve LaPorte for more information.

slaporte2000@gmail.com 630-665-5707

DuPage River (2026-08-26)

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Leader: Steve LaPorte

Co-Leader: Susan Allman
Location: DuPage River
Skill Level: Beginner
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. Bring lunch, water and your PFD.

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.

Contact Trip Leader Steve LaPorte for more information.

slaporte2000@gmail.com 630-665-5707

Labor Day Procrastinators Trip (2026-09-09)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Date(s): 9/9/2026 through 9/13/2026
Leader: Steve LaPorte

Location: Wisconsin River
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Category: Week long camping/paddle trip
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 five day trip for those who can get a couple of days off work, and a weekend trip for those who can’t. We will meet at Arena in the afternoon of 9/9/24 and take two days to paddle down to Muscoda. On 9/12/26 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 anyone with “advanced beginner” skills.

E-mail for more information.

(The deadline to register for this trip is 8/1/26. If nobody signs up by that date, the trip will be canceled.)

Contact Trip Leader Steve LaPorte for more information.

slaporte2000@gmail.com 630-665-5707

Sugar River (Nelson Rd. to Yale Bridge) (2026-09-16)

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
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.

Ozark Trip (2026-09-19)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Date(s): Saturday, September 19, 2026 through Sunday, September 27, 2026
Leader: Steve LaPorte

Location:  Southern Missouri
Skill Level:   Advanced Beginner
Category: Week long camp/paddle
Details:  Come join us for a week of paddling in the Ozarks. We plan to paddle the Current River from Cedargrove to Two Rivers, plus possibly sections of the Jacks Fork and the Eleven Point. If river levels go up, more options may become available.

We plan to arrive on September 19st. Paddling days will be the 20th through the 26th. We will break camp on the 27th.

We will be base camping at Round Spring, located on Rt. 19 just north of Eminence, MO.

Information will be provided to anyone interested.

(The deadline to register for this trip is 8/15/26. If nobody signs up by that date, the trip will be canceled. Also bear in mind that Round Spring campground is a popular campground, so reserving your campsite early is advised.)

Contact Trip Leader Steve LaPorte for more information.

slaporte2000@gmail.com 630-665-5707

Kishwaukee River (Belvidere to Cherry Valley) (2026-09-30)

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026

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. Car shift 9:30.

Contact trip leader for more details.

Kishwaukee River - Cherry Valley to Atwood (2026-10-14)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026

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. Car shift 9:30. Contact trip leader for more details.