Participants can tour waterways by kayak in the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.
Our 2022 kayaking series begins with a lake-based, basic paddling skills class, followed by shorter and less-strenuous river sessions for beginners. As the summer progresses, choose increasingly longer and more technical paddles for intermediate skill levels. Each session, participants will receive dry-land instruction on basic kayaking techniques from an experienced instructor. Afterward, we’ll take to the water for a naturalist-led exploration of the fascinating local ecology. Participants meet and park at the take-out location and are shuttled to the put-in location.
Participants may choose any number of sessions; you can take one, two or all six. For all sessions, participants must be 16 years or older and able to:
• Hold breath under water while wearing a properly fitted life jacket;
• Independently turn from a face-down to a face-up position, keeping head above water;
• Effectively communicate with the instructor and other participants; and,
• Manage all mobility and personal care independently, or with the assistance of a companion.
Dates and take-out locations for sessions are below:
Session 1: (Skills Training; <1 mile paddle): Sunday, May 22; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Oakhurst Forest Preserve, 1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora.
Session 2: (Beginner; 3-4 mile paddle): Sunday, June 12; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Voyageur Landing Forest Preserve, 50 Airport Rd., Elgin.
Session 3: (Beginner – Intermediate; 4-5 mile paddle): Sunday, July 17; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Ferson Creek Park, Rte. 31 East of Wildrose Springs Dr., St. Charles.
Session 4: (Beginner – Intermediate; 4-5 mile paddle): Sunday, Aug. 14; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Ferson Creek Park, Rte. 31 East of Wildrose Springs Dr., St. Charles.
Session 5: (Intermediate; 3-4 mile paddle, with portage): Sunday, Sept. 11; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Glenwood Forest Preserve, 1644 South River St., Batavia.
Session 6: (Intermediate; 4-5 mile paddle, with portage): Sunday, Oct. 9; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., at McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora.
The fee for a single kayak for session 1 is $69 per person and includes use of kayak, personal flotation device and paddle; it is $85 per person for Sessions 2-6. If you provide your own kayak and equipment, the fee is $45 per person, per session, for sessions 2-6. All fees include shuttle service. Advance registration is required at least one week prior to the program, with payment required at the time of registration.
Call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com to register. Rain will not stop a paddle, but trips may be cancelled (with full refund) due to lightning, low air/water temps, or unsafe water levels.
For more information, visit www.kaneforest.com or find the Forest Preserve District on social media by searching @forestpreserve.
—Forest Preserve District of Kane County