Time: 10:00 AM
Location: McCullough Park
Explore the Fox River by Kayak – Tour our local waterways during these paddling adventures! Our 2023 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. Then we'll take to the water for a naturalist-led exploration of the fascinating local ecology. Participants meet at the take-out location and are shuttled to the put-in. All instruction is done at the put-in. Choose any number of sessions; you can take one, two, or all six! Boaters must be 16 years or older and be 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. Registration is required at least one week prior to the program and full payment is due at the time of registration. Fees: Single kayak rental - $69 for Session #1 and $85 for Sessions 2-6 (includes use of kayak, personal floatation device and paddle). Or provide your own kayak for Sessions 2-6 for $45/participant. *Note - Session #4 has been cancelled.*
Dates and locations are below:
Session #1: Sunday, May 21; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Put-In Location: Oakhurst Forest Preserve - 1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora & Take-Out Location: Oakhurst Forest Preserve - 1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora
Paddle Distance: Less than one mile
Skill Level: Novice Skills Training
Fee: $69/person
Session #2: Sunday, June 25; 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Put-In Location: Voyageur Landing Forest Preserve; 50 Airport Rd., Elgin & Take-Out Location: Voyageur Landing Forest Preserve; 50 Airport Rd., Elgin
Paddle Distance: 3-4 miles
Skill Level: Beginner
Fee: $85/person or provide your own kayak for $45/person
Session #3: Sunday, July 16; 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Put-In Location: Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve; 35W003 Rte. 31, South Elgin & Take-Out Location: Ferson Creek Park; State Route 31, East of Wildrose Springs, St. Charles
Paddle Distance: 4-5 miles
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Fee: $85/person or provide your own kayak for $45/person
Session #5: Saturday, Sept. 23; 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Put-In Location: Glenwood Park Forest Preserve; 1644 S. River St., Batavia & Take-Out Location: McCullough Park; 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Paddle Distance: 4-5 miles with portage
Skill Level: Intermediate
Fee: $85/person or provide your own kayak for $45/person
Session #6: Sunday, Oct. 8; 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Put-In Location: Glenwood Park Forest Preserve; 1644 S. River St., Batavia & Take-Out Location: McCullough Park; 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Paddle Distance: 4-5 miles with portage
Skill Level: Intermediate
Fee: $85/person or provide your own kayak for $45/person
To register, call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.
