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Prairie State Canoe/Kayak Meetup cover photo

Prairie State Canoe/Kayak Meetup

Clarendon Hills, IL

2,008 members · Public group

Organized by Russ and 3 others

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What we’re about

Prairie State Canoeists (PSC - “www.prairiestatecanoeists.org\”) is one of the Midwest's largest and oldest paddling clubs (in existence since 1971). Most members live in the Chicagoland area and the Club is about evenly split between canoeists and kayakers.

Our club sponsors over 150 trips a year (both flat-water and whitewater) and most trips are within 100 miles of Chicago. Day-trips are common and multi-day trips may include camping. ACA-certified instructors conduct training classes/trips for all skill levels.

We post some of our beginner trips/classes to our Meetup page in order to provide opportunities to paddle on a club trip, or training class, to assess participation from our Meetup.com members.

For Meetup trips/classes, participants will need their own kayak/canoe, paddle and personal flotation device. No alcohol is allowed.

Check out the PSC website at: “www.prairiestatecanoeists.org” For membership information and application click “JOIN PSC” on the PSC home page.

For upcoming trip information click “Events Calendar” under the “Events” tab on the PSC home page. Displayed will be a full list of classes and trips available to PSC members More trips and classes are added throughout the season.

Upcoming events (2)

Sat, May 4, 2024, 8:30 AM CDTMoving Water 1 - Canoe
Hammel Woods Kayak Launch, Shorewood, IL
You cannot register here on MeetUp.com. In order to attend this event you MUST sign up on the Prairie State Canoeists website here: https://www.prairiestatecanoeists.org/event-5520700

Leader: Steve Voss
Co-Leader: TBD
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
1 attendee
Not open
Fri, Jun 14, 2024, 12:00 PM CDTLake Mohawksin, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Sara Park, Tomahawk, WI
$10.00
Leader: Russell Block
Co-Leader: TBA
Location: Lake Mohawksin, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Category: Base Camping

Details: Like my Hidden Gems lake trips, this is usually a slow and easy flat-water paddle, with much wildlife to be seen.

Unlike my Hidden Gems lake trips, this is a HUGE lake (over 1,500 acres). There are extremely large open-water areas. And, the lake is usually very busy with motorboat traffic, water skiers, and fishermen in the Summer. As such, we will follow the shoreline around the lake.

One of my favorite places to kayak and fish, I have been paddling this lake for over 30 years. If you are interested in fishing, you will have to get a fishing license locally, or from the Wisconsin DNR.

This is not a normal Hidden Gems lake day trip. But, definitely a gem unknown to most of us Illinoisans. Lake Mohawksin is named for the convergence of the Somo, Tomahawk, and Wisconsin Rivers. Four dams regulate the depth of the water year-round. There is never a water level issue here.

We will be base camping at the Sara Park Campground, in Tomahawk Wisconsin, right at the river’s edge, only steps away from the put-in.

This is a 4 to 5-hour drive from the Chicago area, depending on your location. Reservations have been made in advance for 3 nights, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As such, I am requesting $10 each to cover the cost of the campground. We have been given camping site #1, near the beach. The campsite has electric and water, with nearby bathrooms and showers.

We will arrive at the campsite Friday afternoon/evening to setup. Over the course of the next 2 days, Saturday & Sunday, we plan to circumnavigate the lake and parts of the Wisconsin, Tomahawk, and Somo Rivers. We will paddle to and from 3 of the 4 dams that make up the lake. Each day we will paddle roughly 10 miles, with a lunch break around midday. As this is a scenic trip, and depending upon our stamina, I figure we will be on the water for 4, or 5 hours each day.

In the evenings, we can eat in camp, or have our pick of local restaurants. Many of which are within walking distance of our campsite. My particular favorite is the local Friday night fish fry.

Paddlers MUST bring their own boat, paddle(s), PFD and tent. Plus, food and any other gear you feel you may need to spend 3 nights at the campground, and 2 days on the water. At a minimum, I highly advise bringing a hat, sunscreen and an extra set of clothes to be carried with you in a dry-bag while on the water.

There is no requirement to stay the entire 3 days. If you need to arrive late, and/or leave early, this is okay.
4 attendees

Past events (136)

Sat, Apr 27, 2024, 8:30 AM CDTMoving Water 1 - Kayaking
This event has passed
1 attendee
Not open

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