By Lauren Swanson, Forest Preserve District of Kane County
Join the Forest Preserve District of Kane County in touring our local waterways in a paddling adventure!
The 2026 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, participants will 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 their 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 meeting locations for sessions are below:
- Session 1: (Novice Skills Training; Less than 1-mile paddle): 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 30; meeting at Oakhurst Forest Preserve, 1680 Fifth Ave., Aurora
- Session 2: (Beginner; 4-mile paddle): 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 7; meeting at Voyageur Landing Forest Preserve, 50 Airport Road, Elgin
- Session 3: (Beginner; 4.5-mile paddle): 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18; meeting at Ferson Creek Park, off Route 31, east of Wildrose Springs Drive, St. Charles
- Session 4: (Beginner; 4.5-mile paddle): 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2; meeting at Ferson Creek Park, off Route 31, east of Wildrose Springs Drive in St. Charles
- Session 5: (Intermediate; 7-mile paddle): 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5; meeting at Voyageur Landing Forest Preserve; 50 Airport Road, Elgin
- Session 6: (Intermediate; 6 miles paddle with portage): 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10; meeting 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 $89 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.
To register, visit kaneforest.com/register. Rain will not stop a paddle, but trips may be canceled (with full refund) due to lightning, low air/water temps, or unsafe water levels. For more information, visit kaneforest.com or find the Forest Preserve District on social media by searching @forestpreserve.