Illinois Paddling Council

A Statewide Organization Representing the Interests of Paddle Sports Enthusiasts in Illinois

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IPC State Wide Updates

IPC Seeks Paddler Confrontation Information

By Illinois Paddling Council | May 21, 2025

Have you been stopped or threatened while paddling in Illinois? If you have, we’d like to hear from you by completing our brief survey. Your story could help make the…

HB 1873 Update

By Illinois Paddling Council | July 2, 2025

By Scott Hays Illinois HB (House Bill) 1873 will open up access to all Illinois rivers for paddlers statewide. Significantly, 1873 is the year that the first statewide conservation law…

IPC Mid-Season Update – June 2025

By Anthea Halpryn | July 2, 2025

By Anthea Halpryn We’re about halfway through the Illinois Paddling Council (IPC) racing season—and it’s only mid-June! So far, we’ve completed three races: the Current Buster, the Des Plaines Canoe…

IPC annual Dinner 11/8/2025

By Illinois Paddling Council | July 2, 2025

SAVE THE DATE! IPC 2025 GATHERING OF THE PADDLERS THIS NOVEMBER 8 The 2025 “Gathering of the Paddlers”, also known as the IPC Annual Dinner is scheduled for November 8…

July is Annual Membership Renewal Month

By Illinois Paddling Council | July 3, 2025

By Scott Hays, IPC President The IPC is run entirely by volunteers who support the paddling community by staffing information tables at events, making sure our website has the best…

The Illinois Paddling Council Priorities

Develop Water Trails and Improve access to Illinois waterways.

Work with State, Local, and National Governmental Agencies to address issues important to paddlers

Stewardship and Advocate for the conservation and restoration of Illinois Rivers and Lakes.

Paddling Safety and Education
Provide information about paddle-sports to paddlers and the public.

Paddling competition and sanction races in Illinois.

For More Information…

IPC Membership is open to all individuals, families and paddling clubs.

Our Upcoming Events

Pontiac Canoe and Kayak Race

By Illinois Paddling Council | July 20

July 20 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

303 E Grove St
Pontiac, IL United States

$20

Come and challenge your canoe, kayak, racing skills at the Illinois Paddling Council Pontiac Race, located Play Park, Pontiac IL on the Vermillion River (303 E Grove St, Pontiac, IL.…

2025 Henry>Lacon>Chillicothe “HLC” Kayak Jaunt

By Illinois Paddling Council | August 10

August 10 @ 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

547 Cromwell Dr
Henry, IL 61537 United States

$55

Sunday August 10th, 2025 • Distance: 15.5 River Miles LOCATION: Start at Henry Waterworks Park with a light snack to get started, then on to the Lacon Riverfront for lunch,…

Joe Kowsky Memorial DuPage River Race

By Illinois Paddling Council | September 7

September 7 @ 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

25302 W Story St
Channahon, IL 60410 United States

$20

Come and challenge your canoe, kayak, racing skills at the Illinois Paddling DuPage / Channahon Canoe, Kayak and SUP Race at Channahon State Park 25302 W Story St, Channahon, IL 60410. (41.423997950549754, -88.22776508622594) This…

IPC – Vic Hopp Memorial Canoe, Kayak & SUP Race

By pwsbuilder | September 21

September 21 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

29875 Silver Lake Rd
Burlington, WI 53105

$20

Come and challenge your canoe, kayak, racing skills at the Illinois Paddling Council Vic Hopp Memorial Canoe, Kayak and SUP Race at Fox River County Park Boat Landing, 29875 Silver…

Fall Classic Race

By pwsbuilder | September 28

September 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Route 31
St. Charles, IL

$20

Come and challenge your canoe, kayak, sup, and rowing racing skills at the St Charles Canoe Club Fall Classic Race at Ferson Creek Park, St Charles IL. There are morning…