Illinois Paddling Council

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

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IPC State Wide Updates

IPC: Fully powered by our paddler community!

By Illinois Paddling Council | March 28, 2025

IPC: Fully powered by our paddler community! Do you…. love paddling in Illinois? want accessible, clean and safe waterways? race or have an interest in…

The Oh Paddlin' Piranha's paddle group takes a group photo, next to the IPC booth.

Canoecopia 2025

By Anthea Halpryn | April 2, 2025

by Anthea Halpryn, IPC External Affairs Committee Chair Canoecopia is the largest paddle sports convention in the Midwest. If you haven’t been, it’s a great weekend filled with all things…

The Pecatonica Water Trail Story

By Illinois Paddling Council | April 2, 2025

By Joe Ginger, Vice President, Friends of the Pecatonica River Foundation The Pecatonica River is a designated “Water Trail.” It has received recognition for that designation from Stephenson County, the…

The Friends of Kickapoo Creek: Peorians Taking Watershed Preservation Into Their Own Hands

By Illinois Paddling Council | April 2, 2025

By Lucas D. Myrna, Secretary, Friends of Kickapoo Creek. The Friends of Kickapoo Creek (Officially, F.O.K.C., NFP) is a Peoria, Illinois, nonprofit founded in 2023 by the cousins Jackson Myrna,…

The IPC Paddling Championship Circuit

By Anthea Halpryn | April 2, 2025

by Anthea Halpryn, IPC Racing Task Force Chair In our last newsletter, we celebrated last years’ winners of the IPC Paddling Circuit. Now it’s time for YOU to join in…

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.

Check out the American Canoe Association's awesome safety videos here.

Paddling competition and sanction races in Illinois.

For More Information…

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

Our Upcoming Events

Bourbeuse Bluebell Race

By Illinois Paddling Council | April 13

April 13 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

MDC Tea Access

$50

Paddle through adventure, fun, and community on Missouri’s most crooked river! The Bourbeuse Bluebell Race is Earth’s Classroom’s biggest fundraiser of the year, offering an exciting 18.2-mile paddle down the…

Current Buster Canoe and Kayak Race

By Anthea Halpryn | May 3

May 3 @ 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

8 North Ave, , IL
St. Charles, IL 60174 United States

$20

Come and challenge your canoe, kayak, sup, and rowing racing skills at the St Charles Canoe Club Current Buster Race at Pottawatomie Park, St Charles IL. There are morning and…

Kickapoo Creek Cleanup

By Illinois Paddling Council | May 3

May 3 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

First float of the year!!!! RSVP for details or questions. https://www.friendsofkickapoocreek.org/event/may-cleanup-float/ Location information will be sent out the week of the event.

QCKG Tri-It Mini Triathlon

By Illinois Paddling Council | May 17

May 17 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Hennepin Canal Lock 29
Colona, 61241 United States

$55

Join us for our 3nd. Annual “Tri It” Mini Triathlon on Saturday May 17th. The Race will start at 10am at the Cleveland Boat Ramp with kayaking down river to…

Des Plaines Canoe and Kayak Marathon

By Anthea Halpryn | May 18

May 18 @ 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Des Plaines River Trail
Libertyville, IL 60048

This is the 2nd race in the IPC Circuit of races. The beautiful course runs 18.5 miles on the upper Des Plaines River in northern Illinois. The race begins in Libertyville,…