2023 Paddling Races Update
September Races
All races have a variety of classes for canoes and Kayaks
Veteran races are always happy to help and give advice to beginning racers
Sept 10 – Joe Kowsky Memorial Race (also called the Dam Race by Joe)
Channahon State Park DuPage River 10 AM start
The race starts above the dam by the Historic Lock Tenders house goes
upstream about 4 miles and return. Usually little current.
Sept 17 – Vic Hopp Memorial Canoe Race 10 AM start
Fox River County Park near Silver Lake WI
Race starts in WI downstream to Illinois about 4 miles and return
Winding river varied scenery
Contact Adele or Jim 847 395 1510 akpcpa@yahoo.com
Added bonus Sloppy Joes at end of race
Sept 24 Fall Classic Canoe/kayak race
10 AM morning start 1 pm afternoon races
Start Ferson Creek Park off Rt 31 north of Rt 64 St Charles
Fox River, 4 ½ miles upstream and return
Check St Charles Canoe Club Website for more information
RACING 2023
Since the last newsletter, there has only been one race in Illinois. Illinois paddlers have competed in some races out of state.
VERMILLION RIVER, PONTIAC, ILLINOIS 53rd Year
The Vermillion River winds through the countryside above Pontiac. The course starts at the Playpark in town – upstream for about 4 ½ miles, around the big rock and return.
Temperature was great and little wind. Water on the low side and muddy so you could seldom see the bottom or rocks and branches beneath the surface. Current almost non-existent.
For the first couple miles the field was close with lead boats in sight by all the other teams until the kayaks began to pull ahead.
Winners
Adult/Youth: Mike and Ben Josefik Dwight 1:46
C-1: Dave Buckley, Morris 1:51
Masters Comp: Kevin Bradley, Hoffman Estates
Don Mueggenborg Lemont 1:56
Standard Don Browning, Crete
Warren Browning, Fairmont 2:09
C-4 Nick, Noel, Eden, Lizzy Josefik 1:59
St Joseph and Dwight
Men’s Kayak: Kyle Gibson Prophetstown 1:41
Women Kayak: Deb Kanost Valparaso, IN 1:38
Rec Kayak: Terry Weise Washington,IL 2:09