Check Out Illinois Paddling Council’s Blog
In discussing HB 4708, the IPC is frequently asked how we measure up to other states. The short answer for paddlers: poorly. Which is why IPC supports the passage of HB 4708 and are asking YOU to help us pass…
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2026: Sixty-Nine Years Paddling the Des Plaines River Race day is May, 17, 2026 Registration and all other information at: canoemarathon.com The beautiful course runs 18.5 miles on the upper Des Plaines River in northern Illinois. The race begins in Libertyville,…
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The IPC has begun this Fact Sheet initiative to provide paddlers with the information that can help them get started paddling a variety of Illinois. Please visit this page often as we intend to grow this resource as we move…
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IPC had another great year at Canoecopia 2026, the “largest paddlesports consumer event in the world.” This year, four of our Board members, Christine Chabot, James Tracy, Anthea Halpryn and Scott Hays presented “From Towering Skyscrapers to Cypress Swamps: Paddling…
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A new bill has been introduced to the Illinois General Assembly to “clarify the muddy waters” in Illinois paddlers’ access law and permit paddlers full and complete access to all of the public and navigable waters of Illinois. If you’re…
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Pictured right to left, Don Mueggenborg, Kevin Bradley, Jim Pechous, Anthea Halpryn, Jennifer Miksula, Colton Eagan As the chill of winter fades and Illinois rivers come alive with the promise of spring, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the…
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By Scott Hays, IPC president Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Representative Janet Yang Rohr of Naperville, the lead sponsor for House Bill 1873, the Public Access to Navigable Waters Act which will give all paddlers the right to…
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The IPC relies on our ALL-volunteer organization to make available and disseminate the paddling information our Illinois paddling community needs and wants. We welcome new members to consider joining our Board of Directors to help us guide the overall direction…
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By Danelle Heike, RiverWatch Director & Stream Ecologist Illinois RiverWatch is a community science organization that trains volunteers to monitor water quality in local rivers and streams. Our primary RiverWatch program teaches community members to observe stream habitats and to…
Read MoreThe 2025 IPC racing season officially wrapped up with a fantastic finale — The Fall Classic, hosted by the St. Charles Canoe Club on September 28. This 7th and final race of the season brought paddlers from across the state…
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Join us for our Annual Gathering of the Paddlers Dinner: Saturday, November 8 2025 at 5:30pm. Please note the reception and networking begins at 5:30 and the program and dinner will begin at 6:00 pm, it’s encouraged to arrive between…
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